In 2017, 4.7 million people traveled to Cuba. There are many reasons why tourists are traveling to this charming country.
While more people are visiting Cuba, a lot of them still don’t know all of the things this island has to offer. One of them being the city of Varadero.
In this article, we’ll share why you need to take a day tour from Havana to Varadero on your next trip to Cuba.
Things to Do in Varadero
If you’re looking for things to do that will convince you to visit Varadero in your next visit to Cuba, check out these awesome things to do while in Cuba.
Take a Stroll on The Beautiful Beaches
With 12 kilometers (12 miles) of white sand beaches, it’s easy to see why people go to Varadero when they want to enjoy themselves at the beach. Varadero has one of the largest resorts in the Caribbean.
While the area has developed greatly in the last few years, visitors can still find stretches of isolated beaches all to themselves.
The beaches of Varadero also have a lot of history. When you stroll on the beach, you can see all of the abandoned mansions. Before the revolution took place in Cuba, Varadero was the playground of the rich and famous people of the era.
Rumor has it that even Al Capone became enchanted with the beaches of Varadero.
Reserva Ecologica Varahicacos
If you’re a nature enthusiast, then you must visit the Reserva Ecologica Varahicacos on your visit to Varadero. You will find the reserve on the Hicaos Peninsula, on the eastern tip.
Most people like to visit this reserve because it gives them a glimpse of what the area used to look like before the developments started.
Make sure to look out for El Patriarca — a giant 500 year-old cactus.
Bellamar Caves (Cuevas de Bellamar)
The Bellamar Caves are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. A local man found this caves by accident in 1861 when his ox cart was swallowed in.
It is believed the caves are about 300,000 years old and feature crystalline domes. There are 17 galleries and 6 halls of crystallized domes displaying stalagmites and stalactites.
Attend Church
If you don’t want to stay there for the whole mass, you can at least pop in and visit the charming church of Santa Elvira dating back to 1938.
This unique church is best known for its unique structure. It’s a combination of stone and wood that makes it different from other traditional churches. The bell tower has a horseshoe arch that is used a bell tower.
If you’re curious to attend mass, it’s held every Sunday in Spanish at 10:30 but make sure to check local times.
Josone Park
If you need a place to retreat after a long day at the beach, check out Parque Josone. This park is in the heart of Varadero and you can find vendors, live music, and even camel rides for children. Not to mention there are many local birds that hang out in the area.
Where to Eat in Varadero
While taking a day trip to Varadero, you’re bound to get hungry at some point. With all of the development taking place in Varadero, there are plenty of restaurants to go around.
Varadero 60
Varadero 60 is one of the fancier restaurants in Varadero that offers great food and lots of character. You can find Varadero about four blocks away from the main road.
If you have the chance to visit Varadero, make sure you try their paella and their pork tenderloin.
Make sure you make reservations if you’re visiting Varadero in the offseason.
La Casa de Al Capone
As the name suggests, you will be dining in the mansion that used to belong to Al Capone.
Although it is not a State restaurant, it has not lost its character. You have the option of dining indoors or dining in the terrace.
The menu also has some pretty creative names such as Mafia soup, Godfather salad, or Filet Mignon.
La Barbacoa
If you’re a carnivore and want to experience a great steak at a good price, check out La Barbacoa steakhouse.
Their specialty is rib eye steak with rice, potatoes, and garlic bread. And if steak is not for you, they also have other options such as chicken, pork, and lobster.
Barracuda Grill
You cannot visit gorgeous seaside Varadero and not have the fresh seafood. When you visit Barracuda Grill, you will have a first-row view of the ocean.
People visit this place because it has a reputation for serving one of the best grilled-langoustine in the area.
Havana to Varadero: How to Get There
When it comes to getting to Varadero from Havana, you have several options.
For starters, you can take the bus from Havana. Viazul is the bus company that operates daily trips from Havana to Varadero.
Keep in mind, however, that Viazul only has four departures each way, so you need to keep the time in mind and even plan in advance. The trip to Varadero usually takes two or three hours depending on the traffic.
When the busy season starts, the bus company might add more trips. You can expect to pay around 10 CUC (Cuban convertible peso) — 1 CUC is equivalent to a US Dollar.
If you don’t make the bus schedule, you always have the option of taking a taxi, while taxi prices vary depending on the driver, expect to pay anywhere from 80 to 130 CUC.
Taking a taxi is a great idea when you’re with a small group and you can split the cab between everyone.
You also have the option of taking a private tour in a vintage car. This is a great option if you want a personalized experience with a private driver.
The driver picks you up at your hotel in Havana and takes you to Varadero for an excellent day trip.
Make a Stop in Varadero
We hope this article convinced you to take a tour from Havana to Varadero on your next trip to Cuba. Varadero has so much to offer, among them great beaches and great food.
Want to learn more about the tour options available from Havana? Check out our other tour options.