Puerto Rico in a Nutshell
Flamenco Beach earns its place as one of the world’s top beaches, with cerulean waters and cloud-like sands edged by arching palm trees, it’s a picture-perfect location for both swimming and sunbathing.
If you’re in search of an active beach stay, head for the west coast where the waves are gnarly, and the surf is ideal. The pretty town of Rincón boasts an array of stunning beaches that are great for both experienced and beginner surfers such as María, Sandy, Domes, and Tres Palmas.
The popular Crash Boat Beach—located in Aguadilla on the island’s northwest shore—has plenty to keep you occupied, with great snorkelling, scuba diving, and surfing opportunities for all levels, as well as a range of water sports like jet-skiing.
For a truly magical, one-of-a-kind experience, take a trip to one of Puerto Rico’s ghostly bioluminescent bays. Mosquito Bay is officially the world’s brightest and is set on Vieques Island, which is accessible via a small plane or ferry. Hire a glass-bottom kayak and float along the bay, and when you splash the water, you’ll be mesmerised by the neon blue-green glow beneath you.
Back on dry land, make time to explore the 500-year history of Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan), the oldest European-founded city in the Americas. This gorgeous historical town comprises colonial buildings and iconic ancient sites, with charming cobblestoned streets that give it a vintage movie feel. Stroll around cultural landmarks like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, two important Spanish citadels, and see the grand Catedral de San Juan Bautista for a glimpse into its religious past.
Puerto Rican cuisine derives from lots of different flavours and methods in Spanish, African, and native Taino cookery, making its dishes unique and memorable. Eating out in Puerto Rico is a fabulous experience, and whether it’s in a fine dining establishment or a rustic street food kiosk by the beach, you’re guaranteed a taste sensation.
Marmalade restaurant in San Juan offers a contemporary and exciting fine dining experience with an eclectic fusion of French, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisine. With a focus on organic produce and sustainability, Marmalade also boasts an excellent bar for those cheeky post-dinner beverages.
A hugely popular way to discover Puerto Rico’s thriving culinary scene is to take a fun chinchorro tour along the coast, either by car or bus. Head for the lovely coastal area of Piñones, just a thirty-minute journey from San Juan, for a day out like no other. This truly local dining experience is the art of hopping from one food truck to the next and eating and drinking your way through classic island staples such as fritters, sweet and smoky grilled meats, skewered kebabs, fluffy rice, not to mention delicious cocktails and beer. It’s the Puerto Rican equivalent of a bar crawl and an experience not to be missed!
Flamenco Beach earns its place as one of the world’s top beaches, with cerulean waters and cloud-like sands edged by arching palm trees, it’s a picture-perfect location for both swimming and sunbathing.
If you’re in search of an active beach stay, head for the west coast where the waves are gnarly, and the surf is ideal. The pretty town of Rincón boasts an array of stunning beaches that are great for both experienced and beginner surfers such as María, Sandy, Domes, and Tres Palmas.
The popular Crash Boat Beach—located in Aguadilla on the island’s northwest shore—has plenty to keep you occupied, with great snorkelling, scuba diving, and surfing opportunities for all levels, as well as a range of water sports like jet-skiing.
For a truly magical, one-of-a-kind experience, take a trip to one of Puerto Rico’s ghostly bioluminescent bays. Mosquito Bay is officially the world’s brightest and is set on Vieques Island, which is accessible via a small plane or ferry. Hire a glass-bottom kayak and float along the bay, and when you splash the water, you’ll be mesmerised by the neon blue-green glow beneath you.
Back on dry land, make time to explore the 500-year history of Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan), the oldest European-founded city in the Americas. This gorgeous historical town comprises colonial buildings and iconic ancient sites, with charming cobblestoned streets that give it a vintage movie feel. Stroll around cultural landmarks like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, two important Spanish citadels, and see the grand Catedral de San Juan Bautista for a glimpse into its religious past.
Puerto Rican cuisine derives from lots of different flavours and methods in Spanish, African, and native Taino cookery, making its dishes unique and memorable. Eating out in Puerto Rico is a fabulous experience, and whether it’s in a fine dining establishment or a rustic street food kiosk by the beach, you’re guaranteed a taste sensation.
Marmalade restaurant in San Juan offers a contemporary and exciting fine dining experience with an eclectic fusion of French, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisine. With a focus on organic produce and sustainability, Marmalade also boasts an excellent bar for those cheeky post-dinner beverages.
A hugely popular way to discover Puerto Rico’s thriving culinary scene is to take a fun chinchorro tour along the coast, either by car or bus. Head for the lovely coastal area of Piñones, just a thirty-minute journey from San Juan, for a day out like no other. This truly local dining experience is the art of hopping from one food truck to the next and eating and drinking your way through classic island staples such as fritters, sweet and smoky grilled meats, skewered kebabs, fluffy rice, not to mention delicious cocktails and beer. It’s the Puerto Rican equivalent of a bar crawl and an experience not to be missed!
Flamenco Beach earns its place as one of the world’s top beaches, with cerulean waters and cloud-like sands edged by arching palm trees, it’s a picture-perfect location for both swimming and sunbathing.
If you’re in search of an active beach stay, head for the west coast where the waves are gnarly, and the surf is ideal. The pretty town of Rincón boasts an array of stunning beaches that are great for both experienced and beginner surfers such as María, Sandy, Domes, and Tres Palmas.
The popular Crash Boat Beach—located in Aguadilla on the island’s northwest shore—has plenty to keep you occupied, with great snorkelling, scuba diving, and surfing opportunities for all levels, as well as a range of water sports like jet-skiing.
For a truly magical, one-of-a-kind experience, take a trip to one of Puerto Rico’s ghostly bioluminescent bays. Mosquito Bay is officially the world’s brightest and is set on Vieques Island, which is accessible via a small plane or ferry. Hire a glass-bottom kayak and float along the bay, and when you splash the water, you’ll be mesmerised by the neon blue-green glow beneath you.
Back on dry land, make time to explore the 500-year history of Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan), the oldest European-founded city in the Americas. This gorgeous historical town comprises colonial buildings and iconic ancient sites, with charming cobblestoned streets that give it a vintage movie feel. Stroll around cultural landmarks like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, two important Spanish citadels, and see the grand Catedral de San Juan Bautista for a glimpse into its religious past.
Puerto Rican cuisine derives from lots of different flavours and methods in Spanish, African, and native Taino cookery, making its dishes unique and memorable. Eating out in Puerto Rico is a fabulous experience, and whether it’s in a fine dining establishment or a rustic street food kiosk by the beach, you’re guaranteed a taste sensation.
Marmalade restaurant in San Juan offers a contemporary and exciting fine dining experience with an eclectic fusion of French, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisine. With a focus on organic produce and sustainability, Marmalade also boasts an excellent bar for those cheeky post-dinner beverages.
A hugely popular way to discover Puerto Rico’s thriving culinary scene is to take a fun chinchorro tour along the coast, either by car or bus. Head for the lovely coastal area of Piñones, just a thirty-minute journey from San Juan, for a day out like no other. This truly local dining experience is the art of hopping from one food truck to the next and eating and drinking your way through classic island staples such as fritters, sweet and smoky grilled meats, skewered kebabs, fluffy rice, not to mention delicious cocktails and beer. It’s the Puerto Rican equivalent of a bar crawl and an experience not to be missed!
frequently asked questions
Between December and April is the best time—but also the most expensive—to visit in terms of weather but it’s also a time for festivals and celebration in Puerto Rico, where the whole island comes alive in colour, music, food, and art. The average daily temperature hovers between 21-26°C, ensuring that beach days are comfortable.
Hurricane season hits its peak in September and prices are predictably cheaper, while the shoulder months of May and November are less crowded with pleasant enough weather to swim and explore.
Flights are frequent from several UK airports to San Juan, including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Belfast. They are usually indirect and will make a quick stop via New York or Atlanta.
As Puerto Rico is a part of the USA, all travellers from the UK must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver prior to arrival.