Forget Alphabetti Spaghetti, and consider the Alphabetti Islands of Aruba Bonaire Curaçao. It’s as easy as ABC, pals: if you’re in search of some Caribbean sunshine, a visit to one of the so-called ‘ABC Islands’ is a no-brainer. And although they share plenty of cultural similarities, each island has its own unique selling point- so how to decide which is the best ABC island to visit?
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The ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao
Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao all have ties to the Netherlands: Aruba and Curaçao are autonomous (self-governed) countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Bonaire is a municipality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. There are a three more islands with ties to the Netherlands in the Caribbean- Sint Maarten, Sint Eustasius, and Saba- but these are all far, far away from the ABC Islands.
So culturally, each island has its own blend of Dutch and Afro-Caribbean influence, and you’re just as likely to be tucking into bitterballen on the beach as a freshly caught fish. Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao also have their own language- Papiamento- which is a Portuguese Creole language, with Spanish and Dutch influences. In short, this is one multi-cultural kind of a location.
These lovely alphabetical islands are very close to the coast of Venezuela, and a massive plus side to this location is that, although they’re all very easy to reach from the USA, the climate is very dry, and they’re all outside of the hurricane belt. Great for the islanders, great for the visitors.
How to travel between Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao
In theory, island hopping between the ABC Islands would be a great idea, especially if you can’t decide which one to visit. But these islands are actually further apart than you’d think, and there’s no ferry service between Aruba, Bonaire or Curaçao.
If you’re up for exploring all three islands, the best way to travel is by plane. Flights run frequently every day and it only takes around half an hour to fly between each island.
Aruba
Aruba: for a relaxed beach holiday in a luxurious setting.
Aruba is hugely popular with families and US holidaymakers, and of the three islands it’s definitely the most commercialised. Accommodation is much pricier on average than on Bonaire or Curaçao, and the island really reminds me of a Caribbean version of the States. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, the shopping opportunities are endless, and you can find just about every major US chain restaurant and coffee shop operating here as well.
However, all these malls and chain restaurants aren’t my kind of vibe, and what is a draw for some, is a deterrent for others. Don’t panic. This may not be the island of grand adventures, but there is more to Aruba than meets the eye.
There are beautiful locally-owned restaurants to eat in, an endless stream of incredible white sandy beaches with crystal-clear water to relax on, and the desert-like landscape of Arikok National Park to explore. The compact capital, Oranjestad, is colourful and clean, and worth a wander too. (And don’t forget to stop by the Queen Wilhelmina Park to say hi to the iguanas.)
Stay in Aruba:
Beautifully designed adults-only hotel in the Palm/Eagle Beach area. (Seriously, check the listing, the decor of this family-run hotel is stunning.)
Slick apartments in the Palm-Eagle Beach area, with a pretty pool and outdoor area, highly rated and welcomes families.
Alternatively and for a more casual vibe, stay in one of Mammaloe’s gorgeous painted gypsy caravans. You can take advantage of the pool, as well as the yoga classes and optional breakfast.
Bonaire
Otherworldly underwater adventures are waiting to be discovered just off the shore of this stunner of an island.
Sleepy little Bonaire is the smallest, and definitely the most relaxed of the ABC islands. And although life here is slower-paced, even in the capital, Kralendijk, beneath the water it’s a whole different story. Bonaire has some of the most incredible underwater scenes I’ve ever laid eyes on, and as a frequent traveller, that’s saying something. The sea, and the life it holds, is spectacular, and it’s my favourite place in the entire Caribbean to swim.
Read a detailed guide to snorkelling in Bonaire over here.
In fact, the island is almost entirely surrounded with coral reefs, meaning that you can pretty much just walk into the sea and immediately come face to face with some truly breathtaking marine life. (Although the more adventurous will obviously don their wetsuits and oxygen tanks and dive in; there are plenty of dive centres on the island.)
The people of Bonaire have also worked incredibly hard to preserve its nature- whether above (talking of above, keep your eyes peeled for flamingos) or below ground- and I love the fact that the preservation of the environment is taken so seriously. There’s also a mandatory tourist tax for all visitors to the island (although cruise passengers are currently exempt), plus a ‘Nature Fee’ for any visitors to the National Park or snorkelling and diving around Bonaire.
Stay in Bonaire:
Airy boutique hotel with a tranquil outdoor pool area and delicious onsite restaurant.
Aparthotel near Bachelor’s Beach containing pretty studio apartments with bike hire available to explore the area.
Colourful studio apartments in Kralendijk with an incredible outdoor kitchen area.
Curaçao
The artsy island for culture-vultures-come-beach-babes.
Colourful Curaçao is becoming renowned as an artistic hub within the Caribbean, and just a short stroll through the enchanting streets of its capital, Willemstad, will make it easy to see why. The city is a riot of colour, and new murals seem to splash their way across walls, or sculptures sprout from the ground, on a weekly basis. The city has also done a fantastic job of injecting new life into once abandoned neighbourhoods: the crumbling pastel-coloured colonial mansions of Pietermaii are gradually being transformed into boutique hotels, pretty restaurants and bars.
Despite the obvious Dutch influences, like the colourful old buildings which (if it weren’t for the vibrant paint jobs) wouldn’t seem out of place in Amsterdam, and the old bell chime clock in the centre of town, Curaçao has a unique identity which is unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. And its proximity to the Venezuelan coast even means that vendors sail over to Willemstad every morning to sell their produce fresh off the boats.
There’s plenty of great nightlife in Curaçao too, and although there are some really pretty beaches to discover, most of them are either more like little coves, or you need to pay to enter them- so don’t come expecting the wide open sands you see in the Dominican Republic or Antigua and Barbuda. This is definitely the island to visit if you like to dig a little deeper into the story of a place.
Stay in Curaçao:
Stunning and spacious boutique rooms in a renovated historic building in the Pietermaii district of Willemstad.
Another Pietermaii boutique situation, the lovely BOHO Bohemian is decorated with bright pastels and has a beautiful outdoor area available.
You’ll need a car to stay here as Jan Kok Lodges is off the beaten path, but these lodges are perfect for a tropical getaway.
So pals, there you have it. Contrary to what you might have thought, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are three wildly unique islands- each worth visiting for their own special set of reasons: Aruba for the holiday vibes, Bonaire for its underwater paradise, and Curaçao for the culture.
Have I helped you decide which ABC island to visit? I bloomin’ well hope I have! (And don’t forget to get in touch and to let me know.)