The wonderful bridge of lovers between Providencia and Santa Catalina

san andres santa catalina bridge

There are many reasons to visit the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, a heavenly destination in the waters of Caribbean. Among the many things we can see there is the Lovers bridge, essential visit for couples in love and travelers on their honeymoon.

This wooden footbridge spans the 180 meters of distance that separates the islands from Santa Catalina (to the north) and Providence (to the south). They are the waters of Aury Channel, arm of the sea named after the famous French corsair Louis Michel Aury.

History of the Bridge of Lovers

Before the seventeenth century, there was a precarious land passage that connected both territories. However, the passage was blocked when the pirates who had established their refuge on these islands decided to dredge the artificial channel to defend themselves from possible attacks.

Decades later the bridge was built. In principle it was a rough wooden structure. Despite the shallow depth of the channel, the instability of the seabed made it inadvisable to secure the bridge by sinking piers into the seabed. That is why the solution, still valid today, was to build a floating walkway.

google maps bridge in love

Location on the map of the Bridge of Lovers

Over the years, the bridge was destroyed many times by storms and hurricanes, being rebuilt each time although always in a simple and unsound way.

Finally in 1987, during the government of Simón Gonzales, Marvin Hawkins and Fernando Correal in the islands, the final construction of the walkway was undertaken with a reinforced and improved structure. Thanks to this initiative, today we can consider this bridge as a safe and stable passage.

In recent decades, thanks to the rise of in the archipelago, the Bridge of Lovers was painted in bright colors and embellished with other details. Its original aesthetic forms together with its privileged location an exceptional set worthy of a postcard.

The legend of the Bridge of Lovers

From the Bridge of Lovers, travelers can contemplate Spectacular sunsets and be rocked by the waves while admiring the sensuality of the Caribbean. The effect of light on its waters throughout the day makes it known here as the "Sea of ​​seven colors", with chromatic tones ranging from light green to dark blue.

bridge in love

The Bridge of Lovers, a great romantic destination

But the popularity of the Bridge of Lovers is not only due to its beauty. Says the legend local that couples who cross this bridge together holding hands will remain united and in love for a lifetime.

So this bridge is in the same category as many other romantic bridges in the world. For example, him Ponte Milvio in Rome, where the tradition of hanging the "locks of love" or the Pont des Arts in Paris. Two bridges of two romantic cities, to which in this particular the islands of San Andrés and Providencia have nothing to envy.

What to see in San Andrés and Providencia

Many consider this archipelago as the great jewel of the Colombian Caribbean, famous for its beaches with transparent waters and for its relaxed atmosphere. But in addition to enjoying the sun and the beach (and the Bridge of Lovers), on the islands of San Andrés and Providencia there is much more to see. These are some of the best visits and experiences that this destination offers us:

Morgan cave

A corsair of legend, sir henry morgan (better known as Pirate Morgan), dominated the waters of the archipelago for years and established his headquarters there. It is still said that somewhere there is hidden a great treasure buried by him centuries ago.

The treasure is just a legend. Instead, the Morgan cave (Morgan's cave) is a reality. It is a beautiful and mysterious corner, a cave submerged under the ocean that is today one of the great tourist attractions of the islands.

San Andrés and Providencia beaches

What to see in San Andrés and Providencia

Rocky cay

The "rocky cay" is a small islet that emerges off the coast of San Andrés and can be easily reached by swimming. The main attraction of Rocky cay is that its interior houses a good number of natural pools crystal clear waters.

Lovers scuba diving They tend to approach it, attracted by the richness of the seabed. As a curiosity, near Rocky Cay rest the remains of the Nicodemus, a historic ship sunk in these waters.

The Green Moon Festival

If you like music, there is a special time of the year to plan your trip to these islands. The Green Moon Festival (Green Moon Festival) fills the archipelago of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and a lively festive atmosphere. Artists from all over the world come together in this annual event that attracts many visitors.


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