Every municipality in Puerto Rico has its own unique appeal, but the Platea team wanted to know which one our readers rate as the best. True to form, we asked, and you answered. Here are the results, fresh out of the oven: the 10 best towns in Puerto Rico, according to Platea readers.
1. Ponce
"Ponce es Ponce y lo demás es parking" ("Ponce is Ponce and everything else is a parking lot") appeared in countless reader responses. The pride of those from Ponce, combined with its one-of-a-kind road trip stops, creates a particular and memorable experience. Some of its best-known attractions are Plaza Las Delicias, the Museo de Arte de Ponce, the Jardín Japonés and Castillo Serrallés.
How much of the vote came down to ponceño pride? No idea. But when you visit, don't forget to check our directory to find out where to eat in La Perla del Sur. And don't leave without getting a photo with the letters!
2. Rincón
Known for its sunsets, food and beaches, Rincón took second place in our readers' hearts. Whether you're looking for a family outing, a unique meal or a new water sport, Rincón has that "something" that keeps drawing people to its shores again and again.
Some observations from our readers:
"Rincón, a beautiful and well-kept town."
"Rincón….I'm not even going to start listing!!! Perfect!! 💃"
"The town of beautiful sunsets and surfing capital."
If you're already eager to visit, dive into this guide to must-stop spots in Rincón.
3. Cabo Rojo
Surprising no one, the town of Cofresí tied for third and fourth place on our list. Its picture-worthy views and ecological diversity have made this municipality one of the most visited destinations in the west. Fair warning, there is a lot to see: it is the seventh-largest municipality on the island. If you go, we already have a road trip itinerary for Cabo Rojo ready for you.
Look at all the kind things our readers said about this town:
"Cabo Rojo. It's beautiful, peaceful, you can breathe the calm, and it's my hometown."
"For the empowerment, warmth and friendliness of its people, beautiful beaches and restaurants 😍🥰."
While those from Cabo Rojo and Rincón debate which town has the most beautiful sunsets, go ahead and check out where to eat in Cabo Rojo.
4. Caguas
Like those from Ponce, Caguas pride was so strong in our post that they tied with Cabo Rojo for third and fourth place. Known as La Ciudad Criolla, Caguas is a key cultural and historical center in the island's interior. In fact, there are a few things you can do in Caguas on a budget.
Read what our readers said about this storied town in the east:
"Caguas, which is like the second capital of PR 🤷🏻♂️."
"For everything it offers on weekends, free, for personal enjoyment, for its food spots and for having the most beautiful church 🥰."
"Caguas is cosmopolitan and multicultural, with gastronomic diversity, cleanliness and warm people."
5. Bayamón
We know that local pride played a big role in No. 1, No. 4 and the fifth-best town in Puerto Rico (according to our readers), Bayamón. It is the second most populous town on the island and offers a range of food and cultural attractions.
The love Bayamón residents have for their town is clear:
"The one that replaced San Juan as the new capital of this beautiful Island, Bayamón. We don't have to go anywhere else for anything! ❤️💯👍🏿"
"It's a thriving city, very attentive to its own; vibrant in economy and service."
6. Aguadilla
Another tie here. For sixth and seventh place, our readers chose the Jardín del Atlántico: Aguadilla. Its distinctive views, striking beaches, warm people and tourism offerings make it a key destination in the northwest.
Here's some of what readers told us about Aguadilla:
"Its beautiful beaches and great food."
"José de Diego, Rafael Hernández, El Parterre, Carlos Delgado and my family!!!"
End your day at Crash Boat or Peña Blanca beach, and if you're not sure what to do, check out this guide to plan your road trip through Aguadilla.
7. Isabela
That's right: the two northwestern towns tied. And so Isabela, Isabela, the Garden of the Northwest, landed between sixth and seventh place.
Its historic points of interest, including the Túnel de Guajataca and the Museo del Tren, along with its natural attractions and beaches, make this municipality a great option for a family outing.
Even though readers had a hard time choosing between the northwestern municipalities, here is what they said about Isabela:
"ISABELA has everything: beautiful beaches, forest, lake, river, culture, history, food and, most importantly, the warmth of its wonderful people. Come and see it."
"Isabela!! For its people, its beaches, los Gallitos and the alcapurrias!!"
8. Jayuya
Jayuya, the Indigenous Capital, is the eighth-best town on the Island according to our readers. Thousands visit places like La Piedra Escrita and the Museo Nemesio Canales every year to learn more about their ancestors and study the Island's history. Check with Platea if you're looking for things to do in Jayuya.
I think the comments speak for themselves:
"My favorite town is Jayuya. I love going to La Piedra Escrita. The town is beautiful. The people are very friendly. It's a quiet town, unhurried, with a pleasant temperature. I love Jayuya coffee. I drink Tres Picachos and Don José."
9. Carolina
Another metro-area town that resonated with our readers was Carolina. It has a vibrant nightlife and classic Puerto Rican food experiences.
Read here why people love Carolina so much:
"Carolina. Very clean. Close to everything. Restaurants, beach, museums and good people."
"Carolina, for the master urban planning it is using."
10. Utuado
The last town on the list is one of the gems of central Puerto Rico: Utuado. Like Jayuya, it is known for its remarkable ecological diversity and its historic monuments.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
