Is Havana or Varadero better?

Is Varadero or Havana better?

However, Varadero is the best beach trip from Havana, in my opinion. While there are beaches that are closer to Havana, such as Playas del Este and Guanabo, Varadero is the nearest beach to Havana that is really nice – a typical Caribbean beach you’ll be picturing.

What is the best part of Cuba to stay?

1. 5 Best Regions to Stay in Cuba. …
2. Old Havana – Where to Stay in Cuba for a First Visit. …
3. Santa Clara – Where to Stay in Cuba on a Budget. …
4. Centro Havana – Where to Stay in Cuba for Nightlife. …
5. Trinidad – Coolest Place to Stay in Cuba. …
6. Varadero – Where to Stay in Cuba for Families.

What is the nicest place in Cuba?

Is Varadero worth visiting?

Varadero beach is fantastic and you don’t have to be anywhere near the all inclusive resorts. Just walk a couple of blocks from the Viazul bus station and you’re on the beach with loads of space. However, I wouldn’t recommend Varadero in the short time you have.

Is Cuba Varadero safe?

What is this? It turns out that there are two main kinds of beaches in Cuba: tourist resorts which until 2008 did not permit Cuban people to enter (Varadero beach is one such place).

Why is Varadero famous?

Located in the province of Matanzas, Varadero is the most famous beach resort in Cuba, and one of the largest resorts in the Caribbean. Also known as ‘Blue Beach’ because of its clear, calm waters, Varadero is fronted by a 20km (12-mile) fine white sandy beach, which is bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

What part of Cuba has the nicest beaches?

Is Varadero better than Cayo Coco?

We enjoyed both for different reasons. Varadero gives you lots of opportunities to get out and about where as Cayo Coco is much more resort based. The standards of hotels are more modern in Varadero than in Cayo Coco but thats not necessarily a negative! The beaches in Cayo Coco are amazing!!

What should I avoid in Cuba?

# 6 Don’t be confused with both Currencies!

The official local currency changed is the CUC, however, there is another currency on the island, the CUP.

How far is Varadero Beach from Havana?

Varadero (pronunced Bar-ah-dare-oh) is a resort town in the province of Matanzas, Cuba. It is 145 kilometers from Havana, the capital of Cuba.

What is special about Havana?

From colonial times Havana has been noted for its parks and plazas. Habaneros, as its residents are called, gather day and night under the sprawling trees of these many green areas. Through colonial times and almost to the end of the 19th century, the Plaza de Armas in Old Havana was the centre of Cuban life.

Is Havana safe for American tourists?

Havana is a city that is not considered too dangerous, and travelers should behave as in any other major city. Local authorities are doing their best to protect tourists from criminals since the city depends on tourism. Cuban police are everywhere, so you do not have to be afraid of criminals during the daytime.

What is the best month to go to Varadero Cuba?

The best time to visit Varadero for heat and sunshine is between July and September. This is when the sun stays out the longest and temperatures have soared to the low-thirties. The dry season is slightly cooler with an average temperature of 24°C.

How expensive is Varadero Cuba?

Varadero is a lot more expensive than other cities in Cuba. Per person you pay at least 20 to 25 CUC.

What is Cuba known for?

Cuba is famous for its cigars, its rum made from sugar cane, its ladies, Salsa and other Cuban dance styles, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, 1950s-era cars, Spanish-colonial architecture, Cuban National Ballet, Buena Vista Social Club and Guantanamo Bay.

How much is taxi from Havana to Varadero?

The quickest way to get from Havana to Varadero is to taxi which costs $95 – $120 and takes 1h 51m.

Is Mexico safer than Cuba?

Cuba is generally safer than Mexico, e.g. Varadero is much more secure than Cancun. Cuba has a more authentic real-life experience vs Mexico’s more touristic experience.

Is Havana Safe 2021?

Although Cuba is generally a safe country to visit, a trip to Cuba may expose you to “minor” crimes such as currency scams, pickpocketing, and theft. You should also be aware of threats to your health like contaminated tap water, COVID-19, mosquito-borne diseases, and terrible road conditions if you are driving.

Which country is Varadero?

Varadero (Spanish pronunciation: [baɾaˈðeɾo]), also referred to as Playa Azul (Blue Beach), is a resort town in the province of Matanzas, Cuba, and one of the largest resort areas in the Caribbean.

How much is a day trip from Varadero to Havana?

Which ocean is beside Varadero?

Varadero is on the Atlantic. The majority of the most popular Cuban resorts are on the Atlantic.

Does Havana have a beach?

The biggest and best known of all the Havana Cuba beaches, Playas del Este is actually a 9 km strip of stunning coast that contains a number of different beaches. … The beach is actually at its loveliest in May and October, when the weather is still stunning, but the crowds are not so extreme.

Is Varadero one of the best beach in the world?

Varadero, Cuba’s number one beach resort, was voted third best in the world, according to the 2018 Travelers’ Choice Awards, sponsored by TripAdvisor, which honor the best and safest tourist destinations around the globe.

Are there nice beaches in Havana Cuba?

These places are best for beaches in Havana: Playas de Este. Santa Maria del Mar. Mar Azul Playa.

Is Holguin or Varadero better?

Holguin holds something like 30% of the islands vegetation and is also known to be warmer. The beaches can be very nice depending on where you are staying and the snorkelling is abundant. Varadero on the other hand does have more action going on. There are more disco’s to go to so more nightlife.

Is Cayo Santa Maria better than Varadero?

If the beach is your priority you can’t go wrong with cayo Santa Maria. But it is a very secluded place with not much to do at night. If you enjoy visiting and entertainment you might prefer Varadero, where the beaches are still pretty nice.

Does Cuba have the best beaches?

Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, has no shortage of postcard-perfect shores, from family-friendly snorkeling spots to standout black-sand beaches. … Varadero is one of the most popular beaches in Cuba, thanks to its efficient transportation and local bars.

Is Havana expensive?

You should plan to spend around ₱1,383 ($52) per day on your vacation in Havana, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, ₱217 ($8.18) on meals for one day and ₱399 ($15) on local transportation.

What is considered rude in Cuba?

CUBAN CULTURE: Taboos (especially for travelers).

Try to avoid these taboos when in Cuba: Spitting on the ground or blowing your nose in public. Taking pictures of anyone (without first asking their permission). Littering (this is not only rude, but it’s also against the law).

Why are there no toilet seats in Cuba?

Toilet seats are considered an unnecessary luxury in Cuba. If you go into an ironmongery store in Cuba most brand new toilets that are sold still have no seats.

Can you swim in the sea in Cuba?

Because Cuba’s beaches sit on the Caribbean, sharks are sometimes in the vicinity. This is part of the reason it is inadvisable to go swimming in the early evening or at night, when sharks tend to be the most active. There are also jellyfish in the water, so keep a good lookout.

How long is the transfer from Havana to Varadero?

It takes approximately 1 h 50 min to get from Havana to Varadero, including transfers.

Can I tip in Canadian dollars in Cuba?

Yes, you can tip with Canadian money when you arrive in Cuba BUT it must be a CDN bill and of course $5 is our smallest bill. In a real pinch, you can also tip with a one dollar US bill. Cubans can exchange US funds as long as it’s a bill. Don’t tip with CDN coin!

Why is Havana Cuba so popular?

Known as “the Key to the New World,” the island served as a crossroads for explorers, buccaneers, colonial powers (Spain and Britain), indigenous people, entertainers, and exiles. Many people, both past, and present have come to Havana because of the city’s distinctive pizzazz. It’s got prime coastal real estate.

Why should I go to Havana Cuba?

Explore the country’s rich musical production even further, from traditional genres such as salsa and rumba to more current trends such as reggaeton and electronic music, the options are all lively and energetic. Many times they come with mesmerizing dance performances by musicians or random members of the audience.

Where is Camila Cabello from?

Explore the country’s rich musical production even further, from traditional genres such as salsa and rumba to more current trends such as reggaeton and electronic music, the options are all lively and energetic. Many times they come with mesmerizing dance performances by musicians or random members of the audience.

Why can’t Americans go to Cuba?

The primary travel to Cuba restriction for Americans is accessing money while traveling – because of America’s nearly 60-year-old US Cuba embargo, American debit cards and credit cards will not work on the island as they do for those traveling from any other country.

Is Cuba considered a Third World country?

The Cuban government controls all aspects of everyday life, and the simplest things that Americans take for granted are rare commodities. It is truly a third-world country in all respects, with a first-world culture and a population full of the friendliest people on the planet.

Why is it illegal to go to Cuba?

The U.S. government has limited travel to Cuba since 1960—after Fidel Castro came to power—and to this day, travel for tourist activities remains controlled largely due to a fear of communism in Cuba. … Additionally, cruise ships once again started calling on Cuban ports.

Is there sharks in Varadero Cuba?

Yes-there are sharks .

Are mosquitos a problem in Cuba?

Cuba is home to a year-round mosquito community, but mosquitoes are worse during the rainy season. The wet season in Cuba runs from May to October, and it’s when the island gets most of its annual rainfall. Since mosquitoes love damp, wet weather, you’ll see way more of them during the wet season.

What is the cheapest month to go to Cuba?

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Cuba

High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly to Cuba is September.

How much is a beer in Cuba?

What does Varadero mean?

masculine. maritime, nautical shipyard, dry dock.

Can I travel to Cuba right now?

Yes! Travel to Cuba in 2021 is still possible for Americans who wish to travel independently. You just need to pay attention to the rules. Americans are allowed to travel to Cuba under 11 different travel categories of authorized travel that reflect the activities travelers will do while in Cuba.

Is Cuba a rich or poor country?

The government sets most prices and rations goods to citizens. In 2019, Cuba ranked 70th out of 189 countries, with a Human Development Index of 0.783, placed in the high human development category. As of 2012, the country’s public debt comprised 35.3% of GDP, inflation (CDP) was 5.5%, and GDP growth was 3%.

Is Guantanamo part of Cuba?

Guantanamo Bay is located on the southeastern coast of Cuba, where the U.S. leases land for its naval base under a treaty dating back to the 1898 Spanish-American War and in accordance with a 1934 treaty between both countries. Cubans have long protested U.S. presence on the island.

How big is Havana Cuba?

Guantanamo Bay is located on the southeastern coast of Cuba, where the U.S. leases land for its naval base under a treaty dating back to the 1898 Spanish-American War and in accordance with a 1934 treaty between both countries. Cubans have long protested U.S. presence on the island.

How much is a Big Mac in Cuba?

The price of Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) in Santiago de Cuba is 6 CUC.

Is it safe in Varadero Cuba?

Cuba in general, and Varadero in particular, are very safe places for travellers. Varadero is pretty strictly a tourist enclave, with limited access for locals, and routinely policed.

What currency does Cuba use?

The Cuban peso (in Spanish peso cubano, ISO 4217 code: CUP) also known as moneda nacional, is the official currency of Cuba. The Cuban peso historically circulated at par with the Spanish-American silver dollar from the 16th to 19th centuries, and then at par with the U.S. dollar from 1881 to 1959.

Which is better Cancun or Cuba?

The beaches were fabulous and Havana is well worth seeing, I just like Mexico so much better. My two biggest gripes about Cuba were the food – even at the Iberostar, it wasn’t great. The one thing they do well is, not surprisingly, Cuban food. Unfortunately, that was only on offer one night.

What should you not say in Cuba?

Is Cuba or Dominican Republic safer?

Cuba or Dominican Republic: what travelers say

It has much better safety including when walking at night downtown and in Varadero. … Cuba wins for beaches, culture, and history, while Dominican Republic is great for good food, dinking, and simply relaxing and swimming on a decent beach within a comfortable resort.

Is Havana safe at night?

Even though police are everywhere, muggings and kidnappings happen in Havana. They are not against tourists, but you may become a victim by accident. Special care should be taken in central Havana at night. Never stop for hitch-hikers who are known to perform attacks.

Where is the best place in Cuba to stay?

1. 5 Best Regions to Stay in Cuba. …
2. Old Havana – Where to Stay in Cuba for a First Visit. …
3. Santa Clara – Where to Stay in Cuba on a Budget. …
4. Centro Havana – Where to Stay in Cuba for Nightlife. …
5. Trinidad – Coolest Place to Stay in Cuba. …
6. Varadero – Where to Stay in Cuba for Families.

Is Cuba safe for a woman Travelling alone?

Cuba is a safe country, with virtually no violent crime, although pick-pocketing and petty theft do happen. If you stay aware of your surroundings, you should be able to have a safe, enjoyable time.