In an international ranking that once again put the focus on dream destinations, A beach in Puerto Rico appeared among the eight best in the world. What is striking for many travelers is that she was the only representative from Latin America in that select group. It was not in Mexico, nor in Brazil, nor in the Dominican Republic: it is on a small Caribbean island that gains more attention every year among tourists from the United States.
It is about Flamenco Beacha strip of white area and turquoise water located in Culebra, an island municipality east of Puerto Rico. The place is known for its horseshoe-shaped bay, calm sea and almost intact natural landscape. Different tourist rankings have mentioned it for years among the best beaches on the planet and now it appeared among the 8 best beaches in the world in a ranking published by BBC Inch.
- Where is Playa Flamenco
- Culebra Island, an ecological paradise
- How to get there from the United States
- Why it is among the best in the world
- When is it worth going
- A jewel of the Caribbean that many do not yet know
Where is Playa Flamenco
Playa Flamenco is on the island of Culebra, about 17 miles east of the well-known island of Puerto Rico. Culebra is small, quiet and highly valued by those looking for more natural and less urbanized beaches than other areas of the Caribbean.
For many Hispanic travelers living in the United States, it represents an attractive getaway because it combines tropical climate, world-renowned beaches and the ease of traveling to Puerto Rico without a passport if they are US citizens.
Culebra Island, an ecological paradise
Culebra is a small, sparsely populated island and a group of surrounding cays off the coast of Puerto Rico.. In the northwest is Flamenco Beach, a long stretch of crescent-shaped area with turquoise waters, sheltered by tree-lined hills.
Nearby is Tamarindo Beach, with clear waters full of fish, sea turtles and rays. In the southwest, there is Punta Melones beach, known as a viewing point for spectacular sunsets.
Why is it called Culebra Island? It must be clarified that the island receives its name not from the abundance of snakes but from the name of a bishop of Toledo called San Ildefonso de Culebra.
How to get there from the United States
The most common route is to fly first to San Juan, the territory’s well-known air gateway. From there there are two common options:
- Short flight to Culebra: There are regional flights of a few minutes from the metropolitan area of San Juan to Culebra.
- Ferry from the East Coast: Many visitors go to Ceiba and take the ferry to Culebra. Then they can travel by taxi or local transportation to the beach. The trip takes about an hour, and you can choose air-conditioned seats or go up to the open-air deck for the best views.
It is advisable to check schedules in advance, especially on weekends and high season.
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Why it is among the best in the world
What travelers and international rankings tend to highlight most are:
- Fine white sand.
- Transparent and shallow water.
- Good environment for swimming.
- Wide landscape without large buildings.
- Ideal environment to relax.
- Snorkeling opportunities in nearby areas.
Tripadvisor has also recognized it in different years within its global listings.
When is it worth going
The best experience usually occurs between winter and spring, when the weather is drier and more pleasant. In summer there can be more heat, brief rains and greater demand.
If you are looking for fewer people, it is advisable to avoid long weekends and holidays.
A jewel of the Caribbean that many do not yet know
Playa Flamenco can be a great alternative if you are looking for the Caribbean without leaving the American environment. It is in Puerto Rico, it has worldwide recognition and preserves something that is increasingly difficult to find: natural beauty without excesses of urbanization.
While many always look to Cancun or Punta Cana, this beach shows that one of the best in the world is also closer than it seems.
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