Cárdenas

Travel Guide
Cardenas
Learn about this island nation’s rich past in this small history-steeped city, which was the site of the first raising of the Cuban flag.

Cárdenas is a small, tranquil city with a big personality. Admire the beautiful colonial architecture that lines its quiet streets, along which bicycles and horse and carriages travel. Explore its pretty parks and fascinating museums and soak up its friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

An authentically Cuban city, Cárdenas is devoid of the mass tourism found elsewhere on the island. Chat with local residents, who are patriotically proud of being the first place in the country in which the Cuban flag was raised.

Start your explorations in the compact and easily navigable city center. In the small Parque Colón, admire the stained-glass windows of the Cárdenas Cathedral, also known as Catedral de la Concepción Inmaculada. Pose for a photograph with the statue of Christopher Columbus which stands in front of the cathedral. Dating to 1862, the statue is considered to be the oldest in the western world. In Parque Echeverría, a nearby prominent park, learn more about the city’s famed 20th-century revolutionary at the Musuem Casa Natal José Antonio Echeverría, which is housed in his childhood home.

Cárdenas has two main claims to fame. Firstly, the city was the site of the first raising of the Cuban flag by revolutionary General Narciso López in 1850. Find the Monument of the Flag that honors this event at the end of Avenida Céspedes. The city is also known for being the home of Elián González, a 6-year-old boy who hit worldwide headlines in 1999 when he was shipwrecked off the coast of Miami, sparking an international debate about his custody. In 2001 Fidel Castro opened a museum in his honor, the Museo Batalla de Ideas (Museum of the Ideological Battle).

Located 11 miles (18 kilometers) southeast of the city of Varadero, Cárdenas is served by plentiful public transportation. The city is also a good daytrip destination, as most of the important sights can be seen within a few hours. If you have time then enjoy a side trip and sample some of the famous Cuban rum at the Arechabala Rum Factory, the original home of Havana Club.

Los Delfines Varadero
Los Delfines Varadero
3 out of 5
Avenida 1ra, Varadero, Matanzas
The price is S$143 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
S$143
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3-star beach property in Varadero. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Varadero Beach and Las 8000 Taquillas ...
3/10 (14 reviews)
"Rooms clean ,location on the main street in varadero. The food is ok no complaints,being in cuba and all the shortage of suppplies,the options is limited . The hotel is quite big with a newly renovated section very beautiful. Easy access to the local taxi cars.The hop on hop off bus tour is frequent. ..."

Reviewed on 25 Aug,2024

Los Delfines Varadero
Hostal MIMI'S PALACE
Hostal MIMI'S PALACE
2.5 out of 5
Calle H Numero 05, Cárdenas, Varadero
The price is S$37 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
S$37
includes taxes & fees
20 Nov - 21 Nov
Stay at this B&B in Cárdenas. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (102 reviews)
"It was good had a great time"

Reviewed on 4 Oct,2024

Hostal MIMI'S PALACE
Hostal Retiro Sensat
Hostal Retiro Sensat
2.5 out of 5
Calle 7ma, No.3 Boca de Camarioca, entre D y E, Cárdenas, Matanzas
The price is S$89 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
S$89
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Book a stay at this beach guesthouse in Cárdenas. Enjoy a beach locale, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Santa Catalina Caves ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Absolutely lovely space, we stayed here in Feb 2024 and can't wait to return! The room was spacious with a king size bed and had a large bathroom with twin sinks, soaker tub and a gorgeous tiled shower. Swimming is close by maybe 200m, in a sheltered bay. It's a public beach, but quiet. There is ..."

Reviewed on 24 Feb,2024

Hostal Retiro Sensat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Casa Karelia
Casa Karelia
2.5 out of 5
Calle 43 entre 2da y 3ra, Nº 214, Varadero, Varadero, Matanzas
Stay at this apartment in Varadero. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and WiFi (surcharge). Popular attractions Varadero Beach and Las 8000 Taquillas Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
"Friendly hosts. Great comfortable and spacious room and courtyard. No breakfast available onsite, but great restaurants and coffee shops within 5-10 min walk. Secure parking available on-site Awesome location; beach accessible with less than 5 min walk."

Reviewed on 21 Dec,2023

Casa Karelia
El Balcon de Liberty
El Balcon de Liberty
3 out of 5
Avenida Playa, 3301, 3er piso, Apto 3B Esquina Calle 33, Varadero
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Varadero. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Varadero Beach and ...
El Balcon de Liberty
Casa Danay
Casa Danay
4 out of 5
Primera avenida, 3602 A Entre 36 y 37,, Varadero
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Varadero. Enjoy WiFi (surcharge), dry cleaning or laundry services, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Varadero Beach ...
Casa Danay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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