America's unofficial 51st state: Puerto Rico has 300 days of sunshine a year, some of the best beaches in the world – and the cocktails aren't bad either
In recent referendums, the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico – about 1,000 miles southeast of Miami – voted to become America's 51st state. And it could have become a reality if reluctant U.S. senators hadn't blocked it.
With more than 500 kilometers of coastline and 300 days of sunshine a year, Puerto Rico is the American equivalent of our Costa Del Sol, with no fewer than 120 flights a week with 20 airlines to the capital San Juan.
It is the third largest Caribbean island, after Cuba and Jamaica. The country, which is about half the size of Wales, consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands with some of the best beaches in the world. Dollars are also the local currency, while Americans are not required to show a passport, further increasing the American appeal.
With so many connections, it's easier than ever to visit – for example, JetBlue sells return flights from Heathrow via New York from £550.
A POTTEN HISTORY
In recent referendums, the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico – about 1,000 miles southeast of Miami – voted to become America's 51st state
Puerto Rico (meaning 'rich port'), was originally home to the indigenous Taino people and was ruled by the Spanish for 400 years after the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. The country was conquered after the Spanish-American War of 1898 acquired by the Americans and Puerto Ricans have been considered American citizens for about a hundred years.
Each group of rulers left their mark on Puerto Rico. Ancient Taino petroglyphs can be found at La Cueva del Indio in Arecibo. Then you have the 16th-century UNESCO-listed fortifications of Castillo San Cristobal in old San Juan. The legacy of American culture is the usual fast food chains and hotels/motels everywhere.
PINA COLADA, PLEASE
Pina Colada is the official drink of Puerto Rico
Although disputed, this classic cocktail was reportedly invented by bartender Ramon Marrero at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan in 1954.
Whatever its history, in 1978 the pina colada was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico – and it's available just about everywhere.
BEAUTIFUL BEACH
Playa Flamenco on Culebra Island is often ranked among the best beaches in the world and is best enjoyed on a day trip by boat (sailgetaway.com).
Along with pristine white sand and calm, shallow water, it is notable for two rusty tanks that date back to when the US Navy used the island for target practice between 1936 and 1975.
SAND LESS TRAVELED
La Playuela is a quiet, crescent-shaped beach in the southwest.
It's wild, untouched and requires a dirt drive or a hike to get there.
Upon arrival, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the limestone cliffs, with the 19th-century Cabo Rojo Lighthouse standing sentinel at one.
Playa Flamenco (pictured) on Culebra Island is often rated among the best beaches in the world and is best enjoyed on a day trip by boat, writes James
STREET ART AND SALSA
With a heritage that includes Taino, Spanish, African and American traditions, Puerto Ricans call themselves Boricua – the word that encompasses the island's art, music, dance and culture.
Art can be seen everywhere, from the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (mapr.org) to graffiti murals in the Santurce neighborhood of San Juan. As for music, the islanders are responsible for salsa and, like it or not, reggaeton – a lively mix of reggae, Latin American melodies and hip-hop.
Puerto Ricans call themselves Boricua – the word that embraces the island's art, music, dance and culture
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Three of the world's five bioluminescent bays are in Puerto Rico. In this phenomenon, millions of microscopic marine organisms emit a mesmerizing blue-green light. Take one of the evening kayaking trips to see them in Laguna Grande, Mosquito Bay or La Parguera.
THE PARADISE FOR THRILL SEEKERS
Toro Verde Adventure Park, in the Central Mountain Range, is home to an adrenaline-pumping zipline known as The Monster. Fly a mile and a half over the hilltops of Orocovis as you reach speeds of 95 mph (155 km/h) (toroverdepr.com).
RAINFOREST ADVENTURES
El Yunque has some beautiful hiking trails where you can spot giant tree snails, Puerto Rican parrots, and tiny coqui frogs (which make a sound like birdsong) along the way. Stop for a refreshing dip in natural pools and shower under waterfalls (fs.usda.gov/elyunque).
WHERE TO STAY
Treat yourself to a stay at the St Regis Bahia Resort (pictured), where luxury double rooms are available from £750
Luxury double rooms are available from £750 at St Regis Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club, set in 483 hectares of grounds on an old coconut farm with three kilometers of pristine beach (marriott.com). Or try the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan, which has rooms from £390 and is located by the sea (condadovanderbilt.com).
And Villa Montana Beach Resort, tucked away on 35 lush acres by three miles of beach in the northwest, doubles from £196 (villamontana.com).