Where is Porta del Sol?
Posted: Saturday, February 20, 2010
by Eddy Tuchman
http://le-caribbean-islands.com
Porta del Sol is a new concept or name for the Western portion of Puerto Rico. It identifies the area famous for its exotic beaches, green mountains, great food and above all beautiful people. I hope the Puerto Ricans of the East are not jealous when I say this. The truth is that all of Puerto Rico has all these attributes especially the one about beautiful people.
In 2003 the Puerto Rico Tourism Company together with a few municipalities in the west region of the island created the economic venture "Porta del Sol" to promote the area, its towns and beaches.
The main city in the area is Mayaguez, nicknamed "La Sultana del Oeste" or the Sultan of the West. The city is proud to host a very important campus of the University of Puerto Rico, besides being a busy metropolitan city bustling with art and commerce.
On the coast the most important towns and cities are:
- Aguadilla The former Ramey navy Air Force Base is now Rafael Hernandez International Airport, honoring the name of Puerto Rico's number one composer of popular music. The airport features the longest runway in the Caribbean and welcomes tourists from the mainland via schedule flights as well as many from Europe on chartered planes.
- Aguada Enjoy the beaches Pico de Piedra and Playa Espinar with great surfing.
- Rincon Thanks to Rincon, Puerto Rico is known as the "Maui of the Caribbean". Surfers from all over come to its shores for great surfing. It is the site of the elegant hotel the Hornet Dorset Primavera, member of the Relais & Chateaux Hotels group.
- Aasco Known for its "Hojaldre Cake" and the "Balneario Tres Hermanos". Surfing is also very good here.
- Mayaguez It features a newly renovated Zoo and Experimental Agricultural Station, next to the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. It is the area's largest city.
- Hormigueros Home of the Basilica Nuestra Seora de Montserrate and the old "Marquez Mansion" an example of colonial time architecture.
- Cabo Rojo This city includes the beaches of Boquern, El Combate and Joyuda. 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 "Pia 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.
- Isabela
- Moca
- San Sebastian
- Moca
- San Sebastian
- San German
- Sabana Grande
- Las Marias
- Maricao
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.
- 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.
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.
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