CubaPLUS Magazine

Among my most cherished childhood memories—perhaps the fondest of all—is my father taking me on vacation to Varadero several decades ago. One detail I will never forget is the jingle that played whenever anyone spoke of the "Blue Beach": Varadero, now and always, a true delight.

I believe Varadero has always been delightful; it remains so today and will continue to be so in the future. This is more than just my opinion—it is shared by the hundreds of thousands of visitors who have graced its shores over the years. I would even venture to say that no traveler comes to Cuba without visiting Varadero, if only for a brief moment to enjoy its legendary sands.

The prestige of this stunning Cuban beach was not built overnight; it is timeless. This is confirmed by an endless list of international accolades. Most recently, at the beginning of this year, Varadero was ranked third among the top beaches in the Caribbean in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice "Best of the Best" awards. Furthermore, it consistently ranks among the top 25 beaches in the entire world.

Situated approximately 140 kilometers east of Havana, Varadero is considered by many to be the ultimate Caribbean dream, boasting turquoise seas, crystalline waters, and 25 kilometers of powdery white sand.

As the country’s leading vacation destination after the capital, it offers over 60 hotels with roughly 21,400 rooms—80% of which are located within four- and five-star properties.

This marvelous resort town also offers a wealth of other attractions, including the famous Beatles Bar, the Tropicana Matanzas cabaret (just a few miles away), and the Varadero Golf Club. Additionally, visitors can choose from over 50 restaurants and cafés of various styles, including a vibrant scene of private paladares.

For those passionate about nautical activities, the "Blue Beach" offers everything one could desire and more. It features two international marinas with approximately 1,400 berths, 32 dive sites, two nautical centers, and two dolphinariums. One of these is located offshore and can be visited during excursions to Cayo Blanco—a heavenly islet where tourists have the unforgettable opportunity to swim with dolphins.

Ultimately, Varadero remains an unrivaled choice when selecting a Cuban beach for a getaway. I can assure you that once visitors experience it for the first time, they are forever captivated by its beauty, becoming lifelong admirers of a destination that is, indeed, now and forever a true delight.