Cuba Guide
Varadero and Matanzas
Parque Josone
Address: Across Avenida Primera from the Museo Varadero
Opening time: Daily noon– midnight, pool 10am–6pm
Price: Pool $2CUC
The Parque Josone, sometimes referred to as Retiro Josone, is the most tranquil and picturesque spot in central Varadero. The landscaping is simple, with no intricately designed gardens, just sweeping, well-kept lawns dotted with trees and a small lake with its own palm tree-studded island. There are rowboats ($0.50CUC per person per hour) and pedal boats ($5CUC per boat per hour) for rent, a couple of outdoor caféterias, four restaurants, and a crazy-golf course to help you prolong what would otherwise probably be a short visit. At the southern edge of the park, where it borders the Autopista del Sur, a swimming pool with an adjacent bar offers further recreation. Official tourist literature claims the park is a protected reserve for local flora and fauna, but the only local animals being preserved here are a handful of ducks, geese, peacocks and chickens. You can also see, stranded on the island, a few distinctly non-native ostriches.