Varadero and Havana (Cuba)

Situated on the north west side of the Cuba on the Atlantic coast Varadero is a nice quite town with 20km long beach. Our visit included stay in one of modern newly build hotels (most of them are build after 1990) on the Varadero beach.

Varadero airport is about 30 – 45min. drive from most of the Varadero hotels. In our stay we also included a day trip to Havana. Havana is 2h drive from Varadero on narrow so-called “Mafia highway” constructed in the 1930s. [ Map of Cuba ]

Trip to Havana was very informative and drive through Matansas city and Province that bares the same name allowed us to learn more about history since Columbus discovered Cuba until present day.

Since 1492 when Christopher Columbus discovered this Island and by that North American continent, Cuba had versatile history. Spanish conquerors have constructed first settlements as early as 1512 and since then Spain, England and US have governed with the Island. In May 1902 Cuba received formal Independence after three years of North American military occupation.

Learn how to make Cuba Libre. Cheers!

General Fulgencio Batista by means of a coup came to power and ruled from 1952 to 1959 when well-known Cuban Revolution took place and since then President of Cuba is Fidel Castro (until this words have been written). Another name stands out when the revolution is mentioned and this is the name of Argentinean born Ernesto “Che” Guevara.

Cuba today left the impression that “Che” is on display everywhere and main interest of foreign tourists. On market places or souvenir shops, among others, there are all kinds of souvenirs available with “Che’s” image. Of course most popular products of Cuba that you may wish to bring along is rum and cigars. Before you do that find out where to buy them legally and how much you are allowed to bring with you.

At the end, one should mention one thing that stands out in Cuba and this is hospitality of Cuban people. Despite hardship of living under economic sanctions for more then 45 years Cubans are warm and very friendly. Sand and beaches are paradise on Earth, higher end hotels clean, well equipped with extra activities for all ages. Pastime on the beach or on the hotel grounds range from beach volleyball, golf, tennis, live entertainers, live music, horseback raiding, scuba diving school, archery, moped and car rentals, organized local travel trips etc. what depends on hotel you are staying at.

It would be wrong not to mention that here and there need for improvement is ever present and one can hope that hardship for people of Cuba will end soon.

Hope you’ll enjoy it as much we did!