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Some claim that San Juan is the most vibrant cultural city of all the Caribbean islands. Think about it – Between the violence of Kingston, the power outages in Havana and the sparse attractions of Nassau, Puerto Rico’s historic capital remains the place to be.
Better yet, you don’t need a passport to visit!
This of course applies to the entire island, but many tourists who venture to America’s unofficial 51st state often stick to the San Juan area for fantastic food, vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches.
But far away from the busy streets of the city lies another gem that you can also reach with many direct flights.
Whether you are finalizing your fall travel plans or getting an early start to winter, Puerto Rico’s lesser-known paradise Aguadilla fits right in with pristine beaches, much less so crowds and beautiful weather all year round.
Puerto Rico’s hidden piece of paradise
A gap in the Caribbean separates one of the most popular beach spots (Punta Cana) from the hidden gem of Aguadilla.
Looking at each other almost from a map perspective, Aguadilla offers much of the same scenery, without the fancy resorts and endless hordes of tourists.
Located on the northwestern tip of the island, this is the country’s little-known slice of paradise, waiting to be discovered.
Although off the beaten track, many airlines do fly here, but more about that later…
Those in the know, including locals who visit for an epic staycation, have crystal clear waters, spacious beaches and wallet-friendly resorts to take advantage of, like the Punta Borinquen Resort for $160.
Unlike San Juan, where you’re sure to encounter old ladies getting off a cruise and guilt tripping you into taking their photos, Aguadilla offers a more idyllic escape without having to weave through the crowds or navigate chaotic streets .
Aguadilla is the beach town you’ve been waiting for that you didn’t know you needed; blissful playashearty local dishes and affordable beachfront stays await.
Getting here: Numerous direct flights from the US
Despite being a quiet getaway, it’s really not a trek to come here more often than anywhere else you had in mind.
Yes, San Juan is easier to get to, and why wouldn’t it be, given that more than 300,000 people live there?
Aguadilla, however, is not far behind. With 3 airlines flying direct from the US, don’t hesitate to make plans for a vacation in Puerto Rico’s beloved secret, even if you need a layover – it’ll be worth it!
Whether you’re a budget traveler or a brand loyalist, these airlines have what you’re looking for:
- Border (Orlando)
- United (Newark)
- JetBlue (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, New York (JFK)
Note: For what it’s worth, despite it being listed on the Rafael Hernández Airport website, Spirit Airlines no longer flies here.
Upon arrival you can choose from dozens of great beaches along the coast.
The airport (BQN) is about 20 minutes outside the city center, and while this pretty beach town has attracted the attention of airlines, Uber is a different story.
The best way to get where you need to go is to book a reputable taxi from the airport or directly through your accommodation choice.
Aguadilla’s best beaches (including an off-the-wall attraction!)
There is no shortage of great beaches to visit while vacationing in Puerto Rico. To help us, Forbes recently released their 7 favorites to escape the crowds.
One of them was that of Aguadilla Playa Peña Blancawhich not only feels sexy to say, but even better to visit.
Locals rave about this place among themselves, but tourists have not yet discovered this picturesque, perfect beach between the airport and the city center.
Although this beach has been kept secret, the top has already been blown off the area’s most famous beach.
That would be so Playa Crash Boat. But contrary to what it sounds, it is not a shipwreck, but a beautiful paradise and also one of the liveliest on this relatively quiet stretch of Puerto Rican coast.
What used to be a military base, meant for rescuing…you guessed it…crashed boats, is now the #1 beach in Aguadilla with white sand, pristine waters and savory food stalls.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
