Fodor's Expert Review Playa Varadero

Visitors know it as Varadero, but locals call this 20-km (12 ½-mile) stretch of white-sand Caribbean beach Playa Azul, for the intense azure skies mirrored in the blue water. This spectacular beach along the north shore of the Hicacos Peninsula, is on a narrow finger of land that juts out into the Florida Straits. It segues into shallow, warm Caribbean waters, ideal for swimming and paddling. You can walk for miles along the beach, past the variously color-coded cabanas and lounge chairs of the 50 or so hotels that have access to the beach. There are, however, a few rocky areas where the sand disappears, so don’t set off on a long beach walk without sandals or beach shoes. Although the hotel properties and lounges are for guests only, there is no rule against walking along the shore and taking a dip in the sea whenever you need to cool off. Most hotels supply kayaks or small boats, but divers and snorkelers will have to take excursions to other waters. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular all along the beach. You can even have the beach to yourself when other hotel guests have departed for the dinner and evening shows. Amenities: food, drinks, lounge chairs and sun shades, toilets and showers, provided by hotels all along the beach, for guests only. Best for: swimming, sunning, walking, jogging, sunsets. READ LESS