Come and Explore Al Capone’s History in Cuba

When you think of Cuba, you can’t help but think of Al Capone. Stories of the notorious gangster have been told for years. Film, TV shows and books have been made to tell these shocking tales. And it’s no secret that Cuba has played a massive part in the Al Capone story.

In this article, we explore the history of the famous ‘Scarface’ and explore where you as a tourist in Cuba can walk in his famous footsteps.

So, Who is Al Capone?

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of the King of the Mafia, Al Capone. But here’s a brief history of his life and times in Cuba.

His full name is Alphonse Gabriel Capone, born in 1899, and is notorious as the world’s most famous gangster. Born to Italian emigrants, Capone started his journey into crime at the young age of 20. He was infamous for being brutal, smart and extremely violent. He ruled the underworld and everybody in the illegal gambling and alcohol smuggling world knew him.

But what about Cuba? Al Capone loved Cuba. He spent his summers here, where he ran his ‘business’ as the head of his gangster operations. Capone built a beautiful and luxurious villa in one of the most picturesque spots in Cuba, Varadero. The villa was remarkable with a typical Californian feel, blue balcony, tiled roof and stone walls, it was idyllic.

Even when his life was coming to an end in 1947, Cuba is where his heart belonged. He returned time and time again to his Cuban retirement home. Then after he died, his home in Veradero was taken over by Fidel Castro who is a communist government, something the American gangster would not have been happy with.

Capone’s home was abandoned for decades after his death. It has a couple more occupants like a school that moved in. But in the 90s it was renovated and revived as Capone’s original abode.

Head to Varadero to Visit Al Capone’s House

It’s no wonder Al Capone wanted to set up a home and business in Varadero. Many people say that Varadero is one of the most stunning places to visit in Cuba. Its lush beaches are covered in sugar-white sand and exquisite crystal waters that invite you to take a dip. You can see why visitors flock to the Cuban coast of Varadero all year round.

Whilst Varadero has plenty of things to see and do, one thing has to be visiting Al Capone’s villa. Especially if you’re a big Scarface fan. It is located in a particularly spectacular location in Coco Cove which is between the calming sea and the Paso Malo Lagoon.

In more recent times, the house of Al Capone was taken over by the Ministry of Tourism. And despite their reservations, due to the context of Capone’s crimes, saw the value in marketing the house as a tourist spot. They turned his previous home and mobster hub into the restaurant ‘La Casa de Al.’

Al Capone’s History in Cuba

La Casa De Al Al Capones Villa In Varadero

Dine at Al Capone’s Luxury Villa

Fans of the famous mobster head to the restaurant, not only for the incredible food. But to get a glimpse of Al Capone’s world. With its stunning setting, guests can enjoy lunch or dinner with a beautiful view, whilst remembering the legend of Capone.

As you enter the restaurant, you are greeted by a replica of the Cadillac V8 Town black car that he famously drove and was his favourite. Grab your camera and take a snap outside of the car to see what it was really like to be this notorious gangster.

Once you step into the restaurant, you’ll see memorabilia everywhere. This includes photos of the gangster in his classic pose with his famous hat and an authentic Cuban cigar.

Post dinner guests can head over to the Capo Bar, which is part of Al Capone’s villa complex. Decorated in a 30s style to really take you back and imagine you were there.

Whilst Al Capone has always been known as a somewhat ‘problematic’ legend. It’s no surprise that tourists have this famous villa on their bucket list every time they visit Cuba. No matter what you think of his crimes, he is notorious, and people want to see his life. Which encompassed beautiful Cuba so much.

Al Capone’s History in Cuba