Playa & Kralendijk
Bonaire’s historic and commercial heart, centred on the boulevard, Kaya Grandi, the harbour and public services.
History
Playa is the name commonly used locally for the town centre; Kralendijk is the official name of the capital. Statistics Netherlands relates that name to ‘koralendijk’, referring to the coral ground. Fort Oranje was built after the Dutch took Bonaire in 1636, and the area developed into the island’s administrative and trading centre during the nineteenth century.
Character and living
Shops, restaurants, government services and the passenger harbour are concentrated here. It is livelier and more walkable than most residential districts. The official Playa district also includes Playa Pabou and Playa Pariba.
Sights
- Fort Oranje and Wilhelmina Square
- Kaya Grandi and its historic façades
- Boulevard and harbour
- Boat trips to Klein Bonaire
Beaches nearby
- Playa Chachacha and Playa Lechi are in or immediately beside town.
- For a broader sandy beach, Klein Bonaire is accessible by water taxi.