Varadero

Varadero was founded on December 5, 1887, and it has since developed into one of Cuba's premier tourist destinations. Originally established as a summer vacation spot for wealthy Cubans, Varadero would later open its doors to foreign tourists in the 1930s. It offers over 20 kilometers of uninterrupted white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters along the northern coast of Cuba's Hicacos Peninsula, making it a top attraction.

In the early 1930s, the infamous gangster Al Capone was known to visit Varadero. Capone allegedly stayed at a beachfront property, now famous as the Al Capone House or Casa de Al. This time was significant as it marked an era of increased attention towards Varadero from international visitors, particularly Americans, seeking a tropical escape that also offered illicit leisure activities during the Prohibition era in the United States.

The Cuban Revolution brought significant changes to Varadero, affecting its tourism and local economy. After Fidel Castro's forces ousted Batista, many private properties in Varadero, like elsewhere in Cuba, were nationalized. This initial turmoil led to a drastic decrease in American tourists, a primary source of revenue, as both U.S. and Cuban governmental policies shifted. Despite these disruptions, Varadero would evolve under the socialist regime, eventually reestablishing itself as a vital part of Cuba's tourism strategy.

During the 1990s, Varadero witnessed a resurgence in tourism, largely due to the Cuban government's initiatives to open up the economy to foreign investment and tourism, particularly after the fall of the Soviet Union. The government invested in developing hotel infrastructure and partnered with foreign hotel chains to attract international visitors. This decade was crucial for Varadero, positioning it back on the map as one of the Caribbean's most visited spots.

In November 2001, Varadero was impacted by Hurricane Michelle, one of the most intense hurricanes to hit the Cuban coastline in decades. The hurricane caused widespread damage to hotels and infrastructure in Varadero, disrupting tourism for several months. Despite the destruction, the recovery was swift, with government and international aid helping to quickly restore services and facilities, demonstrating the resilience of the tourism-dependent city.

The Varadero Golf Club underwent significant renovations in March 2007. This effort was part of a broader strategy to attract more upscale tourism to Varadero, differentiating it from other beach destinations in the Caribbean. The upgrades transformed the golf course into one of the top golfing destinations in Cuba, designed by Canadian golf architect Les Furber. This renovation enhanced Varadero's appeal to international golf enthusiasts.

In June 2014, Sunwing Airlines expanded its operations in Varadero, increasing the number of flights from Canada, one of Varadero's key tourism markets. This expansion was reflective of the growing demand for travel to Varadero, driven by its reputation as an affordable yet exotic beach destination. The increased connectivity by Sunwing played an essential role in boosting the Canadian tourist influx, cementing the longstanding tourism ties between Canada and Cuba.

In March 2016, the Rolling Stones delivered a free concert in Varadero, marking a historic moment as one of the largest international acts to perform in Cuba. Although primarily held in Havana's Ciudad Deportiva, the event was a cultural milestone, drawing attention from the global music scene and highlighting Cuba's evolving openness to international cultural exchanges. The concert reflected the broader U.S.-Cuba thaw initiated by the Obama administration.

Varadero was prominently featured at the FITUR International Tourism Fair in Madrid, in January 2020, showcasing Cuba's tourism potential. Varadero, as a flagship destination, led Cuba's presentation at this prestigious event, focusing on its natural offerings, hospitality, and upcoming developments aimed at boosting its profile in Europe. The presence at FITUR underscored Cuba's dedication to reinforcing its tourism industry on the global stage, particularly in its appeal to European tourists.

In March 2023, Varadero hosted its annual carnival, a vibrant celebration of local culture, music, and dance. The carnival is one of the most anticipated events of the year for locals and tourists alike, featuring parades, concerts, and traditional Cuban music. The 2023 event was notable for its inclusion of international acts and new attractions, marking the growing cultural diversity and appeal of Varadero as a place not only for relaxation but for cultural exploration as well.