PUERTO RICO BEACH

They say there will be no new building in this brash and thrumming resort because there is no room left not for the tiniest hotel, nor the smallest apartment. Puerto Rico grew up on the strength of its constant sunshine and the protection of encircling hills. The wide, man-made beach (with sand from the Sahara desert) shelves gently into the sea, making this a popular destination for families with small children.

The western arm of the beach turns into a port, busy with offers of deep sea fishing, sailing, diving, windsurfing, skiing and parascending trips. Another man-made beach, Playa de los Amadores, can be reached in around 20 minutes, by a cliff top path to the west. Puerto Rico boasts a rarity among southern resorts: a town park, planted with ficus trees and palms, behind the beach. There is also a heated swimming pool, a bowling alley, floodlit tennis,  and mini-golf, a water park and a centro comercial full of cheap shops and fast-food restaurants.