Varadero is Cuba's principal beach resort — a long, narrow peninsula extending into the Straits of Florida about 140 km east of Havana, with 20 km of white sand beach on one side and the Bahía de Cárdenas on the other. It is almost entirely given over to tourism, with large all-inclusive resorts dominating the landscape. For most visitors, that is precisely the point.
The beach itself is the real asset: wide, clean, and lined with fine white sand in a sheltered stretch of Caribbean water that is safe for swimming almost year-round. Water activities are extensive — scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, dolphin encounters, and glass-bottom boat trips all operate from the beach area. Parque Josone, a shaded park near the centre of town, offers a pleasant break from the sun. The Varahicacos Ecological Reserve at the eastern tip of the peninsula is a quieter zone with indigenous cave paintings and coastal scrubland walks. At the far end of the strip, Mansión Xanadu — a 1930 Du Pont mansion now operating as a restaurant — has the best views on the peninsula.
The town of Varadero itself, separate from the resort strip, has a more Cuban atmosphere with small bars and restaurants. Day trips to Havana, to the Bellamar Caves near Matanzas, and to the Trinidad area are popular from the resort zone.