Destination Spotlight: Varadero

Published on : November 26, 2020
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Located on the northern coast of Cuba on the beautiful Hicacos Peninsula, Varadero is a favourite vacation destination among Canadians – and with pristine beaches, charming resorts and a vibrant culture, it’s easy to see why!

With Sunwing Airlines flights returning to Varadero this winter from Toronto, we put together the ultimate Varadero travel guide. From the top things to do to our favourite resort picks for every travel style, read on and get inspired for your next getaway to this tropical paradise.

@lyanna_stark

Soak up the sun on world-famous beaches

Varadero is famous for its pristine white-sand shores and calm turquoise waters, making it a top choice for those looking for an idyllic sun and sand getaway. Varadero Beach is consistently named one of the Best Beaches in the World in TripAdvisor®’s Traveller’s Choice Awards! The iconic beach winds along 20 kilometres of picturesque coastline, where you can soak up the sun with a refreshing Cuban mojito in hand or try out a wide range of water sports like windsurfing and kayaking.

Where to stay: Plan the ultimate beach getaway at Grand Memories Varadero. This charming all inclusive resort is located along a sparkling stretch of beach and offers something for every traveller, whether you want to lounge poolside or build sandcastles by the sea. Upgrade to Diamond Club™ room categories to enjoy enhanced amenities and services, including an exclusive beach area with convenient wait service.

Tee off on a picturesque golf course

Hit the links on the scenic greens of Varadero Golf Club, the first 18-hole course on the island. The par-72 course was designed by popular Canadian golf architect Les Furber and winds along a stretch of coastline overlooking the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea. You can book a tee time through Sunwing Experiences or stay at a nearby resort that offers golf inclusions. The best part? Your golf clubs (up to 20 kg) fly for free on board Sunwing Airlines!

Where to stay: When you stay in one of The Level room categories at Melia Internacional, you’ll receive three complimentary rounds at Varadero Golf Club (conditions apply) in addition to concierge service, exclusive resort areas and a host of other added inclusions. After playing a few rounds, head to the resort’s YHI Spa to unwind with a relaxing soak in the rooftop pool.

Embrace the lively Cuban culture

If experiencing a destination’s local culture is at the top of your vacation checklist, you’ll love Varadero! Embrace the vibrant Cuban culture by mingling with locals, dancing to live Cuban music performed by the Buena Vista Social Club and sampling famous dishes like ropa vieja and Cuban coffee. Varadero is also an ideal home base from which to explore the rest of the island. You can visit the capital city of Havana on a day excursion or out on a tour of the countryside to explore the island’s lush landscapes on a Jeep safari.

Where to stay: Starfish Varadero offers the perfect blend of Cuban charm and beachfront relaxation. Soak up the sun by the white-sand beach before experiencing the local culture with resort-offered Spanish lessons and dance classes! If you’re planning a destination wedding, the Cuban Experiences package ($) will help add a local flair to your special celebration.

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