What to see and do in Varadero

What to visit in Varadero · beach, Josone and Cueva de Saturno

• Varadero Beach
• Saturn Cave · Carbonera surroundings
• Josone Park

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Varadero · beach, Josone and Cueva de Saturno

beach

Varadero Beach

The Hicacos peninsula brings together a long strip of clear sand in front of blue-toned waters. You can enjoy the coast through its public accesses and choose separately the tourist services you need.

Activities for your visit

• Walk along the shore from an authorized public access.
• Choose a stretch of beach according to your base and the state of the sea.

Tips for this place

• The marker marks the Varadero area, not a specific entrance to the beach.
• Follow local flags and directions before swimming.

Check access ↗

Public beach: you don't need to buy an excursion or a hotel pass to enjoy the public space. Sun loungers, hotels, meals and nautical activities are managed separately.

Reference sources and location

• Cuba Travel · Varadero Beach

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 23.13944444, -81.28611111.

Wikidata · Varadero

nature

Saturn Cave · Carbonera surroundings

This cave near the airport road contains a natural underground pool. Palmares presents it as a nature option in the Varadero area, different from the caves of the Hicacos peninsula.

Activities for your visit

• Know the cavity through the enabled access.
• Only carry out aquatic activities authorized by the facility.

Tips for this place

• Check swimming conditions and the equipment you need.
• The Santa Catalina Cavern is another route and may require your own guide and equipment.

Check access ↗

Consult directly with the facility regarding admission, operational activities and required equipment. Transportation from Varadero is not included.

Reference sources and location

• Palmares Saturn Cave

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 23.06992, -81.43532.

Wikidata · Saturn Cave

nature

Josone Park

Gardens and spaces next to the water offer a pause within the urban center of Varadero. The park also brings together gastronomic establishments and activities that are chosen separately.

Activities for your visit

• Walk through the gardens and enabled areas.
• Observe the landscape of the pond from its paths.

Tips for this place

• Check if there are acts or events that limit part of the park.
• Restaurants, activities and shows are not equivalent to the general outing.

Check access ↗

Check the conditions of access to the gardens and possible events on your date. Restaurants, boats and shows maintain their own rates and reservations.

Reference sources and location

• Cuba Travel Josone Park

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 23.1516465, -81.2509646.

OpenStreetMap Josone Park · © OpenStreetMap contributors · ODbL

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-day itinerary in Varadero · beach, Josone and Cueva de Saturno

1. Day 1

   Beach and gardens

   Enjoy a public stretch of the beach and stroll through the designated spaces of Josone Park.

2. Day 2

   Saturn Cave

   Confirm admission and organize your own transfer to the facility and return to Varadero.

Tips for visiting Varadero · beach, Josone and Cueva de Saturno

• Access to the public space of the beach is different from the hotel facilities.
• Check the cave route and the necessary equipment before leaving.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Varadero · beach, Josone and Cueva de Saturno

Ropa vieja, arroz moro, tamales and dishes to share: six specialties of Cuban cuisine. The photos show actual dishes for reference; recipes and ingredient availability vary by location.

Cuba · Creole cuisine

Ropa vieja

Shredded beef, stewed with a sauce of tomato, onion and peppers. It is usually accompanied with rice and other garnishes; The photo shows a homemade preparation, still in the pan.

Reference: CiberCuba Cocina · Recipe by chef Iván

Cuba · Rice with beans

Moros y cristianos

Rice cooked with black beans and their broth, which colors the grain and concentrates the flavor. It is a common combination of the Cuban table; here it is served with pork ribs.

Reference: GOYA · Cuban recipe of moros y cristianos

Cuba · Celebration cuisine

Spit-roasted pork

The pig is slowly roasted on a spit that rotates over the fire. This preparation is associated with gatherings and celebrations; the photograph shows a street celebration in Santiago de Cuba.

Reference: Cuba Travel · Traditions of Pinar del Río

Cuba · Corn wrapped in leaves

Cuban tamales

Seasoned corn dough, wrapped in leaves and cooked until firm. You can have small pieces of pork mixed with the dough. The photo shows tamales open on their leaves in Havana.

Reference: Cuba Travel · Typical Cuban food

Cuba · Fried green plantain

Tostones or chatinos

Green banana slices that are fried, crushed and returned to the oil to become golden brown. They are eaten as a side; In Cuba they are also known as chatinos.

Reference: CiberCuba Cuisine · Chatinos or tostones

Cuba · Sopon to share

Cuban caldosa

Sopon of food, meats and condiments, associated with collective meals and celebrations. Recipes change between homes and regions; This Villa Clara variant incorporates corn and noodles.

Reference: Cuba Travel · The broth of Las Tunas