Varadero Holidays

Back in the Thirties, Varadero – on the north coast of Cuba – was Al Capone’s old stomping ground. Today the gangsters have gone and the swanky hotels have moved in – over 50 of them at the last count. This popular place is now the island’s number one beach resort and you don’t have to look far to see why – the sand reaches along the Hicacos Peninsula for a whopping 20 kilometres.

Varadero’s white sandy beach is the longest in Cuba. The hotels along the front have their own private strips with sunloungers and umbrellas for their guests to use but, with so much sand to go round, you’ll find plenty of public spaces if you want to move about. This spot is also known as Blue Beach, which comes as no surprise when you see the crystal-clear waters. It’s great for swimmers – and prime territory for the watersports set.

With its colonial palaces, restaurant-lined plazas and 1950s American cars, Cuba’s capital, Havana, is a must-see city. You can drive there – it’ll take about two hours – or go with one of the guided bus tours that pick up from the hotels. Either way, you can pack in all the sights – highlights include the famous Revolution Square, the Partagas Cigar Factory and the Tropicana cabaret club where Josephine Baker once performed.