Loíza

Loíza is a municipality on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, stretching along the Atlantic Ocean and marked by sandy beaches and palm-lined shores at sea level. The flat coastal plain offers wide beaches and natural habitats where mangrove and saltwater forests shape the landscape.

The municipality was founded in 1719 as a settlement for Spanish colonists and African descendants in the northeastern region. This establishment shaped the population composition and cultural roots that remain alive in the community today.

The municipality preserves African traditions through events like the Festival of Saint James, where music, dances, and local dishes fill the streets. These celebrations shape daily life and show the living cultural identity of the residents.

You can reach Loíza via the PR-187 highway from San Juan, where regular public transportation connects to neighboring municipalities. The best time to visit is outside the rainy season, when the weather is stable and beaches are accessible.

The Piñones area has a network of wooden boardwalks that lead through mangrove forests and connect local food stands with beach access. These pathways are popular with visitors who want to explore the mangrove ecosystem while sampling regional dishes.

Location: Puerto Rico

Inception: 1719

Capital city: Loíza barrio-pueblo

Elevation above the sea: 0 m

Shares border with: Río Grande, Canóvanas, Carolina

Website: http://gobierno.pr/OCAM/DirectorioMunicipios/Loiza.htm

GPS coordinates: 18.43417,-65.89278

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:24