Patillas (Spanish pronunciation: [paˈtiʎas], Watermelons) is a municipality of Puerto Rico located in the southeastern coast, south of San Lorenzo; west of Yabucoa and Maunabo; and east of Guayama and Arroyo. It is spread over 15 wards and Patillas Pueblo (the downtown area and the administrative center of the city). It is part of the Guayama Metropolitan Statistical Area.

As early as 1760 there were people already settled in Patillas however it was not a permanent settlement. During the mid-18th century there were a lot of people already living in Patillas. Patillas is along the southeastern coast of the island of Puerto Rico. During this time frame, there was an establishment of a sugar cane mill which took advantage of the agricultural potential the valley provided. As this establishment provided a good source of income for the neighbors it also was the main reason for the town's foundation in 1811. Doña Adelina Cintrón, owner of "La Finca Patillas", donated almost 8 acres (32,000 m²) of land for the foundation. Most of the neighbors then relocated towards the west side of the proposed site called Cacao Bajo.

The flag of Patillas has four green rectangles on the corners that symbolize the valleys and mountains of the town. These rectangles are separated by a golden cross symbolizing the fidelity towards the town's religious patron "El Santo Cristo de la Salud". Superimposed in the middle of the golden cross is an emerald, thus the nickname "La Esmeralda del Sur".

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