There were nearly 5 million tourists visiting Cuba last year. This year, that number is expected to grow to over 5.1 million. A huge portion of those tourists chose to spend their vacation in Varadero, Cuba.
Varadero checks all the boxes when it comes to luxury and adventure holidays.
You get sun, sand, surf, and tons of Cuban culture. There’s no shortage of entertainment to see and attractions to check out. It’s perfect for lounging on the beach and exploring nature.
To start, there are 8 super popular tourist attractions you can’t miss. Here are some of the best things to do in Varadero.
1. Mansion Xanadu
Cuba has stunning and unique architecture. Take a walk down any of the old streets and you’ll notice Spanish colonialism and art deco finesse.
Mansion Xanadu is a perfect example of Cuba’s amazing architecture.
This mansion was built in 1929 by a wealthy American businessman. It’s made from Italian marble, ceramic tiles, and rich wood.
Later, the Cuban government claimed the property and converted it into a clubhouse. You can hit the greens then come inside to marvel at the interiors. There’s a fantastic restaurant inside with patio seating that overlooks the sea.
2. Saturno Cave
Looking for more adventure on your vacation? Nothing says adventure like exploring a cave and swimming in its pools.
Some visitors make the trek into the cave just to swim in the 20-degree, clear water. Others bring scuba equipment. The caves reach a depth of 22 kilometers which gives you plenty of space to explore under the surface.
You’ll notice stalagmites and stalactites shooting up from the ground and down from the roof. The rock formations are fascinating to see, but they can be rough to walk around on. Bring water shoes to protect your feet.
3. Varadero Ecological Park
You won’t find photo opportunities like these anywhere else in Cuba. The Varadero Ecological Park has 3 square kilometers of unaltered land.
Take the full day to explore one of three possible hiking trails. Down one, you’ll find the site where ecologists discovered human remains from 2,500 years ago!
There are also lots of ancient pictographs to marvel at. If this especially interests you, consider signing up for a guided tour. Tour guides can show you how to interpret the pictographs and show you where fossils can be found.
As you hike, keep an eye out for orchids, cacti, birds, and lizards. The paths get rocky so make sure you have sturdy hiking shoes.
4. Parque Josone
In the 1940s, factory owner Jose Uturrio built a mansion and gardens in the heart of the city. Today, the property serves as a public park where tourists can explore the gardens.
Enjoy the small lake where paddle boats and rowboats are available for rent. You’ll notice ducks, birds, and other happy critters living along the water.
Uturrio’s mansion is now a restaurant you can enjoy authentic Cuban dishes at. If the sun gets too hot, head to the swimming pool at the southern end of the park.
5. Varadero Beach
You can’t vacation in Cuba without checking out the beach. Varadero is lucky to have some of the best beaches in the country. One must-see is Varadero Beach along Peninsula de Hicacos.
This 20-kilometer stretch of beach has plenty of space to feel private. Lounge on the recliners under the palapas and sink your toes into the warm white sand.
The water at Varadero Beach is idyllic. Wade through clear aqua waves or try your hand at snorkeling. For more adventure, rent a kayak or learn how to sail.
When you get hungry or thirsty, there are plenty of vendors nearby. Quench your thirst with a Cuban pina colada and chow down on some empanadas.
6. Casa del Ron
One of the biggest exports from Cuba is rum. Visitors are often excited to see the inner workings of this massive industry and taste some authentic bottles.
At Casa del Ron, you can do it all.
This retail store is also the manufacturing site for many famous rums. Sign up for a walking tour and you’ll learn about the history of rum in Cuba. You’ll also get to taste the various blends and learn about the flavor profiles.
After your tour, buy some affordable bottles of your favorite rum to take home. They also sell Cuban coffee which shouldn’t be overlooked.
7. Cayo Piedra Underwater Park
Snorkelers and scuba divers love Varadero for having so many awesome diving spots. One, in particular, you need to check out is Cayo Piedra Underwater Park.
In the 1990s, various transportation and military vehicles were sunk on purpose into a section of the sea. Over time, it has evolved into a man-made reef with many different critters living in and around it.
Some of the most fascinating vehicles are yachts, an airplane, and a military vessel. You’ll also see schools of fish, crustaceans, and even sharks.
For the best views and observations, it’s best to scuba dive. But, you can see many fish and even sea turtles from the surface while snorkeling.
8. Varadero Museum
This seaside peninsula has been present for much of Cuba’s recent history. The Varadero Museum sits inside a stunning house from the 1920s.
The featured exhibits vary in topic and decade. You’ll find period furniture, taxidermied animals, and tons of historic photos.
Look for exhibits featuring an even longer history of Cuba. Some focus on the history of Varadero since the 1500s.
Interesting in Finding More Things to do in Varadero?
Your Varadero vacation is sure to be a blast no matter what attractions you check out. The list of things to do in Varadero above is an excellent starting point to plan your holiday.
One of the top things you must do while in Cuba is riding around in an old-fashioned vintage car. Check out these awesome private car tours from Varadero to other Cuban cities.