Arecibo
Located on the north coast about 80 km (50 miles) west of San Juan is the largest municipality by area in Puerto Rico. It was first settled by the Spanish in 1556, the third settlement on the island. When the settlers arrived the area was occupied by Taino Indians led by their chief, Jamaica Aracibo. In 1616 the Spanish crown officially recognised the settlement which had been after the Taino chief. In 1702 the British navy tried to take Arecibo, but they were driven off by Spanish defenders. Modern day Arecibo has a population of just under 26,000 people, but its economy is weak with nearly 50% of residents living below the poverty line.
Lighthouse, Arecibo Lighthouse Historical Park, Arecibo, PR, USA
Arecibo Lighthouse was built by the Spanish in 1898. It was automated in 1964 and is still in use as an aid to navigation. It now forms part of Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park along with historical reconstructions and attractions for children such a Pirate Ships that they can play in. The interior of the lighthouse is a museum displaying historical artefacts including a a 1910 diving suit. Click Tab 2 to see the Ancient Village & Pirate Ships.
Islote Beach
Arecibo is on the Atlantic side of the island. The water may be a little cooler on this side of the island but the beaches are magnificent. Islote Beach is just east of Arecibo Lighthouse, one of several beaches in the city.
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Old buildings off Calle A Salicrup
We had great difficulty finding anywhere to park in Arecibo, Having toured round for a time we eventually did find a place to park in Calle Alejandro Salicrup, but we were not sure whether or not we were close to the centre. The rather run down old buildings made us decide against heading off to find the city centre. Looking at the map afterwards we discovered that we were only a block or so away from Plaza de Recreo where we would have found Catedral San felipe and Alcaldía de Arecibo (City Hall).
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© Mike Elsden 1981 - 2025
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