Nestled on the Hicacos Peninsula, some 140 km east of Havana, Varadero stands as one of the Caribbean's most celebrated beach resorts. With its immaculate white-sand beaches, crystalline turquoise waters, all-inclusive complexes, and a wealth of water sports, Varadero embodies the postcard-perfect image that draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

Where is Varadero Located?

Varadero sits on Cuba's northern coast, approximately 140 km east of Havana and 36 km from Matanzas city, in the province of the same name. This celebrated beach resort occupies the Hicacos Peninsula, a narrow strip of land stretching some 20 km long and barely 1.2 km at its widest point. It marks the western boundary of Cárdenas Bay and extends northeast into the island, forming Cuba's northernmost point, Punta Hicacos—also the closest to the United States. Nicknamed Playa Azul ("Blue Beach"), Varadero ranks among the Caribbean's largest resort destinations.

History

Mentioned as early as 1555, Varadero served as a shipyard and salt works, whose fine-quality salt supplied the Spanish fleet in Latin America beginning in 1587. The name Varadero itself means "hauling-out place,