Varadero is situated on the long Hicacos peninsula in Matanzas province, about 90 miles east of Havana, Cuba, quickly becoming one of the Caribbean's top vacation resorts.
The nearby cities of Cárdenas and Matanzas (provincial capital) are known for their art, history and culture. Southwest of Varadero, in the Caribbean coast province, is the Zapata Peninsula, famous for its ecotourism and history.

Although it was the site of pre-Columbian settlements and a large Spanish salt mine, the city of Varadero, Cuba began as a tourist destination for wealthy Cuban families in the late 1800s.

In the early twentieth century, Varadero Beach has attracted countless visitors from the United States: Al Capone, Irénée du Pont and other rich Americans have found a refuge in Varadero.
The success of the Cuban revolution in 1959 slowed the flow of foreign visitors.
Instead, Varadero has become popular with Cuban holiday goers.

Since the early 1990s, Varadero has been a focus on the Cuban government's attempts to attract foreign visitors.
There are now more than fifty hotels on the peninsula. Contrary to some reports, Cubans are not prohibited from visiting Varadero Beach or its neighboring resorts, but almost all operations in Varadero are conducted in US dollars, which keeps most residents away.
Most visitors come to these large all-inclusive hotels and resorts situated within fifteen kilometers of Varadero's beautiful stretch of white sandy beach, but the peninsula and surrounding province offers much to the visitor.

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Considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in the world, Varadero is part of a peninsula stretching far out into the calm waters of the Atlantic. Its 20 km stretch of fine white sand is an ideal holiday spot for sun lovers and golfers. Its location on a narrow peninsula ensures that it is constantly cooled by tropical breezes. But this set of white beach against a backdrop of amazing turquoise water and blue sky is not the only attraction in the province of Matanzas.
Varadero is not the ideal place for visitors expecting a close-up glimpse into everyday life in Cuba.
It is, however, a great base for exploring Cuba. There are many companies that offer a tour from Varadero to Havana, the Zapata Peninsula National Park, the underground caves at Bellamar, Trinidad, or other places within a day trip departing and arriving at the resort.
There are few places of cultural interest in Varadero Cuba.
A Varadero guide to key sights including: the Xanadu Mansion, former home of Irénée du Pont, an impressive dolphin aquarium (Delfinario), which offers the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, the small Museo Varadero, the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, at the northern point of the peninsula, and the picturesque Josone Park.

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For those going to Varadero you don't have to worry about food, because perhaps the best thing about a Varadero tour company is that all day in the so-called all-inclusive resort or five star luxury hotel , have opportunity to enjoy all the characteristic Cuban cuisine.

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With its subtropical climate, Varadero offers an eternal summer! Average daytime temperatures generally range from 22ºC to 30ºC.
There are two seasons, the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October.
Average rainfall still remains quite low during the dry season.
During summer, a good insect repellent should always be on hand and, of course, a good sunscreen.
For those who can't stand the heat, remember that the summer months are very hot (30ºC +) and humid.
During the dry season (winter) it only rains very rarely, but at night it can be cold. Varadero is located north of Cuba, so it is possible to have cold fronts on some winter days.
Varadero was not greatly affected by strong hurricanes, as was the case in many other Cuban destinations.

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