Founded in the 16th century by the Spanish, Rincón is the oldest settlement not only of Bonaire but the entire Dutch Caribbean. Its location, in the valley, once provided shelter from pirates. Today, it offers great hiking options with breathtaking views. As a cultural centre, it is home to attractions such as the rock formations of Gruta Lourdes, a pilgrimage site, and the Kas Krioyo, an authentic Bonairean building that currently houses a museum. The island's only distillery, Cadushy, is also located here, and it is worth timing your visit so you can celebrate with the locals on Rincón Day on 30 April.

Bonairean landscapes are brimming with vibrant flamingos, the island being one of the world's only four breeding grounds for the pink-hued birds — who get their iconic colour from the brine shrimp in the water. Bonaire's go-to place for birdwatching is Pekelmeer Lake, which is located near the salt pans. It's worth hiring a car to explore the area, but don't forget to bring your binoculars as you can only observe the flamingos from a distance. If you are headed elsewhere, both Goto Lake (Goto Meer) and Lac Bay give you spectacular views of the birds.

This one-of-a-kind museum is set up in the former KGB headquarters where Soviet crimes were planned and committed over the course of fifty years. Here you can go see modern expositions acquainting their visitors with the loss of independence, repressions of Soviet authorities, and information about the genocide victims.