Varadero – Tourist hell or heaven on earth?

While in Cuba we definitely wanted to spend some days on the beach. And please one of the most beautiful ones! We were one afternoon on Playa Ancon. Lovely. But firstly we wanted more and secondly our high expectations had to be fulfilled. As they were formed by many pictures.

Backpacking in Varadero

Why Varadero and is it a usual backpack destination? Basically, it’s not OK. Our first idea was Cayo Coco, but it was too expensive. Plus there are no Casas Particulares there, but only hotels.

In Varadero, we had the most beautiful Casa and by far the best view over the beach.

Casas Particulares in Varadero

We took the bus from Trinidad to Varadero. Not the most comfortable way, but the cheapest. When we arrived, the weather was not perfect. But that was supposed to change.

We reserved our Casa one day before. Normally it would be better to do it earlier if you wanted a particular one. But our plans spontaneously changed due to Cayo Coco and it worked.

The room including a huge balcony with views over the beach was a bit more expensive, but it was worth it. It always depends on how long you’re staying and what your plans are. In our case, it was just perfect.

Our landladies, three sisters, were just lovely. One morning, we discovered them in the morning, lying wasted on the common area’s sofas. They made too much fiesta the night before and some boozy breath was in the air. We wanted to have breakfast at nine.

We woke one of them and she apologised thousands of times. We didn’t dislike as it was really funny. We could have gone elsewhere for breakfast but we just wanted stay!

Breakfast was not as perfect as the day before, but it was worth the entertainment.

You can have good lunch and dinner here, too. Guests from the hotels nearby came over to eat. Although they had booked all-inclusive. This leads to the next point.

All-inclusive in Cuba? A nightmare!

Varadero’s huge beach is amazing! A dream! Don’t listen to people telling you something else- they lie!

But: A walk along the beach is sometimes depressing. Sad atmostphere, all-inclusive hotels with bad food and wasted Russians who continue drinking in the morning to surivive their hangover. That’s why some people came to our Casa and told they have lunch here every day and spend here their next holiday.

Varadero’s stereotypes

So, it depends on where you are in Varadero. Sometimes you can perfectly have fun watching people. We are not supporting people wearing jogging pants and snuffing staff in restaurants. Well, others do. But why do they wonder why we were being treated nicely and they weren’t?

Some stereotypes were confirmed! But we had an amazing time and can definetly recommend our accommodation. The hotel guests often don’t leave their part of the beach, so we were almost alone at our part most of the time. And if not, it was entertaining watching some of them:

Varadero: Yes or no? YES!YES!YES!

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