Varadero (Cuba)

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Holidays to Varadero hug the sides of an 18 kilometre long peninsula: a long finger of land jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, two hours' drive north of Havana. Palm sheltered, beach-fringed and washed with clear, sunlit waters that hold a steady, pleasant 25° temperature all year-round, this is undoubtedly the ace in Cuba's pack, and the island's undisputed holiday hotspot.

Beaches

Cuba may have the most exciting cultural mix in the Caribbean but that would count for little if its beaches weren't up to scratch. Relax. They are. This is the Caribbean – and beaches are, really, what it's all about. So, fortunately, you can expect all the usual suspects here. Cool white sands, swaying palm trees, warm, aquamarine waters. The lot. At Varadero, the peninsula is a golden-frilled headland where sands melt away under the clear, tropically-heated surf. In general the beaches in the north are a cut above those in the south. Some distance out, a coral reef provides excellent snorkelling and diving but, at the beach in Varadero, the accent's on swimming, and splashing, rather than adrenalin-charged sports.

Eating Out

An island apart, Cuba produces virtually all the food and drink you'll find on its restaurants' menus. While this makes for fresh, locally produced fare, it also means that, in some areas, cuisine can be fairly limited. Still, in your resort, there'll be international fare too. The first thing you'll notice, if you're a Caribbean fan, is Cuban food tends to be less spicy than the jerk–soaked sauces of Jamaica and the West Indies. The Spanish influence means that garlic, peppers and tomatoes are used heavily. Rice or rice and beans accompany most dishes, often served with pork. Chicken with rice (arroz con pollo) is the most common, hunger-sating snack. Cubans love desserts. Ice cream, or Helado (Ice cream) is the best in the Caribbean.

Shopping

Varadero's Plaza America is an air-conditioned mall where you'll find the resort's swankier shops while Centro Commercial's international chains (Mango, Lacoste, Benetton etc) comes as something of a surprise. It's along the streets where you'll find artisan markets that sell souvenirs more keenly priced – especially those along Avenue 1. For cigars the Casa del Habano sells the genuine article. Don't be tempted to buy them from street sellers – often, they're made from dried out banana leaves.

The famous '15 mile market' promises the only real shopping overload on the island. Cuban traders offer everything from decent leather baseball bats, gloves, and balls to vibrant local paintings (good value). Handmade leather handbags go for just over 5CUC$ while delicate jewellery, bright clothing and beachwear all add colour. It's a day trip from most resorts, but worth it. Check with your hotel or rep.

Nightlife

Holidays to Varadero enjoy a nightlife that's as vibrant as it's colourful. There are also some good discos, bars and clubs dotted around the coast, particularly The Eclipse, Santiago, LaBamba Habana Cafe, La Patana. But, perhaps the best choice for a memorable Cuban experience is the Tropicana Cabaret, a Nightclub similar to the original Havana institution which offers a full-on show of dancing-girls and sequins, synchronised choreography and sound-and-light spectacular in its open-air amphitheatre. Book your tickets at the entrance to Varadero, beside the bridge.

Activities and Attractions

Take a day trip on a catamaran, exploring the archipelago of tiny keys off the north end of the Varadero peninsula, dive into the shallow waters protected by the coral reef. Varadero's plush resorts didn't spring into existence until 1930's when the US chemical millionaire Irenee Dupont Nemours built a large estate on the peninsula. You can visit its luxurious mansion today. Other day trips include a visit to the wonderful, interior town of Trinidad – all fading colonial villas set in lush green hills. Josone Park, in the centre of Varadero, is a nature area with restaurants and cultural attractions enough to prise you from the beach for the afternoon.

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