What are the best Caribbean islands to visit? These are the ones to know about this year
Forget the Maldives... If you prefer your picture-perfect white sand beaches, crystal-clear azure waters and swaying palm trees with a big side dose of vibrant culture and fascinating history, then the Caribbean should be top of your tropical travel list. A chain of islands surrounding the Caribbean Sea, this region is famously one of the most dreamy winter holiday destinations in the world thanks to its year-round hot weather and sunshine.
But not all Caribbean islands were created equal. Indeed, much of the Caribbean's appeal is that it is made up of so many different islands, meaning that there truly is something for everyone. Those seeking seclusion will be particularly fond of the Turks & Caicos, while outdoor adventurers should opt for Grenada or St Lucia. Music and culture aficionados will love blissing out in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, and for a little bit of everything, Antigua is the perfect all-rounder. Whichever Caribbean island you choose, laid-back vibes, warm and welcoming locals, delicious fresh food and devilishly strong rum punch are guaranteed.
Luckily, it's now easier than ever to make your dream Caribbean holiday a reality: British Airways, the longest serving airline connecting the Caribbean to the UK, flies to 17 destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico, and offers multiple tag flights between the various islands for inter-regional connectivity in case you want to explore multiple destinations in one trip.
When is the best time to visit the Caribbean?
Thanks to its tropical climate, the Caribbean is hot and sunny all year round, so good weather is pretty much always guaranteed. This makes it a big winter sun hotspot, most popular during the months of November, December, January and February.
It's worth noting, however, that hurricane season is between June and November, with tropical storms and rainy downpours also a semi-regular occurrence during this time. That said, the Caribbean still makes for a dreamy long-haul holiday destination between these months – and a markedly quieter and more affordable one, too.
Where are the best beaches in the Caribbean?
You'll be delighted to hear that you can find the picture-perfect tropical beaches of your dreams on any one of the Caribbean's many islands. What you really need to think about, then, is what exactly qualifies a 'perfect beach' for you. Is it one that is world-famous and instantly recognisable? In that case, you'll want to visit Sugar Beach in St Lucia, that's backed by the mighty Pitons. Or, do you prefer a completely deserted beach that's still in its natural, untouched state? In that case, consider Aruba or the Turks and Caicos. Meanwhile, Antigua, Jamaica and Barbados are the places to go for beautiful beaches that come complete with chic party vibes – though they still boast plenty of low-key options of their own, if you're after a mix of experiences.
What are the best Caribbean islands to visit?
Keep scrolling for the best Caribbean islands for a holiday...
Antigua
Boasting 95 miles of beautiful coastline lapped by the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea, Antigua makes for the perfect island getaway. Here, you can explore countless picturesque beaches, discover the thriving arts scene, zip-line through the rainforest, sample local delicacies (roti with tamarind sauce is a must), learn about the island's fascinating history, and snorkel with turtles and (friendly) sting rays to boot.
Thursday and Sunday nights are best-spent at Shirley Heights, sipping devilishly strong rum punch to the sounds of a live steel drum band at sunset – but make sure you make the most of the island's laidback vibes to get some much-needed relaxation in, too.
Aruba
With its pink flamingoes, white-sand beaches, rich history and colourful architecture, Aruba is one of the most characterful spots around for a tropical island getaway. It's located right off the coast of Venezuela in the south of the Caribbean, but as a former colony of the Netherlands, it has a uniquely Dutch feel to it – from the language to the pretty, pastel-hued colonial buildings and cobbled streets of the capital city, Oranjestad.
As it's located below the so-called 'hurricane belt', you don't need to worry about adverse weather conditions: there are an average of 28C degrees year-round, while the mild Atlantic trade winds make it a hotspot for the likes of windsurfing and kiteboarding.
St Lucia
Soaring mountains, lush rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, beautiful beaches... The island of St. Lucia really does have it all. While here, you'll want to explore the world's only 'drive-in' volcano, hike (or simply look at) the UNESCO-listed Pitons peaks, visit the botanical gardens, lap up the wellbeing benefits of the natural springs and mineral baths, and, of course, sunbathe, snorkel and swim to your heart's content.
Offering that elusive mix of breathtaking beauty, romance and adventure, this Caribbean island is a particular favourite of honeymooners, babymooners and outdoorsy families alike.
Turks and Caicos
If you're after a hidden gem that oozes Caribbean castaway charm, look no further than Turks and Caicos. This sparsely populated archipelago nation is made up of 40 small islands and cays, of which only eight are inhabited. It feels delightfully rustic and secluded in places, but also offers a touch of luxury thanks to a clutch of smart hotels, golf clubs, impressive yachts and regular celebrity guests.
Turks and Caicos is also known for its epic diving adventures; Middle Caicos is home to what is thought to be the widest 'blue hole' in the world, while the water highways are teeming with stunning marine life including bottlenose dolphins and migrating humpback whales.
Jamaica
Bob Marley might have made Jamaica a household name, but there's a lot more to this Caribbean island than reggae music – though you'll be delighted to find its melodic beats emanating from absolutely everywhere. A relaxed way of life reigns supreme here, with days best spent between the sparkling azure waters and powdery sands of its many idyllic beaches, with a Red Stripe or local rum in hand, and tucking into delectable dishes like ackee, saltfish and curried goat.
But adventurous types are well catered-for, too, with countless waterfalls to explore, epic treks of the Blue Mountains, zipline tours and all manner of under- and over-water escapades on offer.
Barbados
A small island nation in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, Barbados is just 21 miles long and 14 miles wide – but it packs a serious punch nonetheless. Not only are its palm-tree-rimmed beaches some of the most idyllic you'll ever see, but it also boasts a buzzy nightlife, UNESCO-listed capital city, world-class hotels, rich history and fabulous diving and snorkelling sites.
Bajan cuisine here is particularly special, too: a delightful mix of Creole, Portuguese and British influences, star dishes include flying fish and cou-cou, pudding and souse, black cake and macaroni pie. Head to the south coast for the best surf, or hide away on the sleepy eastern side if you're more of a 'fly and flop' traveller.
Grenada
Apparently, you can smell the sweet scent of nutmeg in the air from the moment you land in Grenada – hence its nickname as the 'Spice Isle'. Rarely crowded and still relatively rugged, this Caribbean destination continues to fly delightfully under-the-radar, making it the perfect option for those seeking a more low-key holiday with buckets of authenticity. It's also one of the greenest islands in the region, covered in thick rainforest and all the fabulous tropical flora and fauna that comes with it.
Naturally, then, outdoor pursuits are a popular pastime here, from hiking the peaks within the Grand Etang National Park and discovering hidden waterfalls, to immersing yourself in the rich marine life flourishing underwater. The 17th-century plantation and working organic farm at Belmont Estate is also a must-visit, as is the tiny nearby island of Carriacou for bona fide Caribbean charm.
Dominican Republic
The name given to the eastern side of the island of Hispaniola – that's also home to Haiti in the west – the Dominican Republic is a real up-and-comer of the Caribbean islands, that means it's also one of the more affordable options. Great-value hotels and honestly-priced local restaurants sit alongside the dramatic mountains, cultivated savannahs, mangrove swamps, tropical rainforests and nearly 1,000 miles of pristine coastline that make this the most geographically diverse spot in the region.
The Dominican Republic is also famously the birthplace of merengue and bachata, producer of some of the world's best rums, and of course, home to Santo Domingo, the oldest city in the 'New World'.
More tropical holiday ideas:
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- The best time to visit the Maldives
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