Varadero beach is located in the Hicacos Peninsula, in the territory of the Matanzas province. It is 140 km (93 mi) away from Havana and 32 km (21 mi) from the City of Matanzas. It has a current estimated population of 15 000 inhabitants. Its beaches, being exploited by tourism, extend for more than 11 km (7 mi) uninterruptedly and still present extensive virgin areas. The peninsula extends into the Gulf of Mexico, which bathes its north coast.
There is an international airport, the "Juan Gualberto Gómez".