140 km east of Havana, the former fishing village is now the country's export showcase. If you go through an agency or a tour operator, it is difficult to miss it. Of course, there is nothing to complain about in terms of white sand beaches, turquoise waters and sunshine. You'll get your money's worth. Nevertheless, without spoiling your pleasure or pretending to be authentic, the whole thing may lack a bit of soul. But as far as going out is concerned, you should know that Varadero is the temple of the fiesta... You will be able to dance until the end of the night every day of the week, as well with the locals as with tourists of the whole world of which many, many Canadians! You will see that a stay in Varadero is physically demanding if you are the party type...HistoryAt the beginning of the 20th century, the small fishing village of Varadero attracted the attention of entrepreneurs from Matanzas. The first hotel was built in 1915. 15 years later, in 1930, Irénée du Pont de Nemours - a wealthy Franco-American businessman - bought the vast expanses of the peninsula before selling them, not without having first built his luxurious residence with a golf course and a private airport.For decades, this was a pre-space for the North American and Cuban upper middle classes, but the revolution temporarily put an end to the craze for the destination. The terrible economic and social crisis of the 1990s forced the authorities to review their policy. At the end of the day, the regime encouraged tourism to promote the influx of foreign currency. Varadero successfully became the commercial spearhead of this new strategy: tourists flocked there. As an indirect consequence of the financial manna generated by the sector, prostitution in the area took on alarming proportions. Castro, after having closed his eyes during a few years, purely and simply forbids the access of the site to the Cubans not employed on the spot. Varadero or the contradictions of a system... But this prohibition is now over and it is possible for Cubans, who have the means of course, to spend vacations in Varadero in the same hotel complexes as the tourists!

What to visit Varadero?

When to go to Varadero?

When to go to Varadero? The best time to go to Varadero is certainly from March to June, that is to say, at the end of the Cuban dry season, which begins in November. Indeed, during the period from June to October, the wet season is made of alternating heavy rains of short duration (usually in the evening) and a good level of sunshine. Although July and August correspond to the school vacations in Cuba, it is also the time of the carnival, constituting a good option for those who want to know when to go to Varadero.

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Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

The weather in Varadero, like that of Cuba as a whole, is dependent on a humid subtropical climate, with a cyclonic period running from August to November (with a peak recorded in October). There are also 330 days of sunshine per year, while on the temperature side, Varadero is around 25°C, with minimums at 10°C and maximums at 35°C.

Budget

Varadero and Cuba live under the dual currency regime: the Cuban peso ($) and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC), in comparison to which the Cuban peso is not worth much. Varadero is not a cheap destination, especially since in recent years prices have been rising steadily. As part of an organized tour, you will only have to cover your personal expenses. On the other hand, the individual traveler will have to expect to regularly put his hand in the wallet.

Procedures

To get to Varadero, you will need two documents: a valid passport and a tourist card. The latter is issued by the Cuban consular authorities in Paris. Plan 22 €. Approved French tour operators are allowed to sell it for 27 €. You will need to show them your passport and flight ticket. A certificate of reservation for the first two nights in a hotel or a special casa may also be requested. The tourist card is only valid for one month with the possibility of a 30-day extension on site, subject to authorisation by the Cuban immigration services and after payment of 25 CUC (convertible pesos). For professional stays, obtaining a specific visa from the Cuban consulate remains mandatory (count : 81 €) to travel to Varadero.

Health

No specific vaccinations are required to travel to Varadero, except for the usual vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, polio). If you are coming from a country in Africa or Latin America where yellow fever is present, you will be asked for an international medical certificate proving that you have received the yellow fever vaccine within the last ten years. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B and typhoid is recommended for travelers who will be staying in the country for a longer period of time in rudimentary conditions. Although there is no longer any malaria in Cuba, this does not exempt you from protecting yourself from mosquito bites. Water is not drinkable in Varadero, so don't hesitate to bring bottled water.

How to go to Varadero? Our advice & tips

Varadero is one of the most touristic destinations in Cuba, which has not escaped the attention of French-speaking travel agencies that offer the destination in their catalog. Going through a specialist of this type can often be interesting from a financial point of view, thanks to the all inclusive formulas. But it is also possible to opt for a tailor-made stay, whether for a family vacation, a honeymoon or a scuba diving tour.

Average price of a flight from Europe to Havana: from 600 to 1,400 €. To obtain attractive rates, it is essential to do so well in advance. Once in Havana, you will need to find a place to rent a car or take a bus or taxi to Varadero (140 km away).

By car, toll, 2 CUCs at the entrance and exit. The agencies (Cubacar, Havanautos and Rex) almost all have offices at the airport and in the largest hotels and offer the same prices everywhere.

The most economical means of transport in Varadero is the scooter, as car rentals are expensive. If you have an accident and injure someone, Cuban authorities can keep you in the country until the investigation is completed and you could face a prison sentence. Another practical solution: the Varadero Beach Tour, a bus that goes around Varadero all day long: you can get on and off at the various stops as much as you want with a 5 CUC Pass during the day.

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Pictures and images Varadero

Plage de Varadero. Author's Image
Découvrez la faune sous-marine de Varadero. Henri Conodul - Iconotec
Varadero vue du ciel. simonovstas - Shutterstock.com

Discover Varadero

When to travel?

When to go to Varadero? The best time to go to Varadero is certainly from March to June, that is to say, at the end o...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

The weather in Varadero, like that of Cuba as a whole, is dependent on a humid subtropical climate, with a cyclonic p...
Read more about it

Budget

Varadero and Cuba live under the dual currency regime: the Cuban peso ($) and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC), in co...
Read more about it

Formalities

To get to Varadero, you will need two documents: a valid passport and a tourist card. The latter is issued by the Cub...
Read more about it

Health

No specific vaccinations are required to travel to Varadero, except for the usual vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus,...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

Average price of a flight from Europe to Havana: from 600 to 1,400 €. To obtain attractive rates, it is essential t...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Varadero is one of the most touristic destinations in Cuba, which has not escaped the attention of French-speaking tr...
Read more about it

Getting around

The most economical means of transport in Varadero is the scooter, as car rentals are expensive. If you have an accid...
Read more about it

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