The main road leads into the old town, which has a permanent population of about 17,000. This is the livelier and less expensive end of Varadero, with budget hotels, fast-food restaurants and markets that sell crafts and souvenirs. A few old wooden homes built in the Bahamian style, with wide porches and louvered windows, recall the island's heyday. The town's attractions include a new outpost of Havana's El Aljibe restaurant, famed for its roast chicken, and the Parque Josones, a park that offers landscaped grounds lush with rare plants and animal life. Farther east, the town peters out and the ocean beaches widen into beautiful silver strands.
Development changes to large, self-contained resort hotels, and prices rise sharply.
Some are all-inclusive communities whose entry gates are manned by security guards. Once inside, there is little incentive to leave, as the fees cover all food, beverages and most activities during your stay. The typical luxury hotel in eastern Varadero offers amenities similar to other Caribbean resorts. The rooms are air-conditioned and comfortably furnished in wicker and tile, with cable televisions and abundant hot water in marble bathrooms. Swimming choices include large, palm-shaded pools.