Matanzas Province

Home of Varadero, Cuba's best-known beach resort, plus the Zapata wetlands and Bay of Pigs historic sites.

Matanzas Province lies on Cuba's north coast, east of Havana. Varadero, on the Hicacos Peninsula, has long white-sand beaches and many all-inclusive resorts, making it Cuba's most developed seaside resort area. The provincial capital, Matanzas, is nicknamed the "Athens of Cuba" and has attractions such as the Bellamar Caves. In the south, the Zapata Peninsula is an important Caribbean wetland, good for birdwatching and diving, and the Playa Girón area has a museum on the Bay of Pigs invasion. November to April is the best season. Varadero's Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport handles many international flights.

Destinations

• Varadero
• Zapata Peninsula & Bay of Pigs

Itineraries

• Classic Western & Central Cuba – A loop from Havana covering the valley, Bay of Pigs, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and Santa Clara.
• Havana, Central Colonial Towns & Varadero – Travel from Havana through three central towns, ending with the beaches of Varadero.