© Shutterstock

La Cueva del Indio - Located in Arecibo on the island’s northern coast, la Cueva del Indio—meaning the cave of the Indian—gets its name from prehistoric paintings made by the place’s native inhabitants.

© Shutterstock

Castillo San Felipe del Morro - Located in San Juan, this 16th-century citadel has stood the test of time. This is the perfect way to imagine what the Spaniards saw when they first arrived in Puerto Rico.

© Shutterstock

Castillo de San Cristobal - Also located in the capital, this 18th-century fort is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World. This is the perfect way to enjoy beautiful views while experiencing a little bit of history.

© Shutterstock

Rincón - Known as the island’s surf capital, this is the perfect beach for surfing or just enjoying the waves. Don’t forget to stay for the sunset.

© Shutterstock

El Yunque National Forest - Puerto Rico is not only the perfect place for beach lovers, but also for nature lovers. The island is home to the US’ only rainforest. With more than a dozen trails, this national forest is perfect for spending a day listening to the birds and looking for waterfalls, with plenty of opportunities for a picnic.

© Shutterstock

Old San Juan - The twisting cobblestone streets of Old San Juan will take you back in time. Puerto Rico’s capital houses beautiful pastel colonial architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as old Spanish military forts. Don’t forget to grab a piña colada! San Juan is the drink’s birthplace, after all.

© Shutterstock

Flamenco Beach - The beach’s white sand, clear blue water, and palm trees often put Flamenco on the world’s best beaches list. The US military used this spot for decades, which explains the presence of the characteristic abandoned tanks.

© Shutterstock

Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay -

This bay is inhabited by millions of tiny marine organisms called dinoflagellates that light up when touched. Their luminosity transforms the bay into something straight out of a fairytale. The bay went completely dark following the devastating Hurricane Maria in 2017, but its water is now glowing again. 

© Shutterstock

Jobos Beach - Located in Isabela on the northern coast, this is the perfect beach for snorkeling, surfing, and sunbathing. This is a favorite among locals.

© Shutterstock

La Perla - For a more down-to-earth experience, take a stroll through this historical San Juan neighborhood. It's not necessarily a tourist location, but this shanty town offers unbeatable views of the Atlantic and a more realistic take on San Juan’s everyday life.

© Shutterstock

The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse - This 19th-century lighthouse built by the Spanish is perched on 200-foot (60-meter) limestone cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

© Shutterstock

Isla Desecheo - This uninhabited island on the northeastern coast of Mona Island was visited by Christopher Columbus himself during his second voyage to the New World.

© Shutterstock

Ponce - This historic city in the southern part of Puerto Rico houses great examples of colonial architecture and well-preserved mansions. Walk to La Guancha Paseo Tablado boardwalk on the coast for great restaurants and bars.

© Shutterstock

Playa Mar Chiquita - Located on the northern coast, this secluded cove is almost completely blocked off by two corals, causing the Atlantic surf to crash against them and spray water that cascades down into the pools below.

© Shutterstock

Rio Camuy Caves - This set of caves covers 268 acres, making it one of the world’s largest cave systems. Visitors can take a trolley bus into the depths of the 200-foot (60-meter) cave, where they can see stalagmites, stalactites, and running rivers.

© Shutterstock

Dos Bocas Lake - This man-made lake sits in the center of the island, between Arecibo and Utuado. Built in 1942, it's one of the island’s drinkable water reserves. Don’t worry about packing lunch. The lake has numerous open-air restaurants where you can eat while soaking in the views.

© Shutterstock

Culebrita Island - This uninhabited island and nature reserve off the eastern coast of Culebra houses one of the Caribbean’s oldest lighthouses.

© Shutterstock

Guanica - This town, located in the southern part of the island, offers historical sites such as the Caprón Fortress and the Guánica Lighthouse. The nearby Guánica State Forest is also worth visiting.

© Shutterstock

Guanica’s sunflower farm - A stroll through this field of yellow sunflowers is a unique experience when you want to take a break from the beach.

© Shutterstock

Guavate -

If you want to have a true Puerto Rican gastronomical experience, take a trip to Guavate in Puerto Rico’s mountainous region. Known as the Ruta del Lechón (Suckling Pig Route), the area is every pork lover’s dream come true.

© Shutterstock

Cayo Santiago (Monkey Island) -

Get in a boat and head out to this island overrun by rhesus monkeys, which were brought to the island for scientific research.

© Shutterstock

Cueva Ventana - This limestone cave in Arecibo is a great place to see stalagmites and stalactites, and it also offers a view of the beautiful valley below.

© Shutterstock

Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve - Located on Puerto Rico’s extreme northeast tip, this 316-acre reserve houses the Laguna Grande bioluminescent bay, as well as mangroves, lush rainforest, and rare flora and fauna.

© Shutterstock

Mona Island -

Located on Puerto Rico’s western coast, the island is dubbed the Galapagos of the Caribbean for its natural beauty and wildlife. The island is also a great spot for diving.

© Shutterstock

Caracas Beach - This beach is part of Vieques Island’s Wildlife National Refuge. This is the perfect spot for picnicking and relaxing.

© Shutterstock

Zoni Beach - Located on Culebra Island, this beach is more desolate than its sister, Flamenco Beach. If you’re after some peace and quiet, this is the place to go.

© Shutterstock

Gilligan’s Island - This crystal-clear beach is perfect for snorkeling, basking in the sun, and enjoying the warm water as tropical fish swim around your feet.

© Shutterstock

Coffin Island - This beautiful island is a great place for the whole family. There are many theories about how the island got its unusual name, but most of them have to do with pirates.

© Shutterstock

La Parguera Nature Reserve -

This reserve is perfect for nature lovers as it offers beautiful natural sights such as mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs.

See also: The many musical styles of the Caribbean

© Shutterstock