Hordes of locals and tourists descend on Culebra on a weekly basis. Why? Most people say it's because it's an undeveloped, unpretentious paradise. Some say they just need to get away, and the sense of remote isolation that you can get here is unparalleled. And others just roll their eyes and point toward Flamenco Beach.

But neslted in this quiet, laid back community just east of mainland Puerto Rico are some lovely excursions, gourmet dining experiences, fun local hangouts, and natural wanders. Here are just eight reasons why a trip to this island will make you forget all about San Juan, New York, or wherever you came from.

Knowing the history of a place always helps me appreciate it more, especially when it's those unusual little anecdotes in time that are singularly interesting, comical, or poignant. Puerto Rico has tons of them. Who would have guessed, for example, that the Spanish who settled here once imported mongooses to the island? That's just one of ten historical oddities from the isla del encanto.

Combine it with my list of ten things you probably didn't know about Puerto Rico, and this recap of island folklore, and you get an interesting and unique look into why this place is so special. It's not just about forts and beaches, after all, but Indians battling "gods," world-famous pirates and (shudder) the Spanish Inquisition.