Landing at Varadero Juan Gualberto Gomez Intl Airport in Varadero keeps everything close, with nearby cities and attractions within easy reach. Varadero runs along the thin Hicacos Peninsula, where roughly 20 kilometers of pale sand face warm, turquoise water. This is Cuba's classic beach resort, laid back and sunny, with classic cars, rum cocktails, and live son music drifting out of open-air bars. It is easy to relax here, and just as easy to slip away for a taste of everyday Cuban life.

Standout experiences around Varadero: - Swim and snorkel off the long beach, with calm water most of the year - Tour Xanadu Mansion, the 1920s Dupont family villa above the sea - Explore the cave paintings of Cueva de Ambrosio in the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve - Float in the cool cenote at Cueva de Saturno, a short drive from town - Wander the lakes and gardens of Josone Park in the center of town - Take a catamaran trip to the cays for reef snorkeling - Hear the danzon and rumba of Matanzas, the music city just down the coast

Leaving Varadero, Matanzas is about 40 minutes west, a port city of bridges and rivers often called the Athens of Cuba, with the elegant Teatro Sauto and the Bellamar caves. On the way to Havana, stop at the Bacunayagua Bridge for views over the Yumuri Valley. Havana is around two hours away, close enough for a long day of old streets and music. Closer in, Cardenas offers horse carts and a slice of small-town life. Order a mojito or a plate of ropa vieja, and let Varadero's easy rhythm take over.