Isla de Vieques is a stunning island of Puerto Rico municipality situated in the northeasten Caribbean. Vieques has strong Spanish influences because of the 400 years of Spanish ownership. The two main towns of Vieques are Isabel Segunda and Esperanza. The population is around 10 000 people.

You’ll need to rent a jeep to get to the best beaches — and head to Green Beach  on the western end of the island for great snorkeling. But go in the morning. After noon, you risk getting eaten alive by little black flies.

If you are surf seeker, drive to Navio on the south side of the island. Follow the signs along the pitted sand and dirt road until you reach a picturesque half-moon beach bordered by rocky outcroppings. If the waves are not your style just down the road from Navio is Media Luna— a favorite of families with small children — where you can wade out for yards with the placid water no higher than your waist. Among the most popular beaches is Red Beach located on the island’s south side in the United States Fish and Wildlife Reserve and outfitted with gazebos and picnic tables.