📍 Location & Geography
Aguadilla is a charming coastal city located on the northwestern tip of the island of Puerto Rico. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north, and by the towns of Isabela to the east and Moca and Aguada to the south. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, impressive cliffs, and a number of parks and recreational areas.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.4275° N latitude and 67.1541° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Aguadilla is part of the Aguadilla-Isabela-San Sebastian Metropolitan Statistical Area in Puerto Rico. The city spans a total area of about 35.5 square miles (92 km2), of which approximately 31.5 square miles (81.6 km2) is land and 4 square miles (10.4 km2) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Aguadilla had a population of approximately 60,949 people. The population is primarily of Hispanic origin, with a significant proportion identifying as White. The city is also home to a diverse mix of age groups, with a median age of around 37 years.
🏛️ History
Aguadilla was originally a part of Aguada until 1775 when it was established as a separate town. The city has a rich history, with its roots dating back to the pre-Columbian era. It was once a crucial port during the Spanish colonial period. In the 19th century, Aguadilla was declared a village by the Spanish Crown, and later, it became a city under the U.S. administration after the Spanish-American War in 1898.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Aguadilla is known for its beautiful natural landscape. It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, such as Crash Boat Beach and Survival Beach. The city is also home to several parks and recreational areas, including the Rafael Hernandez Park and the Colon Park. Aguadilla’s tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round, makes it a perfect destination for outdoor activities.
🏫 Education
Education in Aguadilla is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city is home to several public and private schools, offering education from kindergarten through high school. Aguadilla also hosts the University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla, a higher education institution offering a variety of undergraduate programs.
🚧 Transportation
Aguadilla is served by the Rafael Hernández Airport, the second largest international airport in Puerto Rico. The city is also accessible by road, with major highways like PR-2 connecting it to other parts of the island. Public transportation in Aguadilla includes public buses and taxis.
📜 Trivia & Events
Aguadilla is known as “El Nuevo Jardín del Atlántico” (The New Garden of the Atlantic). The city hosts several annual events, including the Festival de la Chiringa, a kite festival held in April. Aguadilla is also famous for its Christmas festivities, which include a renowned ice skating rink, the only one of its kind in the Caribbean.