Varadero, Cuba

Capital City

Varadero may be a tropical resort paradise, but with a population of just 21,170 and a heavy reliance on tourism, the bureaucratic headaches and infrastructure challenges are persistent. The town's location on the narrow Hicacos Peninsula leaves it vulnerable to hurricanes, with Category 5 storms like Irma in 2017 causing major damage. While Varadero's beautiful beaches and international hotels cater to over 1 million foreign tourists annually, the cultural life of the town has suffered as a result, making it better suited for those seeking an all-inclusive beach vacation than an authentic Cuban experience.