Vieques > Vieques Photos > Driving around Vieques Island, Puerto Rico

Who knew driving could be fun?

You may not think of driving as a fun thing to do, in Isla de Vieques, driving is part of the adventure, very few islands in the Caribbean have roads that resemble a time of the past. This article tells my story of back in 2004, during my first visit, when I first fell in love with Vieques.

Every afternoon I went for a drive and I found it to be a very relaxing activity. I highly recommend that you rent a car during your vacation stay in Vieques, transportation is a must in order to enjoy all this Caribbean jem has to offer.

Hop on, and allow me to tell you another reason why you'll fall in love with this island.

When you get to Vieques and begin your road exploration, turn off your phone, forget about what you left behind back home and allow your senses to go into high gear.

2004 by Luisa

I am driving my jeep rental to get acquainted and situated with the island, it doesn't take long for the mesmerizing effect of Vieques to put me in relax mode. I am totally embraced by lush green tropical flora providing shade from the sun, the cool breezes gently caress me.

Deep saturated shades of blue and green can be admired from many roads, the blue horizon gently pulls me inviting me to discover a new beach I must go back to in my week long adventure.

It never fails, no matter which road I take, or what beach I go to, it's pure perfection, perfectly blue, perfect clear waters, perfect solitude, and perfect peace.

The sweet smell of ripe mangoes make me hungry for comida criolla, so I decide to begin heading into Isabel Segunda for some delicious treats at a local panaderia (bakery).

I make quick pauses along the roads to reply to elegant horses, that make a pause to say hello.

Hundreds of horses roam free around the island serving as friendly hosts and guards. I giggled and smile at the goats that cross the streets with their fellow friends looking for a perfect shaded siesta spot.

I walk into Panaderia Viequense and I get hit with the delicious smell of fresh baked bread. I order a warm delicious sandwich, made on fresh "pan de agua" (traditional bread) with cafe con leche and I treat myself to a yummy slice of flan. Don't leave the island without going to a panaderia, great food, great coffee, great desserts, and great prices.

With a happy belly, I take a drive around "El Pueblo" (town of Isabel Segunda). As I drive through town, I end up in roads where locals sit on their "balcon" (house porch), viequenses tend to wave their hands, and give you a smile that says "Hola, Bienvenido a Vieques", (hello, welcome to Vieques).

"Stop, get out of your car, and speak to the locals, they are very happy to speak to you, and they will give you great tips on exploring the island. In Isabel Segunda, you will find a charming town, with happy residents that will go out of their way, to provide you information or help you in any way they can. Those narrow roads that say no outlet are wonderful, they often lead to great ocean views.

You'll find colorful buildings, beautiful doorways, and steps adorned with tropical bright flowers.

You will even find beauty in a cemetery with the contrasting bold color of white crosses against a blue ocean and sky.

I see a few families that claimed a spot to themselves, I observe and they are just happy to be together, sharing their beauty within and around them.

I let my hair down and just keep on cruising through dirt winding roads, that lead me towards a stunning blue horizon.

After an adventurous drive, I find a place that seems undiscovered and waiting just for me, I find MY PERFECT SPOT.

No matter where, or what road you take, you will find that driving in Vieques is a fulfilling, relaxing, and fun adventure all on its own.

If you are a traveler that likes to go to a place and sit on the beach or hotel pool and be served piña coladas, don't come to Vieques. The real attractions in Vieques are off the properties and begin on the road.

So what are you waiting for, book your flight to Vieques and come see for yourself.

Vieques > Vieques Photos > Driving around Vieques Island, Puerto Rico