7 Caribbean Destinations That Look European

There are numerous Caribbean locations that look European, and for good cause. For a very long time, the Caribbean was made up of outposts for a lot of main European powers. Right this moment, the area is thought for its safe, low-crime beach towns, and the laid-back vibe of the individuals. But, as somebody who lives right here, I witness throwbacks to the European period throughout, in a few of our most historic neighborhoods.

In lots of locations within the Caribbean, these colonial areas are the place all of the oldest buildings are. The architectural model displays when it was constructed and which one of many European nations was concerned in its development. These buildings vary from presidential palaces to whole castles. Right here, we take a look at a few of the Caribbean locations that look European, and see how the previous is mirrored within the current.

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7 San Juan, Puerto Rico

Appears like: Seville, Spain

The colourful La Perla neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is a charming Caribbean vacation spot that appears European, echoing the appeal of Seville, Spain. There’s always something here for visiting tourists to enjoy. Its cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and vibrant plazas transport guests again to Spanish colonial instances.

The colourful facades and complex wrought-iron balconies of Previous San Juan resemble the Andalusian style of southern Spain. The historic San Juan Cathedral and the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro fort additional improve this European ambiance.

6 Willemstad, Curaçao

Appears like: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Colonial Constructing of Willemstad, Curacao

Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is commonly in comparison with Amsterdam, making it a Caribbean vacation spot that appears European as a result of its picturesque waterfront, vibrant Dutch colonial structure, and charming canals. Town’s pastel-colored buildings alongside the Handelskade waterfront, with their gabled roofs and European design, create a putting resemblance to the Dutch capital.

Guests can stroll via the Punda and Otrobanda districts to expertise this distinctive mix of Caribbean and European appeal. The architecture in Curaçao is also UNESCO-listed, for good cause.

5 Havana, Cuba

Appears like: Madrid, Spain

Havana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba’s capital, exudes a European aptitude paying homage to Madrid, Spain, making it a notable Caribbean vacation spot that appears European. Town’s Previous Havana district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site crammed with Spanish colonial structure, grand plazas, and historic landmarks.

The neoclassical and baroque buildings, vibrant avenue life, and the long-lasting Malecón waterfront are all additions to the myriad things that travelers can do in Havana. The affect of Spanish tradition can also be evident within the language, delicacies, and festivals celebrated right here.

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4 Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Appears like: The Hague, Netherlands

Dutch Sint Maarten Boardwalk, Philipsburg

Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten, boasts a captivating European character paying homage to The Hague within the Netherlands, making it a pleasant Caribbean vacation spot that appears European. Town is thought for its Dutch colonial architecture, colourful buildings, and picturesque streets.

Entrance Avenue, the primary thoroughfare, is lined with conventional Dutch facades, making a quaint European ambiance. Town’s maritime historical past and affect are additionally evident in its harbor and waterfront areas.

3 Fort-de-France, Martinique

Appears like: Marseille, France

Individuals in a avenue in Fort de France, Martinique

Fort-de-France, the capital of Martinique, is commonly likened to Marseille, France, with its mix of French colonial architecture, bustling markets, and coastal appeal, making it a notable Caribbean vacation spot that appears European. Town’s slim streets, colourful buildings, and the grand Schoelcher Library evoke a distinctly French ambiance.

Guests can benefit from the vibrant tradition, scrumptious French-Caribbean delicacies, and gorgeous views of the bay, paying homage to the French Mediterranean coast. There’s more than just Fort de France to explore in Martinique, though many of the European structure is within the capital.

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2 Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy

Appears like: Good, France

Gustavia, Saint Barthelemy harbor, the Caribbean

Gustavia, the capital of Saint Barthélemy, is paying homage to Good, France, with its upscale European ambiance, luxurious yachts, and French-inspired structure, making it a captivating Caribbean vacation spot that appears European. The red-roofed buildings, slim streets, and scenic harbor create a complicated European ambiance. Gustavia’s French heritage is clear in its language, delicacies, and trendy boutiques, making it a classy vacation spot that appears like a slice of the French Riviera within the Caribbean.

1 Oranjestad, Aruba

Appears like: Maastricht, Netherlands

Avenue alongside trolley tracks in Oranjestad, Aruba

Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, bears a putting resemblance to Maastricht, Netherlands, with its Dutch colonial structure and quaint European appeal, making it a standout Caribbean vacation spot that appears European. The pastel-colored buildings, ornamental gables, and bustling markets give Oranjestad a distinctly Dutch feel. Town’s European affect is additional highlighted by its language, festivals, and culinary choices, making it a vibrant destination with plenty of things to do.