The first mention of Varadero in historical records dates back to 1555. The area was developed by the Spaniards in the colonial era, with Varadero as an important dry dock near Cuban salt mines. Over the centuries, Varadero continued to grow steadily as one of the principal ports in Cuba, a key supplier of salt to the Spanish Fleet in the Caribbean. The city of Varadero was officially founded on December 5, 1887.
Tourists began to visit Varadero in the 1870s. It became an elite resort town for those that could afford it over the next 60 years. The popularity of this town skyrocketed when American millionaire Iréné Dupont constructed his estate with a lavish mansion in Varadero. Dupont was a prominent businessman who brought class and fame to the area. Many notable figures would follow his lead and build homes at Varadero for vacationing, including the infamous gangster Al Capone and former Cuban president Batista.
The expropriation of mansions during the Cuban Revolution of the 1950s changed the atmosphere here for a time. An effort was made to attract working-class Cubans to the area for vacation. Varadero is different from many Caribbean resort towns in that the locals are highly integrated rather than being shunned or banned in favor of a strictly private resort for rich American and European tourists. A major push for development in the past few decades has lead to the widespread construction of hotels and luxury resorts. Accommodations can now be found in a wide price range.
Varadero Beach is the main attraction in town. Visitors come from all over to enjoy the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea and the soft white sand. The beach stretches for approximately 13 miles along the northwestern coast of Cuba. Warm and shallow waters are especially enjoyable for swimming. Go snorkeling along the nearby reefs and explore the underwater caverns that surround the area.
The climate in Varadero is sub-tropical with two distinct seasons. The dry winter season lasts from November through April. There is usually a light breeze and barely any precipitation. Temperatures generally hover between 80 degrees F in the day and 60 degrees F at night. Summer in Varadero lasts from May until October. This is the rainy season, although most days are still sunny. Occasional rainstorms occur with great intensity, and the humidity is high. Temperatures can be slightly oppressive, reaching over 90 degrees F in the day.
La Cueva de Ambrosio is a mysterious cave in Varadero, Cuba. Take the Autopista Sur out to the east past the Club Amigo Varadero to the get to the cave. There are 47 pre-Columbian drawings inside the depths of this 1,000 foot cave. These primitive paintings by an ancient indigenous population are believed to date back as far as 2,000 years. Other African-style drawings have also been found in la Cueva de Ambrosio, indicating that the cave was used as a haven by escaped slaves in the colonial era.
