Visitors love Vieques for her pristine beauty.

A hidden jewel among the many Caribbean islands, Vieques is a slice of heaven for those who want to get away from it all. It is not a touristy island, no chain stores or restaurants dot the landscape. The main nightspot is Esperanza, a former fishing village that is coming of age, now sporting funky restaurants and stores and a spectacular promenade known as the Malecón along the gently lapping surf at the water's edge.

Esperanza boasts a number of popular dining establishments and shops, a small museum, places to stay, and eco-tour companies. You can walk along the beach and head east to other popular beaches, the most famous of a which is Sun Bay, a gargantuan bay edged with a beautiful sandy beach that just goes on and on. The other beaches may be too far to walk to, but with a car they are mere minutes away.