Culebra | The Best Kept Secret of the Carribean

After couple days of enjoying Old San Juan we boarded a small plane and flew east to a little island off of the coast of Puerto Rico - Culebra. Located about 15 miles off of mainland Puerto Rico, and not far from St. Thomas belonging to American Virgin Islands as well as close to another Puerto Rican Island of Vieques.

First I ever heard of Culebra was from Travel Channel, where Culebra's Flamenco beach often gets to the top of their "Best Beaches" rankings. (and for a very good - not too many more scenic, whitesanded and unspoiled beaches left like that in the world)

We stayed in a cabin/villa we rented from Druso from Harbor View Villas. Friendly lad offered to pick us up from the little airport nearby. (and what an airport that is - felt like landing in Juarasic Park coming down in between two mountains)

The island is believe it or not unspoiled commercially. You can only stay with locals. To this day there are no major hotel chains, restaurants, fast food joints which is quite impressive accomplishment.

People are so friendly, letting you blend in and not letting you feel like a tourist. You've got to like that b/c there aren't any luxuries around and they won't try to spoil you. You'll get a good dose of walking, riding a bicycle, boating, hitchhiking or catching a 'public' bus to and from the beach. On the other hand, no one will hassle you, offer you stuff, rides, excursions - you're on your own in the sense.

Culebra is the only place in the world I know of where they don't lock their houses. At least as a tourist most of us are used to taking care of their belongins. Over there - there were no locks in the villa we stayed in.

Definitely a place I dream of getting back to. Next .. nearby miniature isle of Culebrita - nature's gem.