Vieques and Culebra are two island municipalities a mere 8 and 17 miles, respectively, off the east coast of Puerto Rico, but the lifestyle there is light-years away from that of the main island.

Referred to as the Spanish Virgin Islands, Vieques and Culebra are often described as “the way Puerto Rico used to be.” The pace of life doesn’t just slow down, it comes to a screeching halt. There are no fast-food restaurants or high-rise hotels, no golf courses or casinos, virtually no nightlife, and few tourist sights. And the only way to reach the islands is by plane or ferry. But what they do have are stunning beaches, world-class water sports, and lots of opportunity for R&R.

The small Spanish fort and museum El Fortín Conde de Mirasol on Vieques and the Museo Histórico de Culebra are the closest things to cultural attraction the islands have to offer. Instead, one of the main reasons to go are the islands’ wide sandy beaches, the most popular being Balneario Sun Bay in Vieques and Playa Flamenco in Culebra.

In addition to its beaches, Culebra and Vieques offer fantastic opportunities for diving and snorkeling. If you don’t want to go on a group tour, excellent snorkeling from the beach at Playa Carlos Rosario in Culebra is easily accessible. And visitors to Vieques would be remiss not to visit the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, which requires an overnight stay.

The Best of Vieques and Culebra

• El Fortín Conde de Mirasol
• Mosquito Bay
• Balneario Sun Bay
• Playa Flamenco
• Diving in Culebra