Things not to miss

#01 Old San Juan

Explore one of the best-preserved colonial centres in the Americas, where the narrow streets are lined with elegant townhouses and a rich choice of enticing restaurants.

© Aneta Waberska/Shutterstock

#02 Paso Fino horses

Ride these friendly horses along the beach or through the jungle and experience their exceptionally smooth gait.

Paso Fino horse © horsemen/Shutterstock

#03 Playa Flamenco, Culebra

Nothing beats waking up on this unspoiled expanse of silky white sand, one of the most dazzling beaches in the world.

© Chad Zuber/Shutterstock

#04 Observatorio de Arecibo

The world’s largest radio telescope is an awe-inspiring sight, with plenty of thought-provoking exhibits on hand to satisfy budding scientists and aspiring astronauts.

Large radio telescope dish in Arecibo national observatory © Photo Spirit/Shutterstock

continued below

Related articles from the blog

#05 Beach hopping in Vieques

Tour the mesmerizing beaches of Vieques, precious slices of untouched Caribbean wilderness.

Vieques, Puerto Rico © Danita Delimont/Shutterstock

#06 Diving and snorkelling

The crystalline waters off Puerto Rico contain some of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean, making it an underwater paradise ideal for diving and snorkelling.

© blue-sea.cz/Shutterstock

#07 Ponce

Puerto Rico’s second city is a showcase of ebullient architecture, impressive art and poignant museums, including the lavish home of the Don Q rum empire, Castillo Serallés.

The old town of the city of Ponce in Puerto Rico © Aneta Waberska/Shutterstock

#08 Salsa

Learn to dance, check out a salsa club or just sit back and enjoy the pros on the island that was home to El Cantante, Gran Combo and Ricky Martin.

Dancing salsa © Ioana Catalina E/Shutterstock

#09 Piña colada

This sumptuous blend of rum, pineapple and coconut is served everywhere, from ritzy hotel bars to shacks on the beach.

© Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

#10 San Germán

Soak up the colonial history in this charming old town, with ornate mansions and delicate churches harking back to the boom days of sugar and coffee.

San German Cathedral in San German, Puerto Rico © Israel Pabon/Shutterstock

#11 Surfing

Puerto Rico is hammered by the full force of the Atlantic swells in the winter, its north coast lined with dizzying breaks.

© James Parascandola/Shutterstock

#12 Casa Bacardi

Learn everything there is to know about the Caribbean’s favourite tipple at the “Cathedral of Rum”.

© Ruslan Seradziuk/Shutterstock

#13 Coffee

Puerto Rican coffee once supplied the Vatican, and today the island’s fertile soils and ideal climate are fuelling a resurgence in potent, gourmet brands.

Coffee plantation © Fotos593/Shutterstock

#14 El Yunque National Forest

Puerto Rico’s most enchanting reserve of pristine rainforest, jungle-covered peaks and bubbling cascades is laced with panoramic trails.

© Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock

#15 El Morro

Even Sir Francis Drake couldn’t take this spectacular Spanish fortress, a whopping sledgehammer of stone and cannons that has guarded San Juan Bay for over four hundred years.

© John Wollwerth/Shutterstock

#16 La Ruta Panorámica

Explore this winding route along the island’s mountainous spine, a world of misty forests, coffee farms and roadside stalls selling roast pork.

© Paulo Pinto Quintero/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Puerto Rico

Find even more inspiration for Puerto Rico here