Some beaches are beautiful. Others feel unreal. When we first stepped onto the powdery white sands of Flamenco Beach, it felt like we had wandered into a postcard — the kind with impossibly turquoise water and sand so soft it barely feels real beneath your feet.
Located on the small island of Culebra, about 20 miles east of mainland Puerto Rico, Flamenco Beach has earned global praise as one of the world’s best beaches. And after visiting, we understood exactly why.
The Journey to Paradise
Getting to Culebra is part of the adventure. You can take a short flight from the mainland or hop on a ferry across crystal-clear Caribbean waters. As the island comes into view, it feels refreshingly untouched — rolling green hills, quiet roads, and no towering resorts dominating the coastline.
Culebra is small and laid-back. There are no massive hotel chains, no flashy nightlife districts — just local eateries, colorful houses, and the constant presence of the sea. It sets the tone for what awaits at Flamenco Beach: simplicity and natural beauty.
First Glimpse of Flamenco
The first sight of the beach stopped us in our tracks. The water shimmered in layers of blue — pale aquamarine near the shore and deeper sapphire further out. The sand stretched wide and bright, framed by gentle green hills.
Unlike many famous beaches, Flamenco feels open and expansive. Even on a busy day, there’s room to breathe. Families spread out picnic blankets. Couples stroll along the shoreline. Snorkelers slip into calm, clear water teeming with marine life.
The water is astonishingly clear. Standing waist-deep, we could still see our feet as tiny fish darted past. The gentle waves make it ideal for swimming, floating, and simply letting time drift away.
The Iconic Tanks
One of Flamenco’s most unique features is its pair of abandoned military tanks resting near the shore — remnants of the island’s past as a U.S. Navy training site. Today, these tanks are covered in colorful graffiti and have become an unexpected artistic landmark.
They stand in striking contrast to the natural surroundings: rusted steel against turquoise sea and white sand. It’s a reminder that even places shaped by history can evolve into symbols of creativity and resilience.
A Day in Caribbean Stillness
We spent hours doing almost nothing — and it was perfect. Swimming, drying off under the sun, walking along the shoreline collecting small shells. There’s a peaceful rhythm to the day here. The breeze carries the scent of salt and warmth. Palm trees sway lazily in the background.
Facilities at Flamenco Beach are simple but convenient, with restrooms, food kiosks, and shaded picnic areas. You can rent beach chairs or bring your own towel and settle in for the day.
As afternoon light softened, the colors shifted subtly. The sea grew calmer, reflecting the sky like glass. It felt like the kind of place where you lose track of time — where hours pass without urgency.
Why It Feels Like the World’s Best
What makes Flamenco Beach stand out isn’t just its beauty. It’s the balance. The island remains largely undeveloped, preserving its natural charm. The water is calm yet vibrant. The sand is pristine without feeling artificial.
There’s also a sense of authenticity. Culebra hasn’t surrendered to over-commercialization. Local businesses thrive, and the island’s character remains intact.
When we finally packed up and began the journey back, a quiet reluctance settled in. Flamenco Beach doesn’t just impress — it lingers. The color of the water stays in your memory. The warmth of the sun seems to follow you home.
Visiting the world’s best beach isn’t about ticking a box on a travel list. It’s about finding a place that feels almost impossibly perfect — yet real. For us, that place was Flamenco Beach on Culebra — a stretch of sand where turquoise dreams meet Caribbean calm, and where paradise feels beautifully, effortlessly alive.