Best beach towns in puerto rico: 6 Coastal Towns to Visit in Puerto Rico

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August 19, 2020
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Best Puerto Rico Beaches to Visit Right Now

Travel
Islands

The Island of Enchantment’s got no shortage of beautiful shoreline.

By Kastalia Medrano, Norbert Figueroa, and Matt Meltzer

Updated on 4/11/2022 at 5:47 PM

Playa Luquillo: One of many reasons they call this the Island of Enchantment. | Michael Runkel/Robertharding/Getty Images

If you’re even thinking of being in Puerto Rico, check out the rest of our DestiNATION Puerto Rico travel guide. It’s stacked with expert advice from locals on what to eat, where to go, and what to do on the Island of Enchantment.

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Puerto Rico has become the American darling of pandemic-era travel. Even as destinations all across the Caribbean reopen, from Turks and Caicos to the British Virgin Islands, the tiny island takes up huge amounts of real estate in the minds of those looking for a balmy weekend getaway (or perhaps a long, sunny workation?).

Along with the tasty mofongos and indulgent rum drinks, we’ve got a lot of love for the glorious nature PR has to offer: Three bioluminescent bays; El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the US. And, of course, some of the world’s best beaches.

Puerto Rico is home to some of the most spectacular stretches of shoreline on Earth, from pristine white sand beaches and coral-rich snorkeling havens to crystal-clear swimming holes surrounded by immense, dramatic waves. On any trip to the Island of Enchantment, beaches need to be on your agenda—and these are the country’s ten best.

With the help of local islanders, we’ve assembled this all-encompassing DestiNATION guide to help you navigate everything you need to see, eat, and do in San Juan, Rincón, and beyond.

From the jungle to the ocean in two seconds flat. | Flickr/Ron Reiring

Playa las Picuas, Rio Grande

In Puerto Rico, you can walk out of the jungle and right onto a secluded, sandy beach in a matter of minutes—and there’s arguably no better place to do that than Playa las Picuas, about 15 minutes from El Yunque. This secluded beach sits at the end of a thick patch of jungle, and though you’ll find a handful of small private houses dotting the coast, you won’t find much else.

The small bay transitions beautifully from golden sand to white shoreline to turquoise water, and on some days it also has waves big enough to bodysurf. About an hour from San Juan by car, it’s an easy half-day trip if you want some beach to yourself.

More things to do: Take a five-mile boat ride down the Río Espíritu Santo, the island’s only navigable river, and check out wildlife in its natural state. Or hit the Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park and ride horses, mountain bikes, or ATVs through the jungle. For food, try Verde BBQ for Puerto Rico’s take on barbecue, or head to Richie’s Café, a seafood spot right on the Atlantic.

Get your picturesque lifeguard stands here! | Walter Bibikow/Photodisc/getty images

La Monserrate, Luquillo

La Monserrate has long been beloved by both locals and tourists for its clear waters and family-friendly vibe. This is one of Puerto Rico’s handful of Blue Flag beaches, meaning it’s studiously kept up to make sure it’s clean, safe, eco-friendly, and, of course, stunning. The water is usually very calm, so it’s great for wee ones or the wave-averse. It lies in the northeastern Luquillo (and also goes by Playa Luquillo)—the small town known as the “sun capital” of the island.

When you inevitably get hungry from all the sun and saltwater, you need not look far—food kiosks line the entrance to the beach. Lots of them. If there’s a more ideal setting in which to consume fresh seafood and a piña colada, we’ve yet to find it.

More things to do: Don’t miss visiting El Yunque National Forest—it’s just a 15-minute drive away. Hike in the lush, dense rainforest, swim in its crystal clear river waters, marvel at its waterfalls, and even enjoy a panoramic view of Puerto Rico from the summit. The park closes at 6 pm.

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Lush rainforests, illuminated bays, tasty street food spots, and so much more.

Vieques is home to some of PR’s most unique beaches. | FLICKR/karlnorling

Playa Caracas, Vieques

Located in the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Playa Caracas (aka Red Beach) is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico. The Navy occupied this area until 2003, restricting access to the beach for decades, so its white sand cove and crystal clear waters are incredibly well-preserved.

These days, though, Playa Caracas tends to get crowded. The water is usually calm enough for snorkeling, especially on the eastern side of the cove near the rock formations.

Vieques is definitely a day trip; you’ll need to take a ferry from Ceiba, then a taxi to the beach. But once you’ve made the trip, you’ll have other shores to choose from, too, including Playa Negra which—as the name implies—is covered in black sand.

More things to do: The Puerto Ferro Lighthouse isn’t far from here, and even if you can’t climb to the top, the views from its base are stunning. For drinks and a good meal, head to one of the several waterfront restaurants along the Malecon in Esperanza. If you stay overnight, kayak across Mosquito Bay, the best and brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Just make sure to go during a new moon when the microorganisms shine brightest.

Hightail it to heaven—aka Playa Borinquen. | Cristian Molina/EyeEm/Getty Images

Playa Borinquen, Aguadilla

Oh, were the first three on this list not adventurous enough for you? Try this one. Located in the northwest town of Aguadilla, this beach is secluded, comparatively harder to get to, and as a result, way less crowded. Search the waters for remnants of planes from the former Air Force base nearby.

At low tide, you can turn to your right and walk 10 minutes or so to Punta Borinquen, where you’ll find some cool-ass caves to explore. A bit further, though, is Survival Beach Cave, which is the coolest of them all. If you turn to your left on Playa Borinquen, you’ll reach the ruins of the old lighthouse.

More things to do: Visit the largest “macro-mural” in Puerto Rico at the Cerro Cabrera neighborhood. What is a “macro-mural,” you may ask? It is a colorful mosaic composed of 10 colors. Every house is painted as part of the installation, entwining the entire community as one piece of art. Walk up the stairs and along the streets and get ready to Instagram.

Well, relatively easy anyway.

Flamenco Beach is considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. | Tinapat Kotumrongsak/Shutterstock

Flamenco Beach, Culebra

Another great day trip by boat from the main island is Culebra and Flamenco Beach, regularly ranked one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The water is warm and there are no rocks—just soft sand and little fish, plus one extremely large fish named Godzilla who comes to the same spot every day to hang out. You might even spot some sea turtles if you’re lucky.

Yes, Flamenco Beach is ultra-pristine with the exception of, uh—*checks notes*—two Sherman tanks. Leftover from a weapons testing ground the US Navy abandoned in 1975, these time capsules are now considered the most iconic features of Flamenco Bay.

More things to do: If you feel like hiking, drive down the unnamed road off Resaca Road until you hit a dead-end and start your downhill hike from there. The half-hour jaunt ends at the stunning Resaca Beach, which you typically won’t have to share with anyone since it’s only reachable by foot. Afterward, head to Zaco’s Tacos in the town center for some delicious Mexican food. Sit outside to enjoy the beautiful tropical weather and don’t be surprised if a rooster walks by your table.

Is that seat taken? | Photo by Bettina Garibaldi

Playa Peña Blanca, Aguadilla

While you’re in Aguadilla, you’ll also want to see Peña Blanca, also known as Wishing Well Beach. Best visited in early summer, it’s constantly being reshaped by the tides, so you could visit year after year and still feel like you’re seeing it for the first time. Bring your snorkeling gear and keep an eye out for sea turtles.

If you’re really craving some solitude, once you walk down the concrete steps leading to the beach, turn north and keep walking—what little crowd that might be there will thin out pretty quickly.

More things to do: Adrenaline junkies should head to the ruins of the Sugar Mill Pier in Aguadilla, once the busiest pier for sugar trade between the U.S. and Puerto Rico. You can climb the pier, walk to the end, and jump straight into the ocean.

If that feels too intimidating, hike down the hill and enjoy an almost-private beach below. Later, head to Zazones, one of the best Creole restaurants in the northwestern region of Puerto Rico. It may feel like fine dining, but the prices are moderate. Try their house sangria; it is deeeelicious.

Have a blast—literally—on Playa La Poza del Obispo. | Norma Arbelo Irizarry/Wikimedia

Poza del Obispo, Arecibo

Imagine you’re standing in a crystal clear infinity pool and, unprovoked, your friend pushes a huge spout of water right over top and drenches you. That’s a little like Poza Del Obispo, where the rocks lining the shore form a calm, natural turquoise pool perfect for a lazy afternoon of floating in the sun—and where every 30 seconds, bathers can expect to get splashed by epic, thunderous waves.

While the swimming is glorious, you’ve gotta be careful: At high tide, those waves can carry you out to sea if you’re not paying attention. If you’d rather just enjoy the sounds of the waves and sight of the pool, Poza del Obispo is happy to oblige, with a wide swath of golden sand just past the rocks.

More things to do: Poza del Obispo sits right under the Arecibo Lighthouse, where you’ll also find a museum, daily tours, and aerial views of the beach’s water show. Since there’s nowhere to eat or drink on the beach, you’ll want to grab a sunset cocktail and some mofongo at Carbón y Leña, where you can easily get both for under $20. For more seaside drinking, head down PR-681 towards Islote, where seaside bars line most of the road.

Rent a cabin on the shores of Balneario de Boquerón. | Photo Spirit/Shutterstock

Balneario de Boquerón, Cabo Rojo

The beaches in Cabo Rojo along Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast are a local favorite, and if you head there on the weekend, families will be out in full force. To enjoy the endless expanses of golden sand and palms, your best bet is Balneario de Boquerón, a national park with limited entry.

Get there early and set up shop along the narrow beach, where the water runs from clear to turquoise to deep navy blue in a matter of feet. The soft, lapping water is abutted by palm trees and other shady shrubs, making it a perfect place to relax away from the crowds. For an overnight adventure, rent one of the onsite cabins so you can enjoy the shores after everyone else leaves.

More things to do: The surrounding town doesn’t offer much aside from Boquerón Brewing, so head south and visit Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo, an 1881 lighthouse with daily tours and views over a frankly terrifying drop down limestone cliffs. If you’re looking for seaside eating and drinking, drive ten minutes to Combate Beach, which is typically crowded but has plenty of spots to enjoy a cerveza in the sand.

Playa Vacía Talega is home to calm shores and secret coves. | Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

Playa Vacía Talega, Loíza

If you’re undecided on whether you prefer a popular beach or a remote, secluded shore, then Playa Vacía Telega in Piñones might be your answer. Family-friendly and safe for swimming, this crescent-shaped beach with calm turquoise waters can get crowded during weekends and holidays (but even so, don’t miss going there, as the sunsets are spectacular). Luckily, if you’re looking for a little more solitude, this beautiful local favorite hides its own secret getaway.

All you need to do is hit the short, hidden trail through its beautiful seagrape forest. After 5 to 10 minutes, you’ll come across an even more stunning series of secluded beaches and sea caves, including Cueva Escondida (or hidden cave), a small, remote beach with a tiny cave right on the shore.

Come here to sprawl out on the sand, enjoy the quiet, and relax in nature. Just skip swimming in this area: the riptides on this part of the beach are strong and dangerous.

More things to do: Go to Loíza Aldea to learn more about Piñones, its culture, and its people. Piñones is well known as one of the gastronomic regions in Puerto Rico, especially if you like the sound of cafes, restaurants, and bistros serving casual island favorites by the beach. Drive along PR-187 and hit El Nuevo Acuario, Mi Casita Seafood, and Donde Olga Bar to find out what authentic Puerto Rican seafood tastes like.

Don’t let Flamenco Beach eclipse remote, romantic Playa Zoni. | Kevin Case/500px/Getty Images

Playa Zoni, Culebra

Flamenco Beach, often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, might get all the glory—but it’s not the only stunning shoreline on the small island of Culebra. Zoni Beach is like Flamenco’s smaller, less popular sister, but is just as gorgeous and a perfect alternative if you want to get away from the crowds.

Different from Flamenco’s cove, Zoni offers a long stretch of white sand and clear water with spectacular views of the archipelago of Culebra, as well as the islands of St. Thomas and Tortola in the distance. Being on the opposite end of the island from Flamenco, this beach feels like a secluded and seldom-visited oasis in what is already paradise.

Worth keeping in mind if you visit: Zoni is relatively remote, so bring your snacks, drinks, enough sunblock, a book, and a towel or chair to keep you comfortable under the shade of a palm tree.

More things to do: Zoni’s big allure is its seclusion, so there’s not much to do nearby. But drive your Jeep or golf cart across Culebra and head to Dinghy Dock for a delicious Caribbean meal and great atmosphere. If you have an extra day in Culebra, also be sure to hop to Culebrita Island for an even more remote getaway at Culebrita Beach.

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Norbert Figueroa is an architect from Puerto Rico who hit pause on his career in 2011 to travel to all 195 U.N. recognized countries. He shares his adventures and other travel tips at GloboTreks.com.

Kastalia Medrano is a travel writer and editor. You can find her on Twitter at @kastaliamedrano, and Venmo tips at @kastaliamedrano.

Matt Meltzer is a contributing writer for Thrillist. Follow him on Instagram @meltrez1.

11 Best Towns in Puerto Rico to Visit in 2022 (By a Local)

While Old San Juan is a destination you can’t miss, small Puerto Rico towns outside the metropolitan area offer plenty of fun places to explore and discover.

As a Puerto Rico local who loves to travel and find unique places around the 78 municipios, I can tell you firsthand that exploring small towns in Puerto Rico will enrich your time on the island. Not to mention, they’re some of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico!

Whether they’re on the coast, in the mountainous center, or outside the main island, here are my picks of the best small Puerto Rico towns to explore during your next trip to the island.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

11 Best Small Towns in Puerto Rico
- Toa Alta
- Maunabo
- Ponce
- Isabela
- San Germán
- Cabo Rojo
- Aguada
- Guánica
- Aguadilla
- Vieques
- Cayey
FAQs about Towns in Puerto Rico
- What are the towns called in Puerto Rico?
- How many towns are in the island of Puerto Rico?
- What is the nicest town in Puerto Rico?
- What is the best area to live in Puerto Rico?

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Thank you!

11 Best Small Towns in Puerto Rico

Toa Alta

A mountainous municipality with plenty of outdoors to explore

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Toa Alta is one of those cities in Puerto Rico that visitors tend to skip during their trip, but if you’re looking to escape the chaos of the metropolitan area just a short drive from San Juan, then Toa Alta is a great option.

The city is home to La Plata lake where you can fish, kayak, or have a picnic with your family. From Toa Alta is easy to access other municipalities like Dorado, Bayamón, Corozal and Naranjito.

📚 Bookmark for Later: The Best Activities in Puerto Rico [Epic List by a Local!]

Maunabo

A coastal municipio with beautiful beaches and a historical lighthouse

Punta Tunas Lighthouse in Maunabo

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels in Maunabo on Booking

While many of the best cities in Puerto Rico are on the west side, the east side of the island boasts hidden gems like Maunabo. Maunabo is a coastal municipality with a small village vibe that offers a relaxing atmosphere for stressed-out workers.

Maunabo has a beautiful nature reserve where locals like to hike. There is also a popular fishing site in the Emajagua neighborhood known as Villa Pesquera.

👉 Pro Tip: Maunabo is one of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico if you want to be close to Ceiba, where you can catch the ferry terminal to Culebra and Vieques islands. While Fajardo and Humacao are closer, they’re also more crowded.

Ponce

A San Juan twin city without the crowds and the high prices

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Ponce on Booking

Ponce is one of the most popular Puerto Rico cities for its multiple attractions, convenient location, and overall budget-friendly hotels. Besides being a touristy destination, Ponce is also home to a large population of ex-pats.

Among all the fun things to do in Ponce, travelers can find great beaches, historical buildings, restaurants, and food stalls with top-notch gastronomy for foodies.

Isabela

A beach city with a Caribbean vibe and top-notch beaches for surfing

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Isabela is a city with a laid-back atmosphere and a beautiful coast full of beaches for surfing, snorkeling, fishing, and swimming. There are a lot of things to do in Isabela for outdoor lovers and it’s also one of the most budget-friendly cities in Puerto Rico.

If you’re afraid to stay right next to the sea, then you’ll be happy to hear that Isabela is a city with coastal cliffs. This makes it possible to have an ocean view, but without directly hearing the waves every night.

San Germán

The second oldest city in Puerto Rico with unique architecture and history

Cathedral in San German

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The second oldest city in Puerto Rico, San Germán is hands down one of the most charming cities on the island. The city hosts a historic district with more than a hundred buildings with neoclassical style architecture.

Although similar to Old San Juan with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, San Germán is more relaxed and less crowded, making it a paradise for history buffs.

🚗 Need some wheels? Check out my comprehensive guide to renting a car in Puerto Rico!

Cabo Rojo

Puerto Rico’s top destination to see breathtaking sunsets

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Cabo Rojo on Booking

Located three hours away from San Juan, Cabo Rojo is the perfect destination for nature lovers. With everything from breathtaking beaches to a unique nature reserve, the popular things to do in Cabo Rojo attract thousands of visitors every year.

Boquerón is one of the neighborhoods where you can stay to enjoy a beachside experience with lots of food and colorful sunsets.

Aguada

One of the best municipalities for beautiful beaches and mountains

The mountain view in Aguada

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Aguada is one of Puerto Rico’s municipalities that visitors often miss out on, but the truth is you’ll never run out of things to do in Aguada.

Located among the most popular cities in the west of the country, Aguada offers travelers beaches, waterfalls, and a historical downtown, where culture fans can enjoy festivals, concerts, and exhibitions.

Guánica

A municipality home to the largest tropical dry coastal forest in Puerto Rico

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels in Guánica on Booking

With dozens of beaches, a tropical dry coastal forest, and farms, Guánica is one of Puerto Rico’s best municipalities for outdoor recreation.

Adventurers can kayak to Gilligan’s Island, one of the small Puerto Rico islands just off the coast of Puerto Rico and one of the best things to see in Guánica. Guánica is known as the “Town of friendship”, and it honors the warm and welcoming people of the municipality.

Aguadilla

Home to Crash Boat and Survival Beach, two of the best beaches on the island

Surfers in Survival Beach in Aguadilla

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels in Aguadilla on Booking

Aguadilla is located in Puerto Rico’s northwest and it’s one of the best Puerto Rico cities to live in and visit. While somewhat touristy, especially because of its famous Crash Boat Beach, Aguadilla still has a calm tropical island lifestyle that beach buffs will love.

While rentals are high-priced, you can find overall budget-friendly food and many free things to do in Aguadilla.

Vieques

One of the best island municipalities for beaches and pristine nature

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Vieques on Booking

Vieques is one of Puerto Rico’s most popular municipalities because of its virgin beaches and bioluminescent bay. A large part of this municipality is a nature reserve, offering a relaxing getaway for eco-travelers.

In comparison to other destinations in Puerto Rico, the island receives large tourist traffic and therefore can be expensive, but there are dozens of free attractions in Vieques.

Cayey

Of all of the municipalities in Puerto Rico, Cayey is the place with the best food

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels in Cayey on Booking

While the mountainous side of Puerto Rico might not be for everyone, foodies can’t skip a visit to Cayey. Cayey is one of the municipalities in the center of Puerto Rico, home to the famous Pork Highway in Guavate, with traditional restaurants aligned side by side.

Cayey also has rivers, natural ponds, forests, hiking trails, and camping sites where outdoor enthusiasts can unwind and breathe the fresh mountain air.

🧳 Have your bags packed yet? My Puerto Rico packing list will help you pack all the essentials!

FAQs about Towns in Puerto Rico

What are the towns called in Puerto Rico?

Towns in Puerto Rico are called municipalities (municipio). Depending on the population of the municipality, it’s considered either a city or a town. Each municipio has a neighborhood that is called “el pueblo” or the same name as the municipio.

How many towns are in the island of Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico features 78 towns called municipios or municipalities. Puerto Rico doesn’t have any first-order counties.

What is the nicest town in Puerto Rico?

There are multiple nice towns around Puerto Rico to visit and live in, including San Juan, Ponce, Lajas, Cabo Rojo, Maunabo, Isabela, Aguadilla, and Aguada.

What is the best area to live in Puerto Rico?

The best areas in Puerto Rico to live in include the west area known as Porta del Sol, and the south area called Porta Caribe. These areas include cities with a large population of ex-pats. Cities outside the metropolitan area are less crowded and have overall a cheaper cost of living.

👉 Read Next: 14 Best Towns in New York

***

Thanks for reading my guide to the best towns in Puerto Rico!

While you’re on a road trip, don’t forget to pin on your map some of the best attractions in Puerto Rico.

Have fun in Puerto Rico!

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Puerto Rico’s best beaches. When is the best time to relax

The Freely Associated State of Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean Sea on the island of Puerto Rico from the Greater Antilles group and a number of adjoining small islands.

Puerto Rico consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and many smaller islands and cays, including Mona, Vieques, Culebra, Deseceo and Caja de Muertos.

State

Government

Puerto Rico is a US dependency and has the status of an “unincorporated organized territory”, which means that the territory is administered by the US (and not an integral part of it).

The head of state is the President of the United States. The head of government is the governor. The cabinet is appointed by the governor after consultation with the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico.

Language

Official language: Spanish, English

Spanish is the main language in public institutions, although English is a compulsory subject. Although a relatively small proportion of the islanders consider English their primary language, the majority of the population in the larger cities speaks both languages, or at least understands English and uses it in certain situations.

Religion

About 85% of the population are Catholics, about 10% are Protestants, but for the majority of believers Christianity is combined with spiritualism, voodoo and Indian folklore and religious traditions.

Currency

International name: USD

The US dollar is often referred to as the “peso” on Puerto Rican price tags. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and specialized exchange offices.

Credit cards have virtually unlimited uses. There are many cash machines (ATMs) in all major cities. In the province, the use of credit cards is somewhat limited.

Traveler’s checks can be cashed at almost any bank office.

Puerto Rico Map

Popular Attractions

Puerto Rico Tourism

Featured Hotels

Tips

A service charge of 10-15% is added to most bills at upscale hotels and restaurants, so tipping is optional. However, in most mid-level establishments, tips are not included in the bills, in which case you can leave them to the attendants within 10% (directly in the hands when calculating), in bars and street restaurants you can limit yourself to 5%. Porters, attendants and taxi drivers expect a $0.50 tip.

Office hours

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30-09.00 to 14.30-15.30 (working hours may vary).

Shopping

All accounts at hotels with casinos are subject to an additional 11% tax, non-gaming hotels are subject to a 9% tax and small hotels are subject to a 7% tax. The sales tax is 1.5% and on the purchase of jewelry it is 5%. There are no stores with a refund of sales tax (tax free) in the country.

Shops are usually open from Monday to Wednesday from 09.00 to 19.00, from Thursday to Friday – from 09.00 to 21.00. On Saturdays, most shops are open from 11.00 to 17.00-18.00.

Bargaining is possible in the markets and in private shops; prices in large shops are usually fixed.

Medical

The island’s natural hazards include hepatitis B (in the northern Caribbean coast), dengue fever, bilharzia (schistosomiasis), rabies (vaccination recommended), and occasional stomach ailments. In some cases, immunization against typhoid, diphtheria, tuberculosis and poliomyelitis is recommended.

Security

The poor areas of most large cities are markedly criminalized and pose a certain danger to foreign tourists. There is a risk of fraud and theft.

Tap water is usually chlorinated and relatively safe, but bottled water is recommended.

Emergency numbers

Unified Rescue Service – 911.
Police – 787/343-2020
Ambulance – 787/343-2222.
Fire Department – 787/343-2330
Coast Guard – 787/729-6770.

Around the Spanish language, bronze faces, ancient fortresses on the shores of a clean and warm sea. The city has narrow streets with houses of Spanish architecture. Tourism Puerto Rico
is relevant all year round, but the hottest season, in terms of the arrival of tourists, falls on the first quarter of the year. This can be explained by the fact that the island’s summers are spent in tropical hurricanes.

Rest in Puerto Rico
is already considered one of the most popular, according to tourists. A paradise island in the Caribbean, which is developing its economy quite quickly. Puerto Rico has good roads and interesting local flavor.

The island was inhabited by Spaniards for a long time, so the lifestyle here is partly Spanish, partly American. Creole flavor is especially evident in the provincial areas. All local people are fluent in English and Spanish, but Spanish with a Creole dialect. Puerto Rico has always attracted tourists with its ideal climate: the air temperature here throughout the year does not fall below 20 ºC
, and the rainy seasons are very short. On the island, you can not only relax on the beach all day, but also visit the old Spanish attractions in Puerto Rico
, for which the island is famous all over the world.

In the Caribbean paradise, there are many modern resorts with different prices and offers. You can go on an elite tour, or you can choose a more economical family option. have a modern service and quality service.

If you love thrills and outdoor activities, then Puerto Rico ski resorts
just for you. This country has been captivating skiers for quite a long time, because this type of pastime is always relevant, regardless of the time of year.

The whole period of rest your body will be filled with the solar energy of the Caribbean island. Puerto Rico Healing Resorts
is the cleanest sea, warm sun and amazing sea breeze. Every day spent on the island will heal your entire body.

Tourism is developing very actively
on this little island. Travel companies can offer you various Puerto Rico tours
. The country is waiting for you to give an unforgettable vacation to the whole family.

Is there anything better than a paradise resort on a tropical island? Every person dreams of getting such a vacation in Puerto Rico
. It will give you and your family time of warm sun and entertainment that the island has to offer.

Well, what the island is rich in is sunny beaches. Almost every hotel has its own access to the azure water. are for a secluded vacation, for surfing, relaxing swimming and active beach holidays.

For every taste, color and budget, you can choose your holiday home in Puerto Rico. All hotels in Puerto Rico
offer a modern American service that will delight and surprise everyone. You can also choose a more budget hostel if you are traveling with a large and youth company.

Transport Puerto Rico

The main modes of transport on the island are taxis and buses. This city has reliability and affordability. Also on the island there is an opportunity to use sea modes of transport.

Which Puerto Rico beach is best for you? Puerto Rico’s large coastline stretches for more than 270 miles and is replete with a variety of beaches and water activities. But which beach is the best for snorkeling? Which beach is the cleanest? Which beach is the best for walking? Which beach is best for water sports?

Puerto Rico’s best private beach for a secluded getaway

Puerto Rico’s coastline has many secluded beaches where you can find yourself completely alone. On the island of Culebra, this is Resaca Beach, remote from tourist routes and usually deserted.

West of San Juan, in Manati, is the beach Mar Chiquita (Mar Chiquita or Little Sea)
. Situated in the shape of a crescent, this picturesque beach is protected by rocks from strong winds and ocean currents.

Not far from the Guánica Dry Forest biosphere reserve is a two-mile stretch of beach called Ballenas Bay
, which is more frequented by sea turtles than by humans. Not far from it is an isolated rocky beach Caña Gorda
.

If you sail from Fajardo, you can visit the beach on the idyllic Icacos sandbar.

The best surf beaches in Puerto Rico

The best surf in San Juan offers Punta Las Marias beach in Ocean Park
. In nearby Manati
The most popular among surfers is Los Tubos beach and La Pared beach in Luquilla. However, Puerto Rico’s best beaches for surfing
are located on the west coast of the island in the tourist region of Porta del Sol and its capital, Rincon. The main center of surfing here is Maria’s Beach
, Punta Higuero, Puntas Beach and Spanish Wall Beach are also very popular. In the rest of the Porta del Sol region, Surfer’s Beach, Wilderness, Playa Crash Boat, Shacks Beach and Jobos Beach are popular among surfers.
has a number of beaches that are excellent for swimming under water, of which 9 are considered the best0175 Blue Beach and Playa Esperanza
. On the island of Culebra, the best beach for underwater sports is Carlos Rosario, the West Beach is also rich in the underwater world on the island, as well as the south coast of the island in the Culebra reef area. Playa Shacks is famous for its “Blue Hole” for snorkeling.

The cleanest beaches in Puerto Rico

According to The Blue Flag international volunteer program, the following beaches are the best in Puerto Rico in terms of water quality:

– El Escambron
in San Juan;

– Carolina Beach
in Carolina;

– Flamenco Beach
on Culebra Island;

– Seven Seas Beach
in the city of Fajardo;

– Punta Salinas
in Toa Baha.

The best beaches in Puerto Rico for excursions, walks and active beach holidays

If you like to be in the spotlight and want to see something interesting, then the best beaches are the beaches along the strip in Isla Verde and Condado. Sun Bay Beach in Vieques
is a true center for beach lovers. And the famous Flamenco Beach is one of the main reasons to visit Culebra Island
. Sandy Beach in Rikon
is perfect for an active beach holiday. Not far from Fajardo is the picturesque island resort of Palomino,
which is part of the El Conquistador Hotel and Golden Door Spa.

Puerto Rico beaches with attractions

Some Puerto Rico beaches are known for specific things. So on Puntas Beach and Domes Beach
in winter you can watch whales. In Ricon at Antonio Beach and in Vieques at Playa Cofi
you can see smooth rocks and sea glass resulting from natural erosion. The secluded beach of Puerto Hermina in Quebradillas once served as a cove for smugglers and pirates and may still hold pirate treasures.

Standard of living

Puerto Rico has a fairly high standard of living compared to most other Caribbean islands, but it is still significantly lower than even the poorest US states. Unemployment is quite high, so many Puerto Ricans try to find work in the United States, while the rest are most often engaged in various types of temporary earnings.

Security

The security situation here is rather ambiguous. On the one hand, the overall level of violent crime here is quite low, and the areas frequented by tourists are quite safe and are under the protection of special police units. However, the poor areas of most large cities are noticeably criminalized and pose a certain danger to foreign tourists.

Jewelry, expensive photo and video equipment, and the thickness of a wallet should not be displayed openly. Crowded areas should be avoided, as there are usually a huge number of pickpockets in such places. It is also not recommended to exchange money on the streets – the risk of facing fraud or outright robbery is extremely high. You should avoid visiting deserted shores alone and especially at night.

If you ask a Puerto Rican for directions to a certain place, the most common response is “follow me.” In most cases, such an escort has sincere intentions to take the tourist to the place he needs, but it should be borne in mind that in some cases this way you can get to the wrong place at all, or even be robbed. You should be especially careful with such guides at night and it is highly undesirable for women and individual travelers. When traveling by car, you should park in well-lit areas and take all valuables from the car with you.

Nudism

Nudism in public places is prohibited in Puerto Rico.

Electricity

Mains voltage is 110 V, 60 Hz (some hotels provide 220 V). Plugs are usually American style with two flat pins.

Units of measurement

The system of measures and weights is metric, but in many retail outlets in tourist areas, elements of the imperial system of measurement are often used along with it.

slut
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September 2014

Puerto Rico is located in the northeastern part of the Caribbean on a large island of the same name and several nearby islands from the Greater Antilles group in the Caribbean Sea. The nearest neighboring states are the American and British Virgin Islands in the east and the Dominican Republic in the west.

Puerto Rico is a Freely Associated or Freely Associated State that is partly dependent on, but not an integral part of, the United States. While sharing citizenship, currency, and defense with the United States, Puerto Rico also has its own constitution, legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The capital of the state, the city of San Juan, is located in the north of the island, in one of the best natural harbors in the Caribbean region.
Most of Puerto Rico’s islands are uninhabited or sparsely populated, the most populous being the main island, approximately 170 km long and 60 km wide, with a coastline of about 500 km. In the center of the main island is the so-called Central mountain range Cordillera Central, where the highest point of Puerto Rico is located – Mount Cerro de Punta (Cerro de Punta) with a height of 1338 m above sea level. The southern coast of the island is washed by the Caribbean Sea, and the northern coast by the Atlantic Ocean. There are more than fifty large and shallow rivers in Puerto Rico, most of which originate in the mountains of the central range. There are also seventeen lakes on the island, all of them of artificial origin. The northeastern part of the main island is occupied by the Rio Camai National Cave Park, the largest underground river flows in it and 200 caves with unusual limestone karst formations are hidden.

Nature and climate

Located almost in the heart of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has a maritime tropical climate, with almost even temperatures throughout the year in the range of + 26-28 °C. At the same time, the temperature on the coast is always several degrees higher than in the central mountainous part of the island. On the south coast, washed by the Caribbean Sea, it is usually slightly warmer than on the north. When buying a tour in Puerto Rico, it is important to remember that from June to November, the Atlantic hurricane season comes to the islands, which is characterized by heat and high humidity, as well as strong hurricane-force winds that periodically hit the island.

The peak tourist season in Puerto Rico is from December to April, and July and August can also be called the high season.

Puerto Rico is an island of vibrant life! Reserves and national parks with the wild nature of the country attract here connoisseurs of eco-tourism from all over the world. The diversity of flora and fauna is great and includes almost 20 species of birds, about 250 species of plants, including orchids, many mammals and fish. As well as almost five dozen amphibians, among which there are endemic species that are found only here, for example, the Puerto Rican boa constrictor and the Coqui frog, which lives in the El Yunque rainforest.
In the western part of the southern coast of Puerto Rico, washed by the Caribbean Sea, there is a dry tropical forest Guanica. A great variety of bird species, including endemics, live in the wilds of this forest. The climatic features of this area contribute to the growth of cacti. The dry forest of Guanica is completely different from the humid tropical forest of El Yunque, located in the east of the northern coast of the island. The reason for the local dry climate is the Central Mountain Range, which separates Guanica from the northeastern part of the island, where about 2500 mm of precipitation falls annually, while in Guanica it is less than 750 mm, and in some places even less than 150 mm.

Currency exchange and banks

Although the US dollar is the official currency of Puerto Rico, you can sometimes see price tags in stores that show prices in “pesos”, the Puerto Rican dollar. If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Rico, it’s best to bring some US dollars in cash to buy souvenirs from the little shops and tips, as well as a dollar bank card. Just like in the USA, cards and traveler’s checks are universally accepted in Puerto Rico.

Customs and Immigration

Puerto Rico follows the laws and regulations of the United States. Import and export of foreign currency without a declaration is allowed in the amount of up to 10,000 US dollars or its equivalent. This also applies to travelers checks. If you are carrying gold, do not forget to declare it. Items for personal use are not subject to customs duties. In addition, you can import a block of cigarettes and up to 1 liter of hard alcohol into the country duty-free. Care must be taken when importing food products and any items of organic origin. We recommend that you check before importing whether they are allowed to be imported into the territory of Puerto Rico.

Customs control can be quite quick and hassle-free, but due to the global trend of tightening inspection rules, it may take longer. As in many countries around the world, Puerto Rico practices a random selection of passengers for more thorough screening. Anyone who arrives may be one of them, then your luggage will be subject to a closer inspection, and the officer may ask additional questions. This is usually done to curb illegal migration, so the questions will be about your plans for staying in the country and perhaps having sufficient funds to cover your expenses while traveling to Puerto Rico.

Time

Time in Puerto Rico does not change between summer and winter. It always remains in the same time zone: UTC-04:00 or AST. Moscow time is 7 hours ahead of Puerto Rico.

Visa and Consular Information

As with customs regulations, Puerto Rico’s visa regulations are similar to those in the United States. If you intend to travel to Puerto Rico, make sure you get a US visa. Our experts will help in this matter – they will fill out a questionnaire, and also sign up for an interview at the US Embassy.

Opening hours for institutions, shops and museums

Standard shop hours are from 9 am to 7 pm, but some shops are open until 9 pm before weekends.