Welcome to the best kept secret in the Caribbean…if not the world.
Vieques is a very special island. Despite its decades of coverage by the media as the “secret new hot spot,” Vieques has maintained its beautifully rustic and true island lifestyle. We came to the island over 25 years ago and instantly fell in love with it. We bought property and started building our home away from home, reveling in all the wonderful things the island gave us. Now, even though so many years have passed, the people, the beaches, and just the lay of the land has remained relatively unchanged.
Clear Waters of Media Luna
However, there’s been progress and development in the way Isla Nena has grown. In 2003, the island experienced what would become one of the biggest pivotal points in almost a century with the withdrawal of the US military and their use of the land for training and weapons exercises. Since then, the people of Vieques have directed an immense and unending project to restore the beaches, forests, natural sites, as well as encouraging a more prosperous tourist economy.
Where the Atlantic Meets the Caribbean at Green Beach
With a population of just under 10,000 (according to a 2010 census), Vieques offers plenty of opportunity to find solitude as well as a healthy social life through its many events and two main destinations of Isabel Segunda and Esperanza. Isabel is the biggest town on the island, and is where the ferry station is located. If one was to compare the two, Esperanza would be the more laid back little tourist destination whereas Isabel is more the hub of the island.
Isabel Segunda
But that’s enough about towns and people. Let’s talk about the beaches and things to do. Here’s the rundown of things to get you started, in no real order, though they are on our personal shortlists:
- Beaches
- Red
- Blue
- Secret
- Media Luna
- Navio
Media Luna
- Restaurants
- Tin Box
- Belly Buttons
- Buen Provecho
- Rincon Del Sabor
- El Blok
- Coqui Fire Cafe
- Mama Songas
- Bananas
- Bars
- Al’s Mar Azul
- Duffys
- The Blue Horizon
- El Sombrero Viejo
View From Al’s Mar Azul
So there’s a brief introduction – for a relatively little island, Vieques has so much to do for the timid to intrepid traveler. We’ll be updating this page as we get more time, but we’re thankful that you stopped by and checked out our site. Hope to see you on the island!
The Allens