10 Surprising Facts About Barceloneta, Puerto Rico
Barceloneta, Puerto Rico is located on the northern coast of the island. It has an area of 18.7 square miles (48.5 sq km), and it’s also known as the Industrial City of Puerto Rico.
Full of tradition and folklore, in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico trovadores (troubadours) and improvisadores (improvisers) walk the streets of this unique region.
While the town is full of legends and stories about apparitions, it’s also centered on the pharmaceutical industry and agriculture. Read on to learn more about this fascinating town in Puerto Rico!
10 Intriguing Facts about Barceloneta, Puerto Rico
Now, let’s dive into a handful of interesting facts about Barceloneta, Puerto Rico.
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1. It’s Close to the Puerto Rican Municipality of Florida
It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the municipality of Florida (in Puerto Rico) to the south. Manatí is to the east and Arecito to the west. Barceloneta isn’t far away from the U.S. if you’re looking for a quick getaway.
It is largely flat, but it also has a hilly area with an elevation ranging from 30-100 feet (10-30 m) above sea level. The southern part of Barceloneta is hilly and humid, and the terrain is generally easy to explore and navigate.
2. The Town Has Several Waterways
Barceloneta, Puerto Rico has multiple waterways:
- Quebrada Cimarrona
- Río Grande de Manatí
- Tiburones River
- Matos River
All of these waterways flow into the Atlantic. Be sure to check them out when you’re there. Other coastal features include Tres Hermanas (three sisters) keys and the Palmas Altas (tall palms) Promontory.
3. It’s Named After Barcelona, Spain
Governor Eulogio Despujols approved the creation of Barceloneta, Puerto Rico in 1881. He named the town after himself and Benocio Llenza, both of whom were of Catalonian origin.
“Barceloneta” is the Catalonian diminutive of Barcelona, Spain. Many businessmen and landowners from Catalonia lived in Barceloneta. This is why the name was widely supported and caught on. People often say the small region reminds them of Barcelona.
4. Barceloneta, Puerto Rico Has Many Nicknames
It is also known as la ciudad de las Piñas (Pineapple City) because of its vast pineapple plantations. Others call it la Ciudad Industrial (Industrial City) due to its many industries, the majority of which are pharmaceutical.
Another name for Barceloneta is el Pueblo de Sixto Escobar (Sixto Escobar’s Town) because it was the birthplace of a famous Puerto Rican boxer by that name. Finally, Barceloneta is also called la Ciudad de los Indios (Indians’ City) as an homage to its indigenous heritage.
5. Barceloneta’s Coat of Arms and Flag Feature Catalonian Symbols
Barceloneta’s coat of arms and flag feature Catalonian symbols from the coat of arms of Barcelona.
They also have three sugarcane guajanas (flowers) over blue fields that symbolize the town’s rich agriculture. The blue in the coat of arms symbolizes the marine ports that are key to the commerce and industry of Barceloneta. They depict the three towers and the crown of Spain, as well.
See also: 12 Reasons Why San Juan, Puerto Rico Should Be Your Top Caribbean Destination
6. Barceloneta Has Three Main Beaches
If you’re looking for beautiful beaches, Barceloneta, Puerto Rico will not disappoint. The three main beaches are Las Criollas, Las Palmitas, and La Boca. Playa Las Criollas (Creoles’ Beach) is close to Arecibo and has a small pool area with a view of volcanic rock ridges.
Las Palmitas (the little palm trees) is full of palm trees and smooth rocks. La Boca (mouth beach) has black sand and is close to Río Grande. Another favorite spot is La Cueva del Indio (Indian’s Cave) in the northern part of the island.
7. Barceloneta Has Excellent Shopping
Barceloneta, Puerto Rico has incredible shopping to take advantage of. One of its most famous shopping centers is Los Outlets de Barceloneta (the Barceloneta Outlets) which boasts over 40 stores, including Calvin Klein, Aeropostale, Ann Taylor, Nike, Adidas, Gap, Lacoste, and many more!
A movie theater and food court are also inside the outlet mall. Be sure to check out Metropol, a local restaurant that travelers adore.
8. It Rains Frequently in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico
Because it’s in the Caribbean and has tropical weather, Barceloneta’s annual precipitation is 53.01 in (134.64 cm), and its average temperature is 78°F (25°C). In the 1960s, the highest recorded temperature in Barceloneta was 99°F (37°C) and the lowest recorded temperature was 50°F (50°C).
If you’re looking for the warmest weather, June is the best month to visit. But if you prefer cooler weather, it’s ideal to visit in February. The wettest month is November, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid the rain during your visit.
9. Barceloneta Is Where the Scenic PR-681 Road Begins
PR-681 is a stunning road that begins at the mouth of the Manatí River in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. It follows along the coast to Arecibo.
The road is lined with delicious and colorful chinchorros (bars) to check out on your way to the coast. Sample fresh seafood, local fritters, and try local drinks made with fresh fruit as you drive along this stunning road full of nature and wildlife.
To enjoy the northern coast of Puerto Rico in all directions, make sure you take a road trip when you’re there.
10. There Are Many Fun Activities to Try in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico
One activity travelers love to do here is going bird watching. Gabriel Lugo Wildside Nature Tours is a top-rated company. This nature activity lets you not only enjoy the sights but also learn about the exotic birds of Puerto Rico.
Check out the Barceloneta Skatepark and Ruinas de la Central Plazuela to get the whole experience.
And when it comes to restaurants, Old West Town Restaurant and Pura Pesca are two of the best rated in here.
If you’re looking for hotels, 4 Casitas Bed and Breakfast is a cozy stay, and as a resort, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is mesmerizing.
Barceloneta, Puerto Rico Map
Check out this Barceloneta Puerto Rico map.
Travel To Puerto Rico and Practice Spanish
These facts about Barceloneta, Puerto Rico show you how fascinating this island is. Hispanic countries are full of wonder, adventure, and culture. Are you ready to travel for an unforgettable and exciting experience?
An extraordinary reason to learn Spanish is to become a translator or interpreter and travel while you work! Puerto Rico, the United States, and many countries in Latin America are looking for interpreters and translators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, interpreters and translators are among the top five fastest-growing occupations, and the opportunities in these fields are expected to increase by 46% by 2022. Why not learn Spanish and further your career?
Sign up for a free trial class at Homeschool Spanish Academy before your trip to Puerto Rico and get on the path toward reaching your Spanish-speaking goals!
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