Trying to find an island that isn’t saturated with tourists has become an extreme sport. Most islands today are filled with resorts, chain restaurants, and crowded beaches, making it difficult for travelers who want a more authentic experience.
There is one island that isn’t being talked about and remains a secret amongst locals and travel aficionados.
Providencia, located off the northern coast of Colombia, is an eight-square-mile island where locals still dominate the land. The island is a part of Colombian territory and Spanish, English and Creole English are their native languages.
Visit Providencia and you’ll be welcomed by locals who are excited to tell you about their history through stories passed down generations which involve pirates and treasure.
Here’s what you need to know about this authentic island:
How To Get There
Ok, actually getting to Providencia is a bit of a challenge but totally worth it.
There are no direct flights to the island but if you head to Colombia then the island of San Andres, you’ll find a puddle jumper plane which makes daily trips to Providencia.
Accommodations
Monasterio del Viento is located on a hilltop overlooking the water with a view of the tiny island of Crab Cay. The property has four suites and shared indoor and outdoor lounge areas. There is an in-house cook who will prepare breakfast and dinner according to your preferences. Spend your time at the hotel hitting up the beach with a cocktail in hand or reading in a hammock.
Deep Blue is another hotel which is bigger and gives you more of a hotel feel. Each room has a private balcony and views of the magnificent ocean.
Things To Do
It’s probably best to rent a golf car since there is only one road that runs throughout the island. You can drive around the island to explore beaches, restaurants and scenic views of the island and it’s surrounding areas.
If hiking is your thing, you can hike Lazy Hill or El Pico which is the highest mountain on the island.
The best diving is found off Colombia’s coast in Providencia. It is also home to the third-largest coral reef in the world.
Visit South West Bay, the largest beach in Providencia, and dine at the beachside restaurants. Saturdays are perfect to watch horse races on this beach.
For a more quiet beach experience, visit Almond Bay, Bahia Agua Dulce, and Fort Bay.
To visit the surrounding islands, just take a boat trip and make your way to Crab Cay, Tres Hermanos Keys, and Santa Catalina.
What To Eat
If you’re a seafood lover, you’re in for a treat. You can enjoy dining by the sea at the restaurants in Deep Blue and Monasterio del Viento.
For the best king crab, head to Don Olivo — this place is run by a husband-and-wife duo in their home!
Another restaurant owned by a husband-and-wife is Cafe Studio where their Wellington conch is the highlight of their menu.
When you’re at South West Bay, enjoy a seafood platter at El Divino Niño.
For a night time reggae vibe, enjoy Roland Roots Reggae Bar and Restaurant where they have live music and the chance to mingle with locals.
Although the island is small, there are many things to enjoy here which is why you should visit for an authentic island experience.