There are several tourist centers on Svoboda Island that are attractive to Russian tourists and their “colleagues” from neighboring countries. Coming to Cuba for the first time, any guest asks himself what to visit in Varadero or Havana. If there can be an infinite number of options regarding the capital, then it is more difficult with the most exclusive, fashionable and bourgeois resort.
There are no attractions in Varadero, in the sense in which this word is most often understood by travelers, there are no preserved ancient architecture, temples, in fact there are no museums, custodians of masterpieces of painting and cultural values. On the other hand, picturesque nature, beautiful seascapes are the main attraction of the resort. In addition, there are many entertainment venues, such as clubs, discos, restaurants.
Recreation and entertainment in Varadero
What to visit in Varadero
The village of Varadero was first mentioned in the 16th century, but it became known as a resort from the second half of the 19th century. It flourished in the 1930s, associated with the name of the famous American businessman Dupont. He acquired almost the entire island of Icakos, deciding to make it his summer residence, a vacation spot for himself, numerous relatives and family members. Now Dupont is affectionately called "the father of Varadero", since with his light hand the active development of the town began, primarily due to the residential complex that the rich man was building.
The luxurious house has been preserved, it ranks first in the list of attractions of the resort, is the main answer to the question of what to visit in Varadero on your own. The buildings house the headquarters of a golf club, the only one in the country; there are several rooms for tourists, however, which are very expensive.
But you can walk around the territory yourself or with a guide who will tell you about the history of the house, the unique technological devices used in the construction, and the famous home organ, the largest in the region. The peculiarity is that the walls of the house are arranged in such a way that the sound of the organ is absolutely inaudible in the bedrooms, but the music could be listened to while sitting outside on the large terrace.
Another interesting place to visit is the Varadero Museum. The fact that the expositions are located in the house, which will soon celebrate its centenary, is already attractive. The building is made in the American style of colonial buildings of the early twentieth century; the halls showcase ancient household items of Cubans, artifacts related to worship. You can also see archaeological finds of a very significant age.
A visit to this museum will be a discovery for children and adults that you can touch objects, and not just look through glass. True, this does not apply to the entire exposition, but only to its part, intended specifically for a closer acquaintance with Cuban history and culture. This part also contains the famous wicker furniture, as well as drawings, sketches of the natural and urban landscapes of Varadero, made by the guests of the resort at different times.
Top 10 attractions in Varadero
Journey to the world of wildlife
Acquaintance with the picturesque nature of Varadero begins with the first step through the territory of the resort. The main natural attractions are outside the city, but within reach. The list of places worth visiting includes: Hosone Park; Montemar park; the caves of Ambrosio and the Muslims; Cayo Piedras Marine Park.
Whether to visit all of the above places or give preference to one of them - each traveler will decide this independently, based on the capabilities, strength, and time spent at the resort.
Hosone Park was established in 1930, naturally, by a private individual, one of the wealthiest merchants, but after a while it became available to all residents and guests. Exotic trees, exotic tropical plants grow on the territory of this amazing place. You can see a variety of birds and animals, ride boats on the ponds that have appeared here thanks to the efforts of landscape designers. On the territory there are landscaped areas for picnics and barbecues, restaurants work, so time here can be spent profitably and culturally.
Montemar Park is fundamentally different from its "brother", it is a wilderness reservation, untouched by man. Most of the park is occupied by swampy areas, where many different representatives of the Cuban fauna and flora can be found.
Lovers of the mysterious will love traveling to the caves located in the territory of the national park. Ambrosio consists of several rooms; on the walls, archaeologists have discovered hieroglyphs left by the ancient inhabitants of these lands. For fans of the kingdom of Neptune, there is a direct road to the Cayo Piedras Park, where mysterious underwater decorations were specially arranged for them, several ships and an aircraft were flooded for this purpose.
