Puerto Rico holidays tend to feature a lot of beach time. The sugar-white beach of Sun Bay is perfect for families, as the two-mile stretch of sand has lifeguards, showers and a café. And the sea is usually lovely and calm, so tots can paddle around safely.

Alternatively, if you fancy a little daytrip, hop over to the small island of Culebra and spend some time at Flamenco Beach. Hailed as the most beautiful beach in Puerto Rico, this stunning spot serves up white sands and great snorkelling. 

Near San Juan, meanwhile, Condado Beach is ideal for couples who want a fun beach day, as there are lots of seafront bars and watersports on offer. Or you could head to Crash Boat Beach. This place is fantastic for snokelling and diving, as the waters are home to loads of tropical fish. Don’t fancy getting in the sea? Simply relax on the pier – the water is so clear that you’ll easily be able to see the fish swimming below.

If you manage to tear yourself away from the beach, you’ll find a variety of things to do in Puerto Rico. The island’s capital, San Juan, is a must-visit. Foodies will love the city’s restaurants and markets, which serve up freshly-baked empanadas, chicken skewers – called pintos – and tasty fried plantain. For a real taste of the isle, why not take a food tour of San Juan?

Puerto Rico holidays are also great for history buffs. The area of Old San Juan has a number of fascinating sites, including Castillo de San Cristobal – dating back to 1793, it’s the biggest European fort in the Americas. San Juan Gate and the citadel of El Morro should also be on your list of landmarks.

Prefer to get back to nature? Spend a day exploring El Yunque National Forest. A national treasure, this expanse of tropical greenery is filled with trees, waterfalls and wildlife. Go zip-lining or take a guided hike through the forest, then enjoy a cooling dip in a natural pool. And remember to keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds, like green mango hummingbirds and the Puerto Rican parrot.

You’ll be spoiled for choice on where to stay for your Puerto Rico holiday. There are a number of lovely hotels in San Juan, as well as some beautiful beachfront resorts dotted across the island.

If you’re looking for luxury, The Ritz-Carlton San Juan is one of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico. Spread across eight acres on an immaculate beach, this five-star resort boasts plush suites, a tranquil spa and five top-class restaurants. You can go for a dip in the sea-view pool, enjoy an afternoon rum-tasting session, and have a flutter in the casino.

Alternatively, take a look at St Regis Bahia Beach. Not far from El Yunque National Forest, this luxury hotel is perched on a two-mile stretch of sand. Dine by the turquoise sea and play 18 holes on the hotel’s pristine golf course – or unwind with a well-deserved pamper session in the Iridium Spa.

It’s always balmy in Puerto Rico. The average annual temperature is 26°C but, thanks to the island’s tropical climate, rain showers are always a possibility. If you’re keen to avoid the rain as much as possible, it’s worth remembering that the north coast gets twice as much rain as the south, and the island’s southwest corner is the driest area.

For the very best weather, book your Puerto Rico holiday between December and April, when it’s generally dry and sunny, with temperatures hovering around 28°C. This is peak season, though, so if you’d prefer the beaches to be quieter, consider visiting Puerto Rico in May, September or October. Temperatures are still lovely and warm, although you can expect to see the odd shower.

June to November is hurricane season, so this time of year is best avoided. You can expect heavy downpours and high humidity – not ideal for lazy days on the beach.

Visa: You’ll need to apply online for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before travelling
Language: Spanish, but English is widely spoken
Currency: US Dollars
Time difference: GMT -4 hours
Flight duration from London: A direct flight to Puerto Rico takes just over eight hours, or you could fly via New York or Florida – perfect for a multi-centre holiday
Capital city: San Juan