Porta Caribe: Beyond San Juan : Kathika Travel Website

By Sandy Mitchell

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Sure, San Juan is vibrant, with a nighlife that goes until the wee hours of the morning, but if you’re looking for Puerto Rico’s natural beauty without the crowds and the hubbub, look to the southern coast, to Porta Caribe.

Porta Caribe, located along the south central coast of Puerto Rico, includes the city of Ponce, the second largest city in Puerto Rico, as well as Guayanilla and Salinas.The pace is slower here, with miles of white sand beach and remnants of the island’s Spanish heritage.

Attractions

In addition to the myriad beach and water sports, there is the historic Catedral de Nuestro in downtown Ponce, the city’s renowned art museum, and some of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico.

Where to Stay

Porta Caribe has no shortage of luxury hotels. Among the best are:

Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort: This beachfront hotel, just outside of Ponce, has 253 rooms and suites. Facilities include a spa and sauna, a 27-hole golf course, a fitness center, and one of the largest casinos in Puerto Rico.
Holiday Inn Ponce and Tropical Casino: Set atop a mountain with a sweeping view of the coastline and the city of Ponce, has a 24-hour casino, a spacious pool area, and 116 rooms.
Parador Guanica 1929: Built in the 1920s, this charming Spanish-style inn, in the heart of Guanica, is surrounded by spacious verandahs. The 27 rooms are individually decorated and cozy–ideal for honeymooners and romantic weekends away.

How to Get There

Porta Caribe is easily accessible via flights to the San Juan and Ponce airports. Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the U.S., United States citizens can travel to Puerto Rico without a passport; all you need is a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license.

(Photo via flickr cc)