San juan island caribbean: San Juan Tourism / Tourist Offices / Centers – Location
Why This Caribbean Island Is Trending With American Travelers
Share The Article
Last Updated
This Caribbean island is a short flight away from the United States, doesn’t require a passport, and uses the U.S. dollar.
Where is it? Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States located in the Caribbean, has been exploding in popularity recently.
According to recent data, Puerto Rico had 5.1 million tourist arrivals in 2022, its highest number ever.
This even tops the previous record in 2019, when Puerto Rico saw 4.9 million tourists.
Additionally, revenue from tourism was up 39% in 2022 compared to the previous year, and employment in the hospitality industry was up 13%.
Puerto Rico is demonstrating strong growth as a tourist destination, and it’s only expected to grow in 2023.
Here are the top reasons why Puerto Rico is trending among American travelers:
1.
Affordable Prices
One of the reasons Puerto Rico is so popular is that it’s one of the most affordable islands in the Caribbean.
You can easily find nonstop round-trip flights from cities in the U.S. for under $200 and nice hotels and resorts for under $150 per night.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Caribbean vacation, Puerto Rico is one of the best places to go.
Whether you want to stay in an affordable all-inclusive resort on the beach or a boutique hotel in San Juan, you can enjoy lower prices than many other Caribbean islands.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
2. Easy To Get There
Another reason to visit Puerto Rico is because of how easy it is to get there from many places in the United States.
As mentioned above, flights are frequent and affordable.
They’re also very short flights. New York City to San Juan, Puerto Rico is under 4 hours, while Miami to San Juan is only 2.
5 hours.
For American travelers, you don’t even need a passport to visit Puerto Rico since it’s a territory of the United States.
3. A Gorgeous Capital
San Juan, Puerto Rico is one of the prettiest Caribbean capitals.
Old San Juan is the historic heart of the city, and it’s full of colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, colonial churches, museums, cafes, and galleries.
For history buffs, you can explore the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century fort built by the Spanish.
You can easily spend a couple of days in Puerto Rico just exploring San Juan, but of course, the island has even more to offer…
4. Beautiful Beaches
One of the highlights of Puerto Rico is its beaches. You’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean in Puerto Rico, with white sand, palm trees, and crystal-clear blue water.
Vieques, an island off of Puerto Rico, is known for having some of the most stunning beaches. It’s also home to Bioluminescent Bay, where microorganisms give the water a blue-green glow at night.
Luquillo Beach is one of the best beaches close to San Juan which is just under an hour away.
5. Diverse Landscapes
Puerto Rico is more than just beaches. The interior of the island is known for its lush tropical rainforest, El Yunque National Forest. Hiking, swimming, and discovering waterfalls are popular activities in the rainforest.
You can also go ziplining, whitewater rafting, and try other adventurous activities in Puerto Rico.
6. Delicious Food
Puerto Rico is a major foodie destination, and there are tons of delicious foods you can try here. One of the best ways to tour Old San Juan is actually to take a food tour.
Mofongo is a classic Puerto Rican dish made of deep-fried plantains mashed with garlic and salt-cured pork. Arroz con gandules, a popular rice and beans dish, is another one to try. For special occasions, pernil is a national favorite roast pork dish.
And if you have a sweet tooth, you can’t miss Puerto Rico’s most popular dessert: arroz con dulce, a rice pudding made with cinnamon and raisins.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tyler Fox (@tyleroffpath)
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
↓ Join Our Community ↓
The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox
Type your email…
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Puerto Rico There is More to the Island than Beautiful Beaches and San Juan
Puerto Rico provides the ideal getaway for travelers seeking “beaches plus.
” On the Island, visitors will find diverse geography and a wealth of activities, accommodations and restaurants. Whether visitors are looking for a relaxing island escape, golf or scuba vacation, an adventure trip amidst tropical rainforests or a getaway rich in history and culture, the island of Puerto Rico offers all these experiences and more.
San Juan Metro Area
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico and the gateway to the Caribbean, offers a myriad of attractions to travelers, including the charming commercial and residential district of Old San Juan, world-class beachfront hotels in Condado and Isla Verde, casinos, exclusive shopping, museums, fine restaurants and trendy nightclubs.
Among the most recognizable landmarks in Puerto Rico is El Morro, the fortification visibly protecting the Bay of San Juan. Along with Fort San Cristóbal, both protected Old San Juan from invaders for hundreds of years. In Old San Juan there is a seven-square-block area over 500 years old with a bustling center dotted with ancient churches, plazas, historic sites, trendy restaurants, hip boutiques, galleries and Fortune 500 companies.
The defensive fortifications of San Juan, including La Fortaleza, are a United Nations-designated World Heritage site. Within them lies the Catedral de San Juan, a rare example of medieval architecture in the New World and Ponce de Leon’s final resting place. Other historic sites not to be missed include: Paseo La Princesa, the San Juan Gate, Cuartel de Ballajá, and Plaza de Armas.
While San Juan is at the heart of Puerto Rico and boasts an old-world flavor with a unique mix of culture and architecture not found in any other Caribbean city, there are four other diverse regions that also exemplify the true soul of the island: Porta Atlántico (North) Central, East, Porta Caribe (South), and Porta del Sol (West).
From the El Yunque tropical rainforest in the East, to the quaint beach town of Boquerón in the West, Puerto Rico offers a diverse cultural landscape and activities that appeal to all types of travelers.
Porta Atlántico / Central Region
The Northern region of Puerto Rico, known as Porta Atlántico, is renowned for its magnificent beaches, first-rate golf and impressive natural wonders.
Heading west from San Juan is Dorado, the island’s oldest resort town. Six white-sand beaches, hotels and casinos comprise this popular vacation spot. Golfers from around the globe visit Dorado for the four celebrated courses, all designed by Robert Trent Jones.
Nature buffs and sports enthusiasts won’t want to miss the rare black sand beaches and the pineapple plantations of the small coastal town of Barceloneta as they head westward through Northern Puerto Rico. The Cambalache Forest offers challenging mountain bike trails, as well as four miles of winding hiking trails and camping facilities.
Visitors to recibo can visit the world’s largest full-dish radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory and can participate in hands-on exhibits and tour the telescope site, featured in the James Bond movie Goldeneye, and other films such as Contact.
For visitors looking to get close to the water, but not necessarily submerged in it, Puerto Rico offers deep-sea fishing year-round.
Fishing is best from October to early March when dorado, mahi-mahi, wahoo, white marlin and yellow fin tuna are in season.
The north side of Puerto Rico is known as “Blue Marlin Alley” because of the large number of migrating fish that pass near its shores, especially in the summer. Charters are available from harbors in San Juan, Fajardo, Humacao and Mayagüez.
Lastly, a trip through Northern Puerto Rico wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Rio Camuy Cave Park, the third-largest cave system and underground river in the world. The entire family will enjoy this adventure, as visitors descend into a 200-foot deep sinkhole and view lush tropical vegetation, then walk through the majestic Clara Cave, full of stalagmites and natural formations millions of years old.
The Central region of Puerto Rico is scattered with the Cordillera Central Mountain Range, as well as some of the most secluded, yet culturally rich, towns of Puerto Rico. With a mixture of Spanish, Taíno Indian and African cultures, Central Puerto Rico is a historical melting pot of customs and architecture.
Toro Verde Nature Adventure is an outdoor park offering adventure for the whole family. The park includes four canopy tours with zip line rides, platforms, and hanging bridges including the world’s second longest zip line ride at nearly 4,700 feet. The park also includes a mountain bike ride designed by world champion rider Marla Streb.
The Rio Abajo Forest in Utuado is the perfect destination for hiking aficionados, and features an extensive network of hiking and mountain climbing trails. On the weekends, travelers can take a ferry over Dos Bocas Lake in Utuado and dine over the waterfront in one of the area’s exceptional restaurants.
For a second day of mountain hiking, the Toro Negro Forest Reserve in Villalba is a fantastic excursion filled with winding trails and amazing scenery. The 7,000-acre park offers a spectacular view from the highest point of the Cordillera Central range.
East
The most traveled of Puerto Rico’s regions; the Eastern area offers some of the most breathtaking scenery and invigorating attractions on the island.
Your journey eastward begins with a trip to the town of Rio Grande, the home of El Yunque, one of the most spectacular rainforests in the world and the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.
Part of the Caribbean National Forest, this natural wonder is home to 240 species of tropical trees, exotic flowers and wildlife. A must-see for travelers of every age, El Yunque provides opportunities to learn about the history of the forest at the El Portal Tropical Forest Center and then hike amongst the flora and fauna on El Yunque’s many trails.
From El Yunque, travelers can easily journey to Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico’s beautiful and family-friendly coastline area comprised of white, powdery sand. Swimmers can snorkel and skin dive amongst colorful tropical fish and amazing living coral reefs, while beachgoers bask in the sun and relax underneath coconut palms. Luquillo Beach features ample facilities, including lockers, showers, wheelchair-accessible services, picnic areas and authentic local refreshments.
With its crystal-clear water and prolific sea life, Fajardo is one of the best places in the Eastern region for sailing, snorkeling and diving. A longtime fishing town, Fajardo competes with Porta del Sol for some of the best seafood restaurants in Puerto Rico. After a delectable seafood lunch, travelers can end their day at Las Cabezas de San Juan, a unique 316-acre nature preserve on the northeast tip of the island.
A restored 19th century Spanish colonial lighthouse is the focal point of the site, providing amazing views of the Atlantic and the mangroves, lagoons, cliffs and cays throughout the preserve.
The Islands of Vieques and Culebra, known as the Spanish Virgin Islands, are just off the coast of Eastern Puerto Rico, and are hotspots among Puerto Rican locals, as well as travel gurus and celebrities from around the world.
Within the past few years, Vieques has experienced steady growth, and several trendy inns and restaurants have developed near the shore.
Most visitors travel to Vieques for its fabulous pristine beaches, including Sun Bay, Navío and Half Moon, and its azure waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
One of the most fascinating attractions on Vieques is Mosquito Bay, gorgeous by day and positively radiant by night due to bioluminescent organisms that cause the water to literally glow at night when it’s splashed in the moonlight. Other bioluminescent bays can be found at Las Croabas in Fajardo and La Parguera in Lajas.
For travelers looking for even more seclusion from the real world, Culebra offers tranquil beaches and incredible wildlife. The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is called “Ultima Virgen” (Last Virgin) because of its proximity to the Virgin Islands; the underwater vistas and unexplored reefs are a diver’s paradise. Among its many “best of” honors, Flamenco Beach has the prestige of being voted as one of The Travel Channel’s best beaches in the world.
Porta Caribe
Ponce, the “Pearl of Southern Puerto Rico” and the second largest city on the island, is known for its fusion of cultures and neoclassical architecture.
Visitors will detect a Colonial ambiance, with Ponce’s many beautiful plazas, colonial mansions and ornate churches.
Adventure seekers should explore the Island of Caja de Muertos (“Coffin Island”) and its Blue Flag certified Playa Pelícanos which is only a short boat ride away from Ponce. Transfers are available only on weekends. There, divers take advantage of one of Puerto Rico’s most unspoiled and spectacular underwater experiences in the Caribbean.
Porta del Sol
This region of Puerto Rico is a world-class dive destination due to the incredible Marine Wall, located approximately one mile off-shore, providing spectacular dramatic under water vistas and bushes of distinctive black coral.
This extraordinary Marine Wall has a series of slopes and sheer drop-offs that start at 30 feet to 120 feet before disappearing into a 2,000- foot drop, well beyond diver depths. For snorkeling, beaches near Ponce such as La Parguera offer fantastic reefs right off shore.
There is no need for a boat with excellent visibility and amazing coral reefs only yards away from the shoreline.
Surfers from all over the world travel to Rincón for some of the most challenging waves in the world. In winter, visitors can watch surfing competitions and visit the newly-renovated Rincon Lighthouse and Park, a prime location for whale watching, as humpback whales swim close to the shore.
As the third largest city in Puerto Rico, Mayagüez’s smallcity urban atmosphere serves as a great destination for families. Mayagüez offers shopping and restaurants with traditional Puerto Rican fare, and boasts Puerto Rico’s only zoo. The city was selected as host city for the 2010 Central American and Caribbean games during summer season.
Heading south down the coast, travelers can unwind in the beach area of Boquerón in the town of Cabo Rojo. Boquerón provides one of the best secluded public beaches on the island. After an afternoon of kayaking or windsurfing, visitors can watch the brilliantly colored sunsets on Boquerón beach.
San Germán, or the “City of Hills” as it was once known, is Puerto Rico’s second oldest city. By far the most popular attraction in the area is Iglesia Porta Coeli, one of the oldest (and smallest) churches in the New World, which was built by friars in 1606. Today, visitors can take a tour of the church, which has been converted into a state-owned museum featuring a small but prestigious collection of historical artifacts.
Guánica is a must-see in the Western region, with its gorgeous bays and beaches that dot the coastline. The town’s biggest attraction, however, is the Guánica Dry Forest Reserve, a unique, dry woodland that has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can hike through the lush forest trails and view more than 700 types of plants and 135 types of birds.
Nature buffs and campers should consider a visit to Mona Island, known as the Galápagos of the Caribbean, just off the shore of Mayagüez. As there are no inhabitants on this island, no facilities, and no lodging, Mona Island is ideal for overnight extreme-style camping trips, hiking or diving in crystal clear waters.
How to Plan Your Trip
For more information and details about accommodations, attractions and activities Puerto Rico has to offer visit the Puerto Rico Tourism Company website at www.seepuertorico.com.
CARIBBEAN :. www.caribbeanislands.com
The Caribbean Islands are located in the Caribbean region. The Caribbean Sea region is located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, north of South America and west of the Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are considered to be the Lucayan archipelago and not bordering the Caribbean, they are technically part of the West Indies but not the Caribbean. The mainland countries of Belize, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana are often included as Caribbean islands due to their political and cultural ties to the region.
.
Caribbean
Caribbean made up of 25 independent countries and other territories
- Anguilla (Anguilla has been a British Overseas Territory since 1980)
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba (Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- British Virgin Islands (BVI is a British Overseas Territory)
- Tortola
- Virgin Gorda
- Anegada
- Jost Van Dyke
- Caribbean The Netherlands also known as the BES Islands are three special municipalities of the Netherlands which are located in the Caribbean Sea.
Consist of islands- Bonaire
- Sint Eustatius
- Saba
- Cayman Islands (Cayman Islands has been a British Overseas Territory since 1962)
- Cuba
- Curaçao (Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe (French overseas territory from 1946 years old)
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique (French overseas territory since 1946)
- Montserrat (Montserrat has been a British Overseas Territory since 1632)
- Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States since 1898)
- Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barthelemy has been an overseas community of France since 2007, was previously a French colony after 1648, exchanged with Sweden in 1784 and sold back to France in 1878)
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint-Martin (French Overseas Territory)
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sint Maarten (Sint Maarten is the constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI is a British Overseas Territory)
- United States Virgin Islands USVI is a territory of the United States of America. Consist of main islands
- Sainte-Croix
- Saint John
- St. Thomas
Consist of islands
Consist of main islandsWhat are the capitals of the Caribbean?
- Basseterre – city, capital Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Bas – capital Guadeloupe
- Brades – city, capital Montserrat
- Bridgetown – Capital Barbados
- Castries – capital Saint Lucia
- Charlotte Amalie Capital United States Virgin Islands
- Cockburn Town – city, capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands
- Fort-de-France – capital Martinique
- George Town -capital Cayman Islands
- Gustavia -capital Saint Barthèlemy
- Havana -Capital Cuba
- Kingston – Capital Jamaica
- Kingston – city, capital from Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
- Kralendijk – city, capital Bonaire Island
- Marigot – city, capital from Saint Martin
- Nassau – capital Bahamas
- Oranjestad – city, capital Aruba
- Philipsburg – Capital Saint Martin
- Port-au-Prince – capital Haiti
- Port of Spain – Capital Trinidad and Tobago
- Road Town – city, capital Tortola , British Virgin Islands
- Roseau – capital Dominica
- Saint George – city, capital Grenada
- Saint John s -capital Antigua Barbuda &
- San Juan – capital Puerto Rico
- Santo Domingo – capital Dominican Republic
- Valley – capital Anguilla
- Willemstad – Capital Curacao
Why the Caribbean?
History of the Caribbean
Life in the region changed forever when, in October 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the coast of the Bahamas.
He also island-hopped and developed the first European settlement on the island, which today is divided between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Columbus and his fellow conquistadors recognized the riches in the region and saw money when they looked out over the abundant seas and fertile lands. They exploited the natural resources and the indigenous population, claiming the land as their own and enslaving the people of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and other islands.
The English followed in the 17th century, claiming Saint Kitts, Barbados, Antigua and other lands, and the French soon followed, claiming Guadeloupe and Martinique. The Dutch also wanted part of the Caribbean, the settlements of Saint Martin, Saba and St. Eustatius. For the next two centuries, Europeans fought for control of the islands and ownership changed frequently.
Colonial feuds between European powers created an opportunity for local people to fight for their own independence.
Haiti led the way, declaring independence from its colonizers in 1804, and Cuba and the Dominican Republic followed, as well as other smaller islands in the region. Some islands, such as Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe, still maintain strong neo-colonial relationships with their parent nations.
Caribbean culture
The contemporary culture of the Caribbean has been strongly influenced by the culture and traditions of Europe, as well as clues from African culture and others who came to the islands through immigrants. These various waves of migration have created a truly unique combination of cuisine, music, art, customs and traditions in the region.
One of the most recognizable aspects of Caribbean culture is the region’s music. Although they have roots in European and African culture, the sounds of reggae, meringue, calypso, rumba and zouk music are distinctly Caribbean. While the Caribbean islands share aspects of a common culture, each nation offers something unique and distinct to the visitor.
For stunning scenery and luxury resorts, they head to the Cayman Islands. St. Kitts and Nevis draw with their seclusion and live music festivals, Barbados’ unique flair combines horse racing by day and Calypso dancing by night, and the US Virgin Islands draw visitors with their plantation tours and pristine beaches.
Caribbean Lifestyle
Nature lovers can explore the Botanical Gardens underwater limestone caves and offshore reefs of the Bahamas, then play for a moment casino and delve into pirate lore without leaving the island. In St. Lucia they can relax on a secluded beach and then indulge in their adrenaline zip lining through the rainforest or climbing the peaks. These are just some of the many unique experiences visitors have while exploring the island.
Caribbean climate
The sun always shines on the region, and many travelers are attracted by the mild tropical climate when winter strikes their countries. Temperatures don’t change much throughout the year, with average temps between 75 and 85 degrees F, regardless of the season.
The trade winds make the days and nights relatively comfortable, but the humidity can be high all year round. The rainy season comes fall and the hurricane season covers June through November, but satellite forecasts now give much warning so that precautions can be taken during a storm. A truly year round destination, there really is never a bad time to visit the Caribbean .
The pleasant weather is one of the reasons that tourism has become a key industry for the economy of the Caribbean. Every year millions of people come to the islands, but other major industries include textiles, apparel and electronics manufacturing and oil refining and manufacturing.
Caribbean, one of the world’s premier tourist destinations
However, most Caribbean countries are heavily dependent on tourist dollars. Fortunately, there are no signs of a slowdown in the industry. People all over the world dream of spending their days in the shade of palm trees on a sandy beach, sipping on tropical concoctions and feasting on the freshest seafood, dancing to the sweet rhythms of steel drum bands at night and getting everything from it in an island paradise.
The Caribbean offers all this and more, making it one of the world’s premier travel destinations for those seeking a true tropical escape.
Your website caribbeanislands.com in other languages …
Caribbeanislands.com Inglés-original version
Caribbeanislands.com/pt Portuguese version translated
Caribbeanislands.com/es version Castilian
Caribbeanislands.com/de German version
Caribbeanislands.com/fr French translated
Caribbeanislands.com/it Italian translated
Caribbeanislands.com/sv Swedish translated
Caribbeanislands.com/no Norwegian translated
Caribbeanislands.com English version
A short guide to the main islands of the Caribbean
The Caribbean is such an exciting part of the world that almost every traveler dreams of visiting it. They combine all the diversity of a dream vacation – the turquoise waters of the ocean, a variety of entertainment, an unusual culture and an amazing incomparable flavor.
First of all, the Caribbean is an area of about 3000 sq km , covering some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Average year-round temperatures hover between 25-30 degrees, making this place just perfect for relaxing.
Most airlines only fly to the main islands. Also you can get here on the international cruise ship , which make stops in the magnificent harbors of different islands.
If you come here on your own, you can travel around the islands both by ferry and by air.
The islands were colonized by the British, French, Dutch and Spanish after Christopher Columbus, the legendary explorer, discovered the region at the end of the 15th century. Columbus first landed on what is now San Salvador in the Bahamas. From there he spread the influence of Spain over many islands until the advent of other Europeans. There is an underwater monument in Long Bay on San Salvador Island, indicating the place where Columbus anchored .
Recommended:
African countries for travel – description and features
Travel for free: what to see in Europe for free all over the world who are looking for sun and fun.
In addition, great beaches, spacious golf courses, delicious food and more still make the Caribbean one of the most ideal destinations in the world.
In fact, for cruising enthusiasts, the Caribbean Sea is often a fixed idea. If you are just thinking of going on such a trip, do not hesitate in your choice. If you cannot decide where to go – on a cruise on the Atlantic or on the Mediterranean Sea, then pay attention not to the fact that Caribbean is available almost all year round , while traveling in European countries will be pleasant only during the summer months.
Anguilla
Anguilla is one of the most beautiful islands in the region. This is a British territory that is world famous for its two luxury hotels – Malliouhana and Cap Juluca. Also, many other hotels will be happy to accept anyone who wants to feel surrounded by splendor and pathos. The island’s beaches are the main attraction, and you’ll find fine dining throughout the island.
Anguilla attracts all the richest and most famous people from all over the world.
Despite all of the above, there are also several budget places to stay on the island. Every tourist will find a place to their taste here.
Although the island has an international airport, many travelers land in St Martin and take the ferry.
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua is one of the top sun destinations for Europeans and Americans.
The complex history of this place makes it very exciting to explore. Although the majority of Antiguans are of African heritage , a strong British influence can be traced here. Today Antigua is famous for its 365 beaches – one for every day of the year. The two islands gained independence from Britain in 1981.
The most famous hotels on the island are Curtain Bluff, Jumby Bay and the time-tested St. James. But Antigua and Barbuda offers hotels and resorts at all prices, so if you are a budget traveler, feel free to go here.
Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbor on Antigua is one of the most important sites on the island. Named after Lord Horatio Nelson, it was used as a base during the Caribbean Wars with Spain, France and the Netherlands. Now this area has been redeveloped and is a popular place for walking, shopping and dining with friends. A local attraction – Clarence House, was built at the shipyard in 1786. The late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill napped in one of the bedrooms, while several members of the royal family also visited the house.
Aruba
This miniature island with a pronounced Dutch feel is not only distinguished by its beaches, but also by its beautiful mountainous terrain. Aruba has a huge variety of cultural attractions as well as good hotels, shopping and casino gambling.
Now tourism is the main direction of development on the island, however, in the early 19th century, the gold trade flourished here with might and main.
Traces of the earliest settlers, the Arawak Indians – Found in caves in Arikok National Park.
Aruba is also a favorite port for Caribbean sailing ships, and here you will feel the flavor of colonial times.
Papiamento, the language that the people of Aruba often use among themselves , is a mixture of African, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and English. It is also spoken on the Dutch islands of Bonaire and Curacao (Curaçao) and on the Dutch side of St. Martin.
Bahamas
The Bahamas are about 700 islands that form a continuous chain. Of these, only 30 are inhabited – they are the most popular tourist destinations. Here are located one of the most heavenly places on the planet .
One of the most famous is New Providence, where the capital of the country, Nassau, is located.
Like many Caribbean islands inhabited by Europeans, this is a country with a rich history.
Here you will find the 1780 Pompey House, which reflects some of the African events in the region. Not far from the hotel is the British Colony, a legendary oceanfront hotel built on the site of when the notorious pirate Blackbeard lived.
Also worth a visit are Fort Fincastle (Fort Fincastle) and Fort Montagu (Fort Montagu), as well as Queen’s Staircase (Queen’s Staircase). The last of these are 66 stone stairs carved by slaves for Queen Victoria, which commemorate each year of her reign.
Barbados
First of all, Barbados is a feast for the eyes and one of the most beautiful islands in the West Indies.
However, when the Portuguese, the first settlers, arrived in the 1600s and saw the lush tropical trees, they thought the shape of the plants resembled bearded men and then named the island in Portuguese: Barbados.
This island offers plenty of entertainment for all tastes and budgets.
The west coast of Barbados is where you’ll find most of the luxury hotels and where you can meet celebrities on holiday. The rocky northern coast is distinguished by the most impressive nature and raging seas. Surfers head to the east coast, and the south coast has nicely priced hotels. This year Barbados Hilton is celebrating its 100th Anniversary and the beautiful oceanfront hotel is an eye-catching example of island architecture.
Don’t miss the Nidhe Israel Synagogue , one of the oldest synagogues on the West Side of the island. Founded by Portuguese settlers in 1654 after escaping Brazilian persecution, it is now a museum. The island is also home to the Mount Gay Rum Distillery and many shops.
British Virgin Islands
This British territory consists of four main islands : Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and Anegada ). Tortola is the capital and largest of all the islands.
Yachting is popular here and many boats from the US and other islands anchor in these beautiful waters.
The Baths on Virgin Gorda, a collection of large ancient boulders with strange grottoes, have become a major attraction in the Caribbean. The exclusive Bitter End Yacht Club attracts tourists from all over the world. Those who do not have their own yachts can arrive here by ferry from Tortola Road Town or other nearby islands.
Cayman Islands
The Caymans are well known for their clear waters, which attract diving and deep sea fishing enthusiasts. In total, it consists of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The beach resorts on Grand Cayman are beautiful and Cayman Brac is perfect for deep sea fishing. The Little Cayman Island is ideal for nature and photography lovers.
Cuba
Known worldwide for its relaxed atmosphere, Cuba attracts adventurers from all over the world. Havana, the capital, is a destination for many travelers, however, traveling around the island can be difficult due to the aging tourism and transport infrastructure.
Spend a few days in Havana visiting old Hemingway haunts and driving 1950s American cars..
Santiago de Cuba, the capital of Cuba’s southeastern province of (called “Oriente” by Cubans), is a great place to visit, as is Baracoa in the eastern part of the island.
Curacao
This Dutch island is a favorite of many travelers. The Queen Emma Floating Bridge in the capital Willemstad is probably one of the most photographed bridges in the world. And the pastel houses of the island and beautiful beaches attract tourists from Europe and the USA. It should be noted that the capital was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Scuba divers love the Blue Bay on the western side of the island where they can access the vertical coral wall. You can feel the Indonesian influence through Indonesian food in many eateries.
Don’t miss the three impressive forts : Waterfort (Waterfort), Fort Amsterdam (Fort Amsterdam) and Fort Beekenburg (Fort Beekenburg), built in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic makes up two-thirds of the island of Hispanola, which it shares with Haiti.
The Dominican Republic is one of the best places for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. The country is also popular among lovers of All-Inclusive holidays and is distinguished by low prices for accommodation and a variety of travel destinations .
The capital of Santo Domingo is one of the oldest cities in the region and deserves a separate page in your travel.
Jamaica
Jamaica has long been a favorite tourist destination throughout the Caribbean. Negril, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay are the main tourist cities with excellent hotels, restaurants and stunning beaches. Kingston, the capital of the country , famous for its art galleries and museums.
All-inclusive is also popular here and many tourists from the USA come here for a relaxing holiday on the beach or by the pool.
Red Stripe is an iconic local beer that you should definitely try when visiting Jamaica. Must-see waterfalls, the main one being Dunn’s River Falls, deserves to be hiked through the jungle. Of course, reggae music is the heart and soul of Jamaica, so feel free to head to the nearest bar or local festivals to experience the real Caribbean spirit.
Puerto Rico
The United States took over this beautiful island after the Spanish-American War in 1891. With picturesque mountains, waterfalls, beaches and dense forests, the island has become a major tourist destination.
Agriculture also plays an important role in the region: sugar (and rum, its by-product), coffee and some tobacco are the main exports.
San Juan is the heart and capital of the island , and Old San Juan is a real find for lovers of antiquity. The city is filled with echoes of the 16th century and tiny streets lined with interesting shops.
The official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
Don’t miss the San Felipe del Morro Fortress with its thick walls and cannons facing the Atlantic Ocean. Or Casa Blanca, built in the 1520s.
Saint Martin
This two-in-one island – half French, half Dutch – is quite tiny. This is the smallest land area in the entire world that two nations can live on for over 300 years.
French Saint Martin is famous for its large nudist beach Orient Beach (Orient Beach). Its capital is Marigot.
Phillipsburg – The Dutch capital of is popular for its casinos, huge resorts and many shops. Dutch architecture or gingerbread houses in pastel colors are great backdrops for your photos.
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is located near Venezuela.
These two islands are influenced by Creole roots and a multicultural population.
The Asa Wright Nature Center in Trinidad is amazing.
Imagine dozens of wild animals, flowers and plants, hummingbirds and waterfalls, serene pools and great views wherever you look.
This is a real piece of paradise and tranquility.
Turks & Caicos
These islands are located southeast of the Bahamas and, like them, are in the Atlantic Ocean. Only about 30,000 people live here and tourism annually attracts about 200,000 people.
The island of Providenciales boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Here is the Grace Bay Club on the world famous Grace Bay Beach . The beaches on these islands are deserted and attractive for lovers of all kinds of water sports. The capital of the islands is the city of Grand Turk.
US Virgin Islands
Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas is the capital of this group of islands. It has a long history as the Mecca of Caribbean life during the time of piracy and trade.