What are the best Caribbean islands to visit?
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.
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Why visit one Caribbean island when you could instead explore a scenic chain of islands, like the palm-fringed, blissfully secluded St Vincent and the Grenadines. Many a pirate has voyaged to these immaculate shores over the centuries, and it was also the filming location for much of Pirates of the Caribbean. These days, the only island hopping that goes on is on luxurious yachts, which sail around the 32 beautiful islands that make up this island nation.
Along with the blue skies, white shores and crystal-clear waters you might expect from a Caribbean island, St Vincent and the Grenadines is also known for its intriguing black-sand beaches and volcanic landscape – its highest peak is La Soufrière, an active volcano. You can explore it all on hikes that take in waterfalls, hidden caves and sweeping valleys. Or, you can retreat to the lap of luxury in hotspots like Mustique, the Tobago Cays and Bequia.
FLIGHTS TO ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES HOLIDAYS
St Kitts and Nevis
There's something wonderfully abundant about the dual-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis. Its rich volcanic soil and striking, fertile coastlines mean everything tastes better here – the fruits and vegetables are fresher and sweeter than those found on other Caribbean islands. And, of course, the seafood is sparklingly fresh too.
Warmth is also found in abundance here, with famously friendly locals and a mellow culture that revolves around 'limin' (which includes some of our favourite things: drinking, talking and relaxing with others). The dramatic scenery makes for the perfect backdrop to this chilled vibe, with soaring mountains to hike as well as beautiful beaches on which to relax.
Tobago
Tobago's diverse landscape makes it a winning choice for a Caribbean island holiday. Here, in this vision of tropical paradise, you might swim in a secluded cove, get lost in a lush nature reserve, explore a wildlife-filled rainforest, or simply sprawl out on a pristine beach. The bays are famously unspoiled here, and some of the best can be found in the south of the island, including Store Bay and Pigeon Point (also known for excellent snorkelling around the famous Buccoo Reef).
There's also a picturesque port town to explore, not to mention a host of pretty fishing villages, and more than enough delicious street food vendors to keep your tastebuds entertained for the duration of your stay. Best of all, Tobago is known for its relaxed, laidback atmosphere, so you'll be in island mode in no time.
Cayman Islands
From beachy bliss to a thriving cultural scene, the Cayman Islands are the most cosmopolitan choice for a Caribbean island holiday. Comprising Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, there's plenty to do in this archipelagic destination, including 365 diving spots, which mean you could spend a year diving here and never visit the same place twice.
There eating and drinking options are similarly broad here; the Cayman Islands are often hailed the culinary capital of the Caribbean, and as well as excellent local dishes, you can expect world-class cuisine from all over the world, from Thailand to Italy. If you're hungry for arts and culture, there are also lots of art galleries to browse, and a host of festivals that take place throughout the year.
Bahamas
The good times roll in the Bahamas, which comprises more than 700 islands and cays, each with its own unique charm. It's perhaps most famous for its memorable ocean life, from kaleidoscopic fish that can be seen at the many diving and snorkelling spots around the country to the famous swimming pigs of the Bahamas, found in The Exumas.
Then there's the underwater world itself, full of long-forgotten shipwrecks and home to the world's third-largest barrier reef – no wonder it's a water lover's dream. Once you've spent enough time in the water, the cuisine is also exceptionally good, blending African, European and, of course, Caribbean traditions to create famous dishes like conch salad and johnnycake (a kind of cornmeal flatbread).
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:
- The best hotels in Mauritius
- The best time to visit the Maldives
- The best hotels in the Maldives
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