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Varadero is the most famous beach-city
in Cuba. It stretches along the northern coast of Hicacos
Peninsula in Matanzas province. Located 140 kilometers
to the east of Havana and 32 kilometers away from the City
of Matanzas, the beach is one of the most beautiful sites in
the Cuban archipelago. It is 700 meters wide and
22 meters long.
Its population nears 4,000 people in the beach
area and 6,000 on the outskirts.
An open landscape, peculiar vegetation, warm
climate, crystal-clear seawaters, and extremely fine and white
sands make Varadero an unforgettable destination. It
ranks high among the offers of tourist agents because, aside
from natural beauty, Varadero has a lot to give.
The beach provides
a wide range of options. Walking
or driving along First Avenue is an ideal way of enjoying the
sea on one side and the oldest section of the city on the other. The
emblematic Internacional Hotel is located in the area where
First Avenue and Avenue of the Americas meet. This section
of the beach houses luxurious, exclusive facilities that
are operated by major national and international tourist companies. A
blend of architectural styles, typically Cuban elements,
and original and personalized services make every hotel stand
out.
Another attraction is the Retiro Josone Park. Opened
in 1942, the park has a man-made lagoon where visitors can
take boat rides and admire the surrounding vegetation, including
huge trees, coconut trees and all kinds of flowers. This
is one of the favorite sites in the area.
The Dupont House rises
on the highest point of the Peninsula, known as San Bernardino
Height.
Finished in 1929, it was originally called Xanadu and
built as a resting-place for Irene Dupont, an American chemical-industry
tycoon. Today, it is part of an impeccably designed
course at Varadero Golf Club. This golf course is considered
one of the best in the Caribbean. Specializing in French
cuisine, its restaurant has a huge original wine cellar. It
is the most sophisticated facility of its kind at the beach.
Submarine
rides, skydiving, scuba diving, dolphin shows, discos and ballrooms
are also available in Varadero, a tourist area where history
and nature harmoniously blend.
There is a tourist road to go
from Havana to Varadero. The
Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport is just 20
kilometers away from the beach, and handles domestic and international,
regular and charter flights. The Central and National
highways connect it to neighboring provinces. To facilitate
access by boat, the area has three marinas: Dársena,
Chapulín and Gaviota. |