The islands are calling. Beauty beckons. The white-sand beaches, stunning in their own right, are just a fraction of this wonderful area. The more than 7,000 islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea are blessed with towering mountains, lush rainforests, brilliant blue waters, and near-perfect weather. It’s no surprise that the approximately 100 inhabited islands are a popular holiday destination for visitors from around the world.
Although the islands have much in common, their history, natural resources, topography, and cultures present fascinating differences. Centuries of influence from European countries, Africa, and other parts of the world have created today’s music, art, customs, languages, and cuisine of individual islands. In many places, well-preserved architecture tells a story about the past of that destination.
Visiting the Caribbean is convenient, with air service to most islands, while some require boats or ferries – part of the fun of travel. Places to stay range from quaint bed-and-breakfasts to luxury resorts and everything in between. Each island offers a different amazing beauty and today we will offer you tips on where to go on vacation in the Caribbean.
1: Dominican Republic
📌Best time to visit: December to April
When Christopher Columbus spotted this Caribbean coast in the late 15th century, he had good reason to make it his first base in America. Beaches shining in shades of iridescent silver and gold paint a picture of paradise… Steep mountains dotted with tropical jungle promise even greater splendor inland…
The Dominican Republic, which occupies the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola and is shared to the west with Haiti, is geographically very diverse. Lush rainforests rise above vast deserts and mangrove swamps, topped by a series of snow-capped peaks, including the Caribbean’s highest mountain, Pico Duarte.
This huge diversity of the landscape makes the destination ripe for adventure and fun, whether it’s kitesurfing, canyoning, paragliding, hiking, diving, or golf.
Beaches are undoubtedly the number one asset of the Dominican Republic. From white sand to black sand, there are over 200 to explore. Punta Cana, at its easternmost tip, has 50 km of white sand coastline—one of the longest stretches in the Caribbean.
On the south coast, Boca Chica in Juan Dolio has been a popular resort since the 1950s, while Playa Dorada at Puerta Plata dominates the Atlantic’s amber coast. For a true tropical escape, try some of Samana’s prime beaches, such as the cliff-lined Playa Rincon.
2: Barbados
📌Best time to visit: November to April
Barbados is a vibrant island known for its friendly people and delicious food, especially fish. Beaches with white sand, extensive golf courses, or a duty-free shopping center can be found almost anywhere in the Caribbean, but in Barbados, you can also taste bittersweet Mount Gay rum, dance to the rhythm of calypso music, or play polo or cricket.
Barbados, the easternmost island in the Caribbean, juggles two different cultures and has a distinctly Bajan personality. Even after gaining independence from Great Britain in 1966, the island still clings to British traditions such as afternoon tea, cricket, and horse racing. However, the “trademarks” of the Caribbean and West Africa are visible in the island’s sugar cane fields, rum distilleries, and lush landscapes.
All of Barbados’ coastlines boast scenic views and soothing ocean breezes, but must-see beaches include Dover Beach, Bathsheba Beach, and the beach overlooking Carlisle Bay. And while you could spend all your time on the beaches, there’s so much more to discover when exploring this Caribbean paradise. This luxurious island is brimming with breathtaking architecture and a passionate sports and party culture.
3: Antigua and Barbuda
📌Best time to visit: January to March
In Antigua, you will find historical places, delicious cuisine, and a lively cultural scene. But most often it is the beauty and versatility of the island’s 365 beaches that attract travelers. Do you like partying on the sand? Looking for safe, shallow waters where your kids can play? Would you be interested in exploring the depths of the ocean?
This Leeward Islands paradise has one beach every day of the year. But take a break from the sand and sun and find time to visit the sights of Antigua.
Its sleepy sister island, Barbuda, has a more relaxed and less touristy feel. It is known for its pristine pink sand beaches, crystal-clear water, the famous Frigate Bird Sanctuary, and unique caves. The fact that the island has remained largely undeveloped means that, unlike most Caribbean islands, it can offer a true ‘tropical island escape’ experience. It is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands and destinations.
4: Turks and Caicos
📌Best time to visit: November to April
The Turks and Caicos Islands have the perfect antidote to a hectic lifestyle: almost deserted with dazzling white sands fringed by shimmering azure waters, colorful coral reefs, crispy conch fritters, and a sleepy, laid-back atmosphere.
Turks and Caicos consists of a network of about 100 islands, all of which are beautiful! Only 8 are inhabited, with charming Providenciales or ‘Provo’, home to several luxury hotels, being the main tourist center. Its stunning Grace Bay Beach, often described as the most beautiful in the world, offers calm, turquoise waters that are a symbol of the region.
Relaxed Grand Turk is a historic and cultural hub (and cruise ship hub), best seen at the Turks & Caicos National Museum or along the shores of Cockburn. Discover its history, or head to the Middle Caicos to explore the largest cave network in the Caribbean Islands. Salt Cay is one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean. Here, you can explore one of the largest reef systems in the world
5: Cuba
📌Best time to visit: November to April
The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba, offers an unforgettable and unique experience. It is an island that assaults the senses. The visitor is greeted by the exotic rhythms of salsa and rumba flowing from every corner and the white beaches lined with palm trees, surrounded by the aquamarine sea.
Cuba, with its Spanish and African roots, is not only the largest but also the least commercialized and most exciting island in the Caribbean. It is also one of the last bastions of communism in the world with a fascinating modern history. Relative political isolation has prevented it from being overrun by tourists, and the locals are genuinely friendly to those who come here.
Perhaps it was the isolation from the more modern world that helped preserve the uniqueness of the Cuban environment. Cuba is the pulsating heart of what we call Latino, with music, dance, and fiestas at its core. Cubans can be described as sociable, loud, expressive, open, warm-hearted, generous, and extremely friendly people.
Immersing yourself in this culture can be an exhilarating, almost unbelievable experience, as Cuba seems to have been lost in time somewhere in the 1950s. It’s not just the old American cars in the streets or the beautiful colonial architecture with peeling paint in Old Havana. It feels like the world of modern tourism has largely bypassed the Caribbean’s largest island. Now is the time to go.
6: Mexico
📌Best time to visit: November to April
Indeed, Mexico isn’t an island, but we couldn’t leave it off our list of the best Caribbean destinations… With its fabulous beaches, ancient ruins, exciting culture, dynamic cities brimming with colonial architecture, and delicious cuisine, Mexico is truly a tropical Caribbean treasure trove.
Stretching north from Holbox Island to the Grand Costa Maya, the Mexican Caribbean boasts beautiful beaches, mystical cenotes, underground rivers, and authentic Mayan archaeological sites and villages that you’ll want to explore. Whether you are looking for history, culture, adrenaline activities, beaches, or water sports, the Mexican Caribbean has something for everyone.
7: Aruba
📌Best time to visit: anytime
Believe it or not, the Spanish colonists who settled Aruba and its sister islands Bonaire and Curaçao in 1513 nicknamed them “Islas Inútiles” or Useless Islands. They couldn’t have been more wrong. Centuries later, this Caribbean cluster of islands uses the dry climate and minimal rainfall to its advantage. Aruba in particular attracts tourists with its dazzling white beaches, modern infrastructure, and friendly, multilingual locals.
Thanks to the extensive underwater visibility, this island is a preferred retreat for divers who also want to explore shipwrecks. The SS Antilla is the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. Even better, it is located in very shallow waters, so snorkelers can also admire this incredible underwater scene.
The attraction is also the year-round tropical weather and the gastronomy, arts, and culture scene, which has evolved to fit the 21st century in a progressive and cosmopolitan style. Accommodation options in Aruba have also grown to meet the needs of today’s discerning travelers. There is an eclectic range of modern hotels and resorts, boutique and all-inclusive hotels to suit every style and budget. There are even new “off-the-radar” accommodations like overwater bungalows and desert glamping.
8: The Bahamas
📌Best time to visit: mid-December to mid-April
The approximately 700 islands that make up the Bahamas attract millions of visitors each year to this paradise’s white sandy beaches, duty-free shopping, fishing and diving tours, and luxury accommodations. Families who flock here tend to indulge in relaxation at Atlantis, Paradise Island, and other mega-resorts, but this diverse island chain also offers plenty of activities outside the hotel zone.
Nature enthusiasts can explore pristine protected areas such as Leon Levy Nature Reserve (on Eleuthera) and Lucayan National Park (on Grand Bahama), or relax on one of the country’s many beaches or private islands. History buffs can explore ruins and artifacts from the colonial era and learn about the lives of indigenous people, such as the Lucayan Indians.
9: St. Lucia
📌Best time to visit: December to May
Nestled among the glamorous Caribbean islands of Martinique, St. Vincent, and Barbados, St. Lucia presents an enviable combination of breathtaking scenery, idyllic beaches, and rich culture. Measuring just 40 kilometers long and 22 kilometers wide, Saint Lucia provides an authentic Caribbean experience and offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in its vibrant way of life.
The island’s complex past is now a boon for a country that is a melting pot of French, African, East Indian, and English cultures, creating a unique destination that offers much more than a standard beach holiday. Saint Lucia is the definition of a heavenly island paradise.
The iconic Pitons are some of the most famous mountain ranges on Earth. The twin Gros Piton and Petit Piton rising from the sea are as symbolic to the island as the Eiffel Tower is to France. These volcanic peaks stand more than 700 meters above the ocean and create an unmistakable view of the panorama of St. Lucy. Despite its daunting appearance, Gros Piton is accessible to hikers without the need for climbing equipment, and on clear days, the summit offers stunning views of St Lucia, St Vincent, and Martinique.
10: British Virgin Islands
📌Best time to visit: November to April
The British Virgin Islands are one of the most exclusive and least developed islands in the Caribbean, but that only adds to their appeal. Resorts, villas, restaurants and other tourist attractions in this paradise are known for preferring luxury over sprawl, attracting travelers “with big wallets”, a love of sailing and seclusion.
Many visitors arrive by ferry from another Caribbean island, and many mainly because they find this opulent exile too much to enjoy for more than a day or two. And some say it’s better to split your time between the British and nearby US Virgin Islands and Anguilla to the east.
The third largest of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda is known for its pristine beaches, history, nature reserves, spas, seawater pools, and caves surrounded by giant granite boulders. The white sand beaches include Spring Bay with crystal clear water perfect for snorkeling, extensive lawns, picnic tables, grills, and a natural swimming pool formed by a circle of boulders.