Introduction
Varadero is Cuba's most popular beach resort. Situated along the Hicacos Peninsula, the resort has attracted travellers since the somewhat shady days of the 1930s, when Al Capone and President Batista were among its visitors.
Varadero's biggest draw is the 20km of uninterrupted beach that lines the northern edge of the peninsula. This is easily one of the Caribbean's most iconic beaches, with a range of hotels, from small boutiques to larger luxury hotels, in which to stay. Most of the hotels directly overlook the white sands and pleasant blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The emphasis at Varadero is very much focussed on some serious R&R, but scuba diving, yachting and deep-sea fishing are also popular holiday activities here.