Puerto Rico is a juxtaposition of four centuries of Spanish Caribbean culture with modern skyscrapers and convenience stores. There are plenty of white sand beaches to explore. The rough Atlantic waters of the northwest coast are a surfer’s paradise, while the calmer sea with palm-fringed white sand beaches on the south coast is ideal for swimming, diving or sunbathing. Fresh oysters are shucked on the spot, doused with Tabasco, and sold at various ramshackle shacks near the shores. Or gallop across the sands on a horse. There are smaller islands nearby which offer less yet more retreats to soak up the sunshine. Inland is mountainous and intrepid travellers will discover hill towns where time stands still.