The concept of Porta del Sol is a new one, but the area has been famous for many years for its beaches and towns.
In 2003 the Puerto Rico Tourism company together with a few municipalities in the west of Puerto Rico created this economic venture to promote those towns.
The area covers the west from north to south and features one of the most exotic beaches and picturesque towns in the “Island of Enchantment”.
The main city of the area is Mayaguez, also known as “La Sultana del Oeste” or The Sultaness of the West. Mayaguez is busy metropolitan city bustling with commerce, arts and a very important university.
On the coast the most important towns and cities are:
• Aguadilla – It is internationally known for its great surfing beaches. It hosts Rafael Hernandez Airport formerly Ramey Air force Base, featuring the longest runway in the Caribbean Now it’s a major airport servicing several mainland cities with scheduled airlines and many charters from Europe. Don’t miss the sunsets watched from “El Miradero”
• Aguada – Enjoy the beaches Pico de Piedra and Playa Espinar with great surfing.
• Rincon, Puerto Rico – Is world known for surfing and has many attractions like the Rincon Lighthouse and Park. You can just seat there and watch surfers.
In Rincon we highly recommend a cozy hotel that has very elegant accommodations and is part of the Relais & Chateaux Hotels.
Looking out at the straits of Mona in a part of the island wherethe curling waves are a surfers dream. The Horned Dorset Primavera Hotel surrounds you with its elegant and classic neo-colonial architecture.
Your duplex suite offers a contrast between the dark glossy woods and the pure white veils that envelop your four-poster bed. Your suite includes a terrace with private swimming pool and two bathrooms. The hotel is spread out on hilly terrain with charming places to relax such as the library, the veranda, the bar with its terrace next to the sea, and the gourmet restaurant.
Top complete the experience you’ll find lovely beaches, where swimming is superb and nearby casinos and golf on Eisenhower’s favorite course..
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The beautiful Horned Dorset Primavera Hotel in Rincon Puerto Rico
• Añasco – Known for its “Hojaldre Cake” and the “Balneario Tres Hermanos”. Surfing is also very good here.
• Mayaguez – Is the area’s largest city. Has an impressive Plaza with the statue of Columbus.
The Teatro Yaguez, a historic theater is now a cultural center of the community. It also features a newly renovated Zoo and Experimental Agricultural Station, next to the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus.
Once in Mayaguez don’t miss the famous "Brazo Gitano" (a tropical fruit- vanilla-or chocolate-filled jelly roll).
• Hormigueros – Home of the Basilica Nuestra Señora de Montserrate and the old “Marquez Mansion” an example of colonial time architecture.
• Cabo Rojo – This city includes the beaches of Boquerón, El Combate and Joyuda. These are the Best Puerto Rico Beaches.
The town is a famous town for great seafood brought to local restaurants direct through Puerto Real fishing port.
• Lajas – The famous sweet and juicy pineapple called the “Piña Cabezona” grows here. From personal experience I can tell you: don’t miss it, please.
• Guanica – It features one of the most magnificent bays in Puerto Rico. It offers beautiful beaches, diving and snorkeling. It has hiking forests with hundreds of types of plants and trees. It is also a great place for bird watching.
• La Parguera Phosphorescent Bay. The millions of microscopic organisms known as din flagellates, sparkle when disturbed, and illuminate the bay.
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El Combate Beach in Cabo Rojo Puerto Rico
These are the top of the top of Puerto Rico Beaches
Inland the most important towns are:
• Isabela
• Moca
• San Sebastian
• Moca
• San Sebastian
• San German
• Sabana Grande
• Las Marias
• Maricao
The area is in constant development and construction of many hotels and resorts.
The lovely Paradores de Puerto Rico, a great option where to stay
Throughout the area you will find Paradores . Those are smaller hotels offering bed and breakfast accommodation. Most of them are incredibly beautiful and offer all amenities as the large hotels.
By staying in one of this charming country Inns you’ll leave the hassle of San Juan and the big cities and transport yourself to the “Real” Puerto Rico, the one I know, I lived and I love.
Scuba Diving Caribbean in the area of Porta del Sol
Here all kinds of Caribbean Sports are available.
Among them:
• Golf – Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned pro, you can enjoy golfing at Porta del Sol
• Kayaking – There are many places you can rent a kayak, join an excursion or take classes. You’ll learn the tricks of this sport
• Windsurfing – Surfers call Puerto Rico "The Maui of the Atlantic" and their favorite destination is the windy northwest coast, around the towns of Isabela and Rincon in Porta del Sol.
• Caribbean Fishing –The fishing is good year round and charters are available. From December to April it includes Dorado, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Yellow fin Tuna and White Marlin, while in summer Blue Marlin is king.
• Horseback riding – Here the gentle tradition of breeding and showing “Paso Fino” horses has been maintained.
• Biking – Take a closer look at Porta del Sol, by using the many Biking trails available.
For Beaches and sports, for nightlife and entertainment or for nature lovers, Porta del Sol in Puerto Rico’s west coast is the place to be.