Flights to Culebra

Some things are worth a little extra effort. To get to Flamenco Beach, you'll have to fly or take a ferry to the island of Culebra in Puerto Rico, and then a taxi to the beach, but when you arrive, any trace of doubt will dissipate.

Flamenco Beach enjoys a very lofty spot on the list of breathtaking Caribbean beaches, and time and again it's named a not-to-be-missed attraction, not just in Puerto Rico, but in the whole collection of Caribbean islands.

For example, CNN recently included this beach in its list of the world's best beaches. Its white sands stretch across a mile-long horseshoe-shaped bay, which is bordered by the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. The views are uninterrupted except for the rusted tank abandoned on the beachfront, a frequent subject of photos.

Flamenco Beach's clear, calm waters allow for great views of marine life such as parrotfish and blue tang. A cluster of kiosks near the park's entrance offer food and drink specials, plus chair and umbrella rentals and even camping equipment. Picnic tables and restrooms can be found in the lush area behind the beach, where it's not uncommon to see roosters, hens and iguanas.

Arrive at the ferry station in Fajardo early to secure your ticket. Even in the early morning hours, the line can be surprisingly long, and you may find yourself standing in the hot sun. If possible, buy tickets a few days in advance and simply show up close to boarding time. The voyage is known to be bumpy at times — bring Dramamine if you're prone to seasickness.