With over 700 islands, everyone can get lost in the Caribbean! We would travel to every single island if we could! Each one is packed with history and culture, along with its own unique climate, views, and people. Unless you’re on your way to travel around all of them in a superyacht, we’ve picked you the five best islands. Each of these islands offer something slightly different; from vibrant nightlife and scenic views to unrivaled snorkeling, world-class cuisine, luxury hotels, and a peaceful getaway.
Dominican Republic
The first destination on our list is one of the larger islands: the Dominican Republic. Wherever you go on this island, you can find awesome all-inclusive luxury and affordable accommodation, stunning architectural and natural beauty, ideally suited for resort seekers and adventurers!
Talking about real stuff, Our top beach recommendations is the Punta Cana region, and in particular, Playa Bavaro, which offers a fantastic coastal experience combined with high-quality restaurants for travelers looking for luxury or on a budget.
If you want to explore some of the Hispanic culture inland as well as the coast, then take a day trip to Santo Domingo. The Old Town is full of 16th Century monuments and was the first established city of the ‘New World’. Further afield, you can visit rainforests, mountains and waterfalls all over the island, and If you travel between December and March, you can see groups of humpback whales breaching the waves!
Finally, with 8 international airports the Dominican Republic is the best-connected and most accessible Caribbean island. What are you waiting for?
Jamaica
Next stop on our island list is Jamaica. Perhaps one of the most internationally renowned Caribbean destinations, its music of Jamaican Dancehall and Reggae have spread all over the world. However, there’s nothing like seeing the real thing. Music is everywhere on the island – you can’t escape it! The place to truly experience it, though, is the Hip Strip in Montego Bay, where drinking, dancing and live performances continue until the early hours.
Coffee connoisseurs will also have a blast here. The famous Blue Mountain Coffee is grown in the *you guessed it* Blue Mountains on the island. This is one of the most sought after (and expensive) coffee blends on the planet. It’s all hand-picked and locally roasted for the perfect Caribbean flavor!
With music and drinks covered, let's move on to food! You can try authentic jerk food at Scotchies: be warned, the whole menu is quite spicy! If you’re more into seafood, then head over to M-10 for one of the best all-around dining and bar experiences on the island. With all-you-can-eat crab nights, and dishes including curried, spicy, garlic lobster, we would be surprised if you’re not already convinced!
With quick and easy flights from Europe and the US, Jamaica is a fun-loving musical and culinary paradise, perfect for an active holiday!
Anguilla
So far, we’ve seen two islands known for their extensive active nightlife. Anguilla, though, is just the place for getting away from it all and enjoy some peace and quiet all to yourself! This small, magical island is best known for its offering luxurious but easy-going travel packages.
That said, due to its extensive coastline, there are still opportunities for world-class watersports, with facilities for kiteboarding, paddle boarding, snorkeling and windsurfing being some of the best in the world, let alone the Caribbean! The icing on the cake and our top recommendation is the glass-bottomed kayaking, where you can see all the fish and marine life below! Suited for both beginners and pros, It’s like paddling through an aquarium!
Anguilla's local culture is also quite friendly. You can even get back in touch with nature in the Anguilla National Trust Reserve, with walking tours led hourly through the historical Lower Valley, heritage hikes through some of the more remote parts of the island. These walks in particular offer a fascinating insight into the island’s Arawak past and colonial history.
Barbados
If you’re looking for the perfect mix with a little bit of everything then welcome to Barbados! Whatever your budget or range of interests, we can guarantee multiple activities that will let you fully immerse yourself in authentic island culture and have the trip of a lifetime.
Very few things in Barbados are more appealing than the crystal blue waters. In fact, if you visit the Club Hotel, you can go on guided tours to swim with turtles, or if you stay on dry land, discover some of the island’s hidden beaches. There are no private beaches on Barbados, so make the most of it!
When it comes to food, there’s no shortage of options from elegant dinners to budget-friendly spots. Try some of the restaurants lining the northern coast for authentic seafood cuisine!
History lovers can learn about the island’s rich past. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Barbados was one of the sugar capitals of the Caribbean and there were more than 700 sugar estates on the island, one of the largest being St. Nicholas, which is fully restored and open for tours. Nearby, there are also stunning technicolor botanic gardens, such as Hunte’s Garden, Andromeda and the Flower Forest.
Martinique
So far we’ve had islands with Hispanic and British histories, now we add French to the list. Speaking some French can go a long way at Martinique! Fly to Fort-de-France, then escape the initial crowds for some peace and quiet!
One of the lesser-visited destinations in our Caribbean list, Martinique calming atmosphere let you discover the place at your own pace. Full of isolated beaches and nature hikes, it is suited to independent travelers, looking for a quieter Caribbean experience.
There are plenty of hikes throughout the island and everything is highlighted on the trails. Sometimes mist consumes the peak of the mountain, but don’t let this stop you! We recommend you try the Aileron route on Mount Pelée - an active volcano!
Voilà! Five of the most stunning Caribbean locations, guaranteeing a magical stay for every taste. These five gems offer unparalleled music, delicious street food, magical beaches, fascinating history, rich culture and much-needed relaxation, all on a variety of budgets. Which one suits you the best? Plan your vacation now and let us know!
