Cuba, A Day Trip To Varadero

Allow me to introduce you to another exotic destination and tell you how to satisfy your traveler needs on a day trip to Varadero, Cuba.

Again, I feel the need to say this article is only about my experience and my recommendations and represents no advertising whatsoever. To make any sense so you would be able to make it happen too, I have to share some details like hotel names or travel agencies.

Now let’s try to find out the answers to the questions any traveler would ask about Varadero, Cuba:

What and where is Varadero and what to expect?

Why should you go see Varadero?

When to visit Cuba in general and Varadero in particular?

How to get to Varadero?

Also, some tips about:

Varadero Hotels – How to book your trip to Varadero 

Things to do in Varadero Cuba

Bear with me for a few minutes, enjoy the photos and pack your bags – you’re going to Varadero Cuba, baby!

The Hicacos Peninsula, a little north-east of Havana, is home to the most amazing resorts in Cuba and the entire area is called Varadero.  The end of the peninsula is facing Mami, USA – only 90 miles  between these two points.

Visiting Varadero is all about relaxing at the beach while sipping on a cocktail. At night, the vivid clubs are very inviting and the music will boost your mood.

Varadero Beach is the place to be!

Why should you go see Varadero

Because it’s iconic, the buildings and some of the hotels are really beautiful and the beach is simply perfect, with sapphire blue water and fine sand. And because the classic cars that Cuba is famous for are here too!

Years ago, on my research about a Cuban vacation, I found  a lot of traveler opinions saying Varadero wasn’t worth it, as it’s not really Cuba. I believed them and thought I’d never go see the resorts and the beach. That is why I didn’t even plan or book anything for Varadero, can you believe it?

But then, my host in Havana told me that Varadero is amazing and I should check on it. He even suggested me a small hotel, mostly locals staying there, nothing fancy, just perfect for a vacation.

A week later, when I wanted to ask Cubatur for vacancy, it was a bit of a struggle to remember the name of the hotel. You know, in case you are given tips by a local on anything related to your holiday, just write it down, OK? Write it down…

When to visit Cuba in general and Varadero in particular?

Any month or any time, I’d say. The best would be between November and April, though.

Varadero Cuba weather is something to seriously consider during the rainy season. Bear in mind there’s a risk of severely bad weather and extreme hurricanes between June and November.

But, if your only chance to visit Cuba is somewhere around this summer – autumn period, don’t hesitate. Count on your luck and go for it!

This applies when you book long ahead the actual trip. But if it’s a last minute opportunity, you can easily check the forecast and make the best decision.

Check the 22 best winter destinations now. Cuba is one of them!

I only visited Cuba in spring months, like March and April. But when I found an amazing deal to see Miami, which is so close to Cuba and weather is similar, I took the chance and ended with a glorious one week of pure sunshine and fun. The plane tickets were on sale 6 months prior the flight so it took me a little to think carefully. I slept on it and the next day I understood I wanted to take this risk, no matter what.

What can go wrong? If weather is terrible, the flight is cancelled. In most case, you will get a full refund. Go for flexible booking for  accommodation. This way, you can cancel before your arrival if needed. The only big loss would be to miss the chance of seeing Cuba.

Again, be confident, you are a lucky traveler, aren’t you?

Varadero Cuba Hotels – How to book your trip to Varadero 

Whether you go for a day trip to Varadero or you want to experience the Varadero all inclusive hotels, here’s a few tips.

If you read my article about Cayo Largo , then you already know I checked the national travel agency, Cubatur, when I was in Santa Clara. But Cubatur is everywhere around the country, so finding one in your way is really easy.

Since the agency really does a great job, they immediately found me a room at Islazul Club Tropical, the nice hotel I was recommended. For around 100 CUC/night All Inclusive, it is one of the cheap hotels in Varadero Cuba.

I couldn’t help it and went check on this gem as I was writing this and found a 50% off deal with Kayak, insane! I so want to go back there! But, anyway, back to my article now!

Check my video at Club Tropical,  Varadero Beach. 

On the other hand, unlike Cayo Largo, Varadero is quite easy to be booked from anywhere you are. You’ll be able to find a tailored vacation with just a quick search. Usually, the tour operators sell complete packages, flights and hotel, or hotel only. Obviously, finding flights to Varadero is even easier. I’d recommend the German tour operators, like TUI, I usually check their offers for my exotic trips.  I find them to sell the best packages at fair prices.

In case you haven’t planned anything, try to squeeze in a 1 day trip to Varadero and jump on a shared car, probably the fastest way to get anywhere around.

How to get to Varadero

Yes, this is a very popular destination, so reaching it is quite easy. The only issue could be a long haul flight if you arrive from Europe, Asia or Australia. But, as an enthusiastic traveler, long haul flights should be fun, I presume.

On my trip, I flew with Iberia and arrived in Havana. My flight was from Milan with a very short stopover in Madrid. Hm, actually it was so short – around 40 min, that I had to literally run like crazy throughout the immense Spanish airport and won The-Last-Passenger-To-Board-The-Plane Award: bitter faces from the crew.  Oh, well, not really my fault, as the Milan – Madrid flight arrived a little late. Besides, that crew was a nightmare anyway. Otherwise I’m always a sweet traveler. Yep. I am.

There are more airlines connecting Varadero to the world and the other way around. I sure know about Condor, Tuifly, AA, Eurowings, Cubana or Air Canada, just to name a few. You can easily do your homework and find the best connections from the closest airport.

How to get to Varadero from Havana

This is a question I was often asked so I thought it needed a chapter of its own here.

There are three ways to get from Havana to Varadero:

• by car, either shared or private taxi or even rental;
• by bus, using the comfortable and modern Viazul line;
• by plane, a domestic flight with Cubana de Aviacion, for example.

No matter what you choose,  you need to make a reservation prior to your trip, as Cuba is a really crowded place and transportation is limited.

 

Now, if you’re about to spend only 1 day in Varadero, I’d avoid flying due to those hours you waste in the airport. The best options are shared taxis or Viazul buses.

Varadero airport 

Although there are two airports, the one you need is Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA).

There is also Santa Marta Airport serving Varadero.

If you are interested in Cuba, you may also want to check on what to do in 1 day in Cayo Largo

Is Varadero safe?

Yes. Varadero feels like  an open air continuous party and there’s only tourists from all over the world and friendly locals. The safety itself is now relative, as no place can be called 100% safe., but this is certainly a place you should feel at ease.

Since Internet is still an issue in Cuba, you need to find the wi-fi spots, usually near the parks, and the best time is when the crowds are gone, aka on evenings. You still need to buy Internet cards, I will write about this on a separate article, though.

Going out at night, spending time near dark parks in Cuba was nothing dangerous. It is the way you can check your social media, emails, connect with family and friends etc.  That is why people go there, both locals and tourists, at any time of the day or night.

Now, If being approached by a funny drunk tourist is called dangerous, than yes, that was the worst episode in Cuba in general and Varadero in particular. So, you see, have no fear, Varadero is safe!

Check the tips on a day trip to Kimmeridge Bay!

Varadero map

OK, first thing you could do is to check in at your hotel, if you spend the night over, which I recommend you to do. Just make sure you have all the hotel arrangements done prior to your arrival. There’s no way hotels in Cuba would check you in without an official reservation, normally through a travel agency.

Cuba is changing a lot lately, so part of the info I have could also change. But better follow my advice now than being sorry later.

You probably wonder if it’s really necessary to spend the night over. Well, it isn’t. But, wouldn’t be nice if you had a hotel room at the end of the day instead of traveling further? The days are long and hot and you will feel exhausted and in desperate need of a dozen cocktails. Ahem…

Otherwise, if you only want to wander around for the day, then you can go straight to the double-decker bus station, also known as hop-on hop-off.

Normally, I avoid such touristic activities. But, for Varadero, this is a wonderful way to see it all. And it’s the cheapest, only CUC$5/pp. Normally, taxis are more expensive and obviously you get no flexibility, while the double-decker has multiple stations scattered along the peninsula. This way you can stop anywhere you want and then hop back on. A ticket is valid for the entire day, till 10 pm. Convenient, right?

Things to do in Varadero Cuba

Assuming you’re on the upper deck and you did not forget the sunscreen either, let’s check the must do‘s.

My suggestion at this point is to enjoy the ride and get off at the Marina, the Northern end of the tour – check the bus stop map above. From here, you could go for a walk and check this part of the beach too.

Normally, the big resorts won’t allow random tourists to trespass but, if you display your sweetest smile, maybe you can be granted the access. A smile and perhaps claiming you’re a guest of the hotel. Just don’t tell anyone you learned this from me.

6 things and activities to do on a 1 day trip to Varadero

1. Sunbathing and swimming. Yes, check the beach as often as possible, it is gorgeous at any point. Make sure you stick to the left side, the one with the hotels and resorts. The other side of the peninsula  has no beach.
2. Take a walk. Enjoy the views, the architecture, the classic cars and stop anywhere you like and take your time. Even if it’s just for a day, Varadero should not be visited on a rush.
3. Xanadu Mansion.  I strongly recommend this iconic landmark and I actually explain why right below this top 6 activities. And if you ever wanted to visit Cuba and enjoy a cigar and a good rum, then this is the best place for such experience.
4. The Saturno cave. It’s not really something I’d recommend you to do on just a  day trip in Varadero, but it’s definitely worth the visit to the crystal clear waters of this amazing cave. The issues are the distance and the price.  Because it is located out of the Varadero strip, more into the main land, you need to take a taxi and the whole deal won’t be cheap.
5. Visit a resort. Yes, as odd as it sounds, visiting a resort in Varadero is something you want to do. Some of them are truly amazing, luxurious and expensive, but wouldn’t be nice to have an idea what is all about? Who knows, maybe next time you go for an All Inclusive holiday.
6. The Street Market. The double-decker has a stop near by, so if you want to go more with the locals, the Street Market is the right place.
7. Have a pizza at Americas Plaza. Just like that and because you must be hungry. You will be pleasantly surprised.

What is Xanadu Mansion Varadero

In my humble opinion, the Varadero beach is the best part of this resort town, no question. But what’s the second?

What I found to be a truly Cuban experience was my visit at Xanadu Mansion. I found it by chance, barely mentioned on some random article and I thought I’d give it a try. The good news is that the hop-on/off bus will take you straight to this place (you can ask the driver or the person selling the tickets in the bus and they will give you a sign where to get off).

So, what is this Xanadu Mansion anyway? Sounds futuristic, made me think of the classic Olivia Newton-John movie and song, but neah! nothing like that. It isn’t really related to the capital of the Yuan dynasty in China, founded by the legendary Mongol warrior Kublai Khan, either.

I won’t go too deep into history, although the information is hard to find.

Also known as DuPont House, it was built in the 20’s (aka 1920’s) by the U.S. businessman Irénée du Pont and I found it to be an architectural jewel. In fact, I can assure you it is one of the few places of true Cuban atmosphere that you can visit practically for free. I remember there’s a symbolic fee for the museum and since it’s the only way to access the bar, it’s so worth it.

It comprises a hotel, a golf club, a small museum, a restaurant and an exquisite 360° views bar. I would have loved to check in at the hotel, but I keep this experience for a next time.

What not to forget or miss on your 1 day trip to Varadero

1. again, the sunscreen. I’m not kidding with this. Varadero is a very sunny destination and you can’t let a nasty sunburn ruin your vacation.
2. a camera or phone. It is one of the most beautiful destinations around the world. Make sure you take those amazing photos to show back home!
3. sunglasses and a beach towel. Trust me, taking a bath every now and then is so tempting in Varadero! Just pack as light as possible.
4. a bottle of water. It’s usually very sunny and hot and you will feel the thirst. Cocktails are nice, but they won’t keep you hydrated, so make sure you drink plenty of water.
5. the cocktails. Do yourself a favor and go with the flow. This exotic destination is exactly about sun, beach, music and cocktails. The best would be to do this in the evening, after dinner, but it’s not really a rule, is it?
6. enjoying a cigar. Smoker or not, a Cuban cigar once in a lifetime is an experience, not a bad habit. Check my video to see how to light a cigar the correct way. Of course, Cuba is the place to find a true professional to initiate you.

Check my video and learn how to light a cigar the correct way, Cuban professional method.

What to do on a day trip to Varadero if it rains

The same things you’d do if it was a sunny day. Rain on the Caribbean island is nothing but a joy and a reason to go for a swim in the ocean. It should never ruin your plans, even if you settle for just 1 day in Varadero.

Except for the hurricanes, of course.

At the end of the day in Varadero

Varadero had a huge impact on me, I found it really beautiful and charismatic. It actually turned out to be the opposite of what I’ve heard about it, before my visit. Some say Varadero is not Cuba. I say it is, just as much as Havana is. They are just different approaches but the same unique Cuban charm you sure want to live there.

Is it worth a day trip to Varadero? Oh, absolutely! I’ve got to spend three more days after this experience and looking to return for a couple of weeks this year.