Varadero, Cuba – Dream Beaches, Turquoise Sea and Urban Shortages
Varadero, Cuba’s iconic beach resort, reveals a striking duality: natural paradise and daily hardship. Through Sebastien Desnoulez’s lens, discover both sides of this complex destination.
Varadero, Cuba’s emblematic coastal town, is a place of sharp contrasts. On one side, some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, bordered by crystalline waters in surreal shades of blue. On the other, a city where empty store shelves reflect the country’s ongoing economic difficulties.
The fine white sand of Varadero stretches as far as the eye can see. The shallow, transparent waters let you see the seabed without any equipment. Turquoise tones invite both contemplation and swimming. In certain areas, the beach is accessed via small shaded paths through coastal vegetation—a refreshing interlude before reaching the infinite Atlantic horizon.
While snorkeling in the waters of Varadero, you may encounter silver fish shoals, parrotfish, and sergeant majors. One curious fish even swims close to the lens, almost posing for an unexpected underwater portrait.
But another reality awaits in town. Inside a local store, shelves appear almost bare. Only a few cans and jars, lined up in repetitive rows, break the emptiness. The atmosphere is silent, almost surreal, in stark contrast to the vibrant marine landscapes nearby.
Walking the streets of Varadero, you’ll see the famous American cars from the 1950s. Some are well preserved, others more worn, yet all contribute to Cuba’s unique visual identity. A two-tone sky-blue and white sedan is parked in front of a colorful façade, while another red model seems to emerge from a past frozen in time.
These iconic vehicles share the streets with locals in bright clothing, walking past vividly painted buildings. It’s an urban scene that feels both lively and motionless—human energy set against material stillness.
Varadero is a land of duality: dazzling natural beauty and resourceful daily life. This photographic journey highlights the two faces of a destination that remains, despite everything, deeply human and endlessly fascinating.
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All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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