Top 5 Things to do on a Varadero Holiday

By reading the tourist guides and looking through brochures, you may be tempted into believing that a holiday in Varadero starts and ends with the resort's beach. It is magnificent (more on that later), but there is a lot here beyond that which should tempt anyone from their Varadero hotel room. Here are our favourite 5 things to do in Varadero...

Just to get it out of the way first, yes, the beach is magnificent. Varadero holiday makers will find this is the biggest beach resort in Cuba, and the fine white sands and crystal clear waters stretch for a massive 20 kilometres. On top of this, there are plenty of things to do on Varadero's beach from sunbathing, to pedalos, to some water sports. It's true to say you could spend your entire holiday here, only retreating to your Varadero hotel at night, but you'd be missing out on a lot...

The length of Varadero's beach means that there are 32 established dive sites spread across the area, catering to divers of all abilities and experience. There's also several courses and schools for beginners, so there's no excuse for Varadero holiday makers not to don a wet suit and see the whole new world beneath the water's surface. There's real variety here too, with night dives, cave dies and open sea diving. The strong array of marine life beneath the surface is waiting for you in one of the best things to do in Varadero...

Getting a bargain at a local market is always a pleasure for those on breaks in exotic climes, and Varadero holiday makers will find bartering here an enjoyable experience! Varadero's market is amongst the biggest you will ever see, with stalls filling the town and selling everything from leather works to musical instruments. Even browsing is fun, and if you leave empty handed, the chances are you'll still have had an excellent time with one of the most interesting things to do in Varadero...

The cultural centre is a must for those who want to absorb the local culture on their Varadero holiday. Promoting all forms of art, the area is home to a world renowned rumba group, poetry recitals, musical performances and local troubadours performing the visitors. The centre also houses the gallery 'Arte, Sol y Mar' which exhibits and sells works by local Cuban artists.

To get a feel of the place before mass tourism took hold, the Museo Municipal is well worth a day's visit, as it guides visitors through the region's history via the revolution and beyond. If you're a history buff, you'll find plenty to draw you from your Varadero hotel here.