Salinas, Puerto Rico

Salinas is a town of 31,100 inhabitants (2000 census), located about thirty minutes south of San Juan on PR Road # 52, the Luis A Ferré Expressway. Salinas is home to Zuleika Rivera, Miss Universe 2006.

Albergue Olímpico, located just north of urban Salinas, provides housing facilities for visiting athletes during competitions. It also features an olympic pool and facilities for several sports. An aviary, a rock garden, a children's play area, along with a mini-mall, complement the facilities. Open to the public throughout the day. Call 787-824-2200 for details.

Puerto Rico International Speedway, telephone 787-824-0020, is the official acceleration speedway. It is open Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Call for details.

The Salinas coast has much to offer its visitors. An area is lined with restaurants that feature fresh seafood and Puerto Rican cooking.. Most dishes are served with the famous mojito isleño, a tasty sauce originally created here in Salinas beach.

There are facilities for all kinds of water sports including a nice marina,.

Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, between the coasts of Salinas and Guayama, is an area of over 2,800 acres of mangroves and swamps. Reserve includes Cayos Caribe Islets, surrounded by coral reefs. Open Daily: 8:00am-4:00pm, Call (787) 864-0105 for details.

Places to stay include:
        Marina de Salinas & Posada El Nautico, 787-752-8484
        Puerta La Bahía Hotel & Restaurant , 787-824-7117.

The patron saint for Salinas is "Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate", celebrated on September 8th.