Many have heard of Varadero and some even may have travelled on purpose to Cuba only to enjoy the white sand, turquoise water and palm trees. But like other similar destinations worldwide does it really live up to the hype?
The beach in Varadero is a 20 km long (and wide) uninterrupted stretch sand where the deep blue waters of the Caribbean Sea appear to invite you to go in for a swim. The beach is a bit windy at certain times of the day and the sea has usually some undulation but this is still a spectacular place.
You'll find the hotel zone located to the far right of the beach, where the beach is the busiest. To get here you can walk along the beach if you're not staying at one of the 50 plus hotels. There are sun loungers everywhere and many milk-white Europeans each with a colourful bracelet corresponding to the hotel where they're staying. To the left, you have the beach where all the locals go to as well as some of the tourists which are probably staying at one of the Airbnb's (casas particulares) in Varadero town. The beach here is also nice, not as crowded, and there aren't as many sun loungers, the only downside is that this part of the beach is not as well looked after as the other end of the beach.
But enough faffing around. Is Varadero worth it or not? In my honest opinion, yes but it depends...let me expand on this below.
The Yes It Is Worth Visiting Part:
This is a commercialised location there's no doubting that, they have their own airport for tourists only, they have cash machines that actually work, loads of international cuisine options available (if you stay at one of the hotels) and obviously the beach. But even with these many amenities, there's still plenty of space especially if you stay in Varadero town and go to the beach adjacent to it.
There are things that you, of course, won't like such as some rubbish here and there, some issues with food quality (which isn't only a problem of Varadero). But don't forget you can actually venture outside the resort area. There are opportunities for you to go diving and attractions that you can visit all day trip friendly. Places like nearby Matanzas or Playa Coral feel like a world away from neat Varadero, a world where you'll actually see more Cubas than tourists and not the other way around.
The It Depends Part:
You have to consider that if you’re coming from Europe or anywhere else on purpose to only visit Varadero then maybe you shouldn't. The flight is long, not to mention costly and you'll also be contributing to the ever-growing global warming issue. There are better beaches in the region if I can be honest with you. Now it's your time, your money and if you feel you really must come here just for sunbathing in Varadero, go for it.
In summary, if you come to Cuba not only for Varadero but want to include it in your itinerary that's a good option, however, I'd advise you not to fly here on purpose as there are better, cleaner and more secluded beaches in the region.
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