Cuba Guide
Varadero and Matanzas
The beach resort of Varadero is Cuban tourism at its most developed. A fingertip of land in the country's second largest province, Varadero's 25-kilometre stretch of fine white sand beaches and turquoise waters, within ten minutes' walk wherever you are on the peninsula, is enough to fulfil even the most jaded sunworshipper's expectations. Varadero is not, however, the complete package. Even though the beach has international renown and its increasing number of four- and five-star hotels provide optimum luxury accommodation, the poor nightlife, entertainment and restaurant options outside of the hotels keeps Varadero from being a truly world-class holiday resort.
Roughly 25km west along the coastline from the peninsula is the shabby provincial capital, also named Matanzas. These days, the true delights of the area around Varadero lie just outside Matanzas in the paradisiacal Yumurí Valleyand the cave network of the Cuevas de Bellamar . On the opposite side of the province, the Península de Zapata's sweeping tracts of unspoiled coastal marshlands and wooded interior are easy to explore, thanks to an efficiently run tourist infrastructure. Perfectly suited to a multitude of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, scuba diving and sunbathing, it is also the site of one of the most infamous acts in US history – the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Highlights
1 Varadero beach Deservedly the most famous beach in Cuba, where you can walk for miles on golden sand or swim in turquoise water practically on the doorstep of your hotel.
2 Meliá Las Américas and Meliá Varadero A spectacular pair of hotels, featuring the most eye-catching architecture and design in Varadero, which warrant a visit whether or not you are staying in them.
3 Yumurí Valley Go to the Ermita de Monserrate in Matanzas or the Puente Bacunayagua on the Vía Blanca for views of the valley's plantlife, then head down to the valley floor to explore its lush landscape.
4 Río Hatiguanico boat trip An excursion down the Río Hatiguanico takes you into the thick of some of the Península de Zapata's most untouched areas.