Dreaming of that perfect Caribbean getaway? That little island with white-sand beaches, gently swaying palm trees, cerulean water, and nobody around for miles and miles? Then forget about the Bahamas, ignore St. Kitts, and say no way to San Jose – you’re looking for Vieques, Puerto Rico! A small island off the east coast of “main land” Puerto Rico, Vieques is the honest-to-goodness island escape of your dreams, boasting more than 40 beaches and not a single traffic light – and this Vieques travel guide will help you get the most out of your visit.
One of the big reasons to visit Vieques is specifically because it demands so little of its visitors. Unlike a trip to New York or London or Beijing, travel to Vieques doesn’t come with a bunch of must-sees that you need to check off your list.
Things Not to Miss in Vieques
• The island’s best restaurants, including El Quenepo and Chez Shack
• More than 40 of the world’s most beautiful beaches, including Playa Caracas, Playa Esperanza, and La Chiva
• The Fuerte de Vieques, constructed in 1845, the last Spanish-built fort in the Western Hemisphere
• The Isla Culebrita, a somewhat remote island that can only be reached by water taxi or chartered boat – and is more than worth the effort
When to Go to Vieques
Vieques is pretty much your textbook tropical dream getaway. Highs top out in the 80s whether it's July and January while the daily lows are generally in the 70s. Which is to say there’s no bad time for Vieques travel, as the island is more than comfortable all year round.
-
The Top 15 Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas (Video)
In the two years since the destruction of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, our readers have consistently supported the islands hit the hardest — including the... Read More
-
Last-minute Luxury Trips to Book for Spring Break
Puerto Rico Get 33 percent off a stay at the W Retreat & Spa on the island of Vieques. At the W's first North American "Retreat"... Read More
-
56 Wonderful Places to Honeymoon Right Now
Ask any couple in the throes of wedding planning and they will most likely tell you the thing they’re looking forward to the most (an eternity of... Read More
-
El Blok Hotel Makes Its Debut in Vieques
In Vieques, the names and phone numbers of all the island’s taxi drivers are posted on a sign outside the airport, which is an indication both of its... Read More
-
Best Beach Vacation Getaways from the U.S. Video
// Who doesn't need a beach escape within easy reach? Watch this quick video for three T+L favorites.Islamorada, FloridaThere’s not much to do in the... Read More
-
Easy Weekend Getaways
Thank God for Friday—the gateway to a new adventure. Celebrated in movies and songs, the weekend looms large in the imagination. It seduces us with the... Read More
-
World’s Most Romantic Islands
Bora-Bora seduces couples with visions of overwater bungalows above a turquoise lagoon. But that’s not all: the island offers coral reefs and, should... Read More
-
Best Resorts in the Caribbean 2012
So how to choose? Leave it to the jet-setting readers of Travel + Leisure who highlight their favorite resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the... Read More
-
101 Places Every Traveler Should Know
See T+L’s Bucket List slideshows• Beach Vacations Bucket List• The Foodie’s Travel Bucket List• Celebrities’ Favorite Places• Ultimate Adventure Travel... Read More
-
Beach Vacations Bucket List
No beach is quite like another; each is defined as much by natural beauty—windswept dunes; colorful sands; sheer cliff sides—as by the travelers it... Read More
-
Best Affordable Beach Resorts
“Get me a stretch of sand and a hammock and I’m happy,” says Kirsty Hathaway of U.K.-based BeachTomato.com, a fashion and travel site focused on beach... Read More
-
Best Affordable Beach Resorts 2011
Picture yourself waking to the warmth of sunshine slanting through your window, then enjoying the sound of gently crashing waves as you take your... Read More
-
TODAY Show: Warm Weather Getaways
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economyAs temps start to dip, it's time to start thinking about sunny spots to escape... Read More
-
TODAY Show: Splurge or Steal Winter Travel Deals
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economyDying to leave your coat, scarf, and hat behind? February is an ideal month for... Read More