Nature and culture in Havana and Varadero

Why choose between nature and culture during your next vacation in Cuba? Varadero and Havana offer a perfect marriage of heavenly beaches, history, colorful streets, festive restaurants and grandiose all-inclusive hotels.

Varadero is a seaside resort very close to an international airport with 21 kilometers of beaches, calm seas and an array of water activities and boat excursions. Moreover, given its shallow waters, it is the ideal place for beginners in scuba diving or snorkeling enthusiasts. A peculiarity of the province of Matanzas, where Varadero is located, is its network of caves of more than 23 kilometers. It is therefore possible to leave for a few hours in the depths of the region to explore all the underground natural beauties that are hidden there.

Less than two hours from Varadero is the capital of the island of Cuba, Havana. Its rich history includes attacks by pirates and corsairs, the construction of castles and ramparts, the passage of ships laden with gold, emeralds, and spices in its important port, an epidemic of plague, an American occupation, then a great revolution.

Strolling through its streets today, we see the traces of this past which now gives way to a flourishing culture, colorful buildings, American cars symbols of another era, and above all, welcoming and smiling Cubans.

Air Transat also offers to combine the two destinations for your vacation with a Duo package allowing you to spend part of your stay in the historic capital Havana, and the other, on the beaches of Varadero.

Cigars

Who has never heard of the famous Cuban cigars? Whether it is called habano or puro, the world famous cigar is made on the island from locally planted, harvested and processed tobacco. The Cuban cigar is also a protected designation of origin and it is possible to buy it in various shops in the capital.

ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES

In Varadero

• Stroll through Parque Josone to observe native birds.
• Scuba dive in Playa Coral, a beautiful coral reef with a depth of 14 meters.
• Discover the history of the peninsula at the Varadero Museum.
• Visit the natural caves Las cuevas de Bellamar, the deepest, the cueva de Ambrosio with interesting rock formations, and the cueva Saturno where you can swim.

In Havana

• Stroll through La Habana Vieja, the oldest neighborhood in the city, with Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas and several other historic buildings.
• Watch the making of Cuban cigars at Unise Partagas Cigar or Fabrique H. Upmann.
• Take a picture of El Capitolio and its large bronze statue.
• Wander through the Vedado district on the iconic Malecon avenue.
• Stop for a coffee in front of the San Cristobal Cathedral with its 18th century baroque façade.

The climate

Varadero and Havana have pleasant year-round temperatures and warm seas to wade through. Between January and April, temperatures range from 25°C to 28°C.

Getting There

Air Transat serves Varadero airport with its many all-inclusive packages from Toronto, Montreal and Quebec 4 times a week, and also from Halifax, Moncton and Ottawa, once a week, in season.

To go directly to Havana, Air Transat offers direct flights from Montreal starting December 19, 3 times a week.

GOOD ADDRESSES IN HAVANA

Bars:

• For its 1930s style and because it was one of Hemingway’s favorite bars: El Floridita
• To drink where the celebrities of the world have already set foot: The Bodeguita del Medio

Restaurants:

• For live Cuban music and traditional Cuban food: Restaurant VanVan
• For dinner on a pretty, colorful terrace and fusion cuisine made with fresh produce: El del Frente

Hotels:

• Located in renovated historic buildings, the 5-star hotel Iberostar Grand Packard offers modernly decorated rooms with panoramic city views from the swimming pool on 6^e stage.

GOOD ADDRESSES IN VARADERO

Restaurants:

• For the original decoration and succulent grills: Varadero 60
• For the breathtaking panorama and a meal in the former residence of the wealthy Irénée du Pont Nemours: Mansion Xanadu-Las Americas
• For delicious homemade meals: Don Alex

Bars:

• For jazz and Cuban music and good cocktails: Benny’s Bar
• To drink and dance in a cave: The Cueva del Pirata

Hotels:

• The 3 star hotel Be Live Experience Varadero is located in front of the sea and has 4 restaurants, 5 bars, 1 swimming pool and snacks 24 hours a day.
• Surrounded by tropical gardens in the Varahicacos Nature Reserve, theIberostar Selection Varadero is a 4 1⁄2-star property offering introductory scuba lessons and a spa.
• The hotel Be Live Adults Only Los Cactus is a 3 1⁄2 star accommodation for adults only with a discotheque, à la carte dinners and access to many water sports.

TO KNOW :

• The official language is Spanish.
• The currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP).
• The capital is Havana.
• Internet can be capricious (and paying) in Cuba.

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