Top 10 Islands You Must Visit In The Caribbean
The Caribbean is a popular travel destination for many. It is endowed with scenic landscapes and houses a lot of islands, so there are plenty of options to choose from. The Caribbean islands are a place where most people go to seek relaxation and solitude, because most islands are seemingly isolated from the rest of the world. That said, here’s a list of the top islands you must visit in the Caribbean.
St. Barths
St. Barths is one of the most unique islands in the Caribbean. It sports an array of luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches. Throughout the island are remnants of a French culture that still pervades even today in the form of French-inspired cuisines and arts.
The island is synonymous to opulence and luxury. The harbor is often filled with yachts and megayachts. But don’t let that deter you from taking a trip to St. Barths. There are many other fun and affordable activities you can take part in.
The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are a chain of three islands:
- Little Cayman
- Grand Cayman
- Cayman Brac
Now, it’s important to note that all three islands are gorgeous and offer a different range of activities. Grand Cayman is most famously known for its gorgeous beach resorts and scuba diving facilities. Little Cayman is, as the name suggests, the smallest island. But it is still home to a wide range of wildlife and endangered animals like iguanas.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is a special island located in the Lucayan Archipelago. It’s a place you would typically go to if you want to relax. There are nice beaches all over the island and there’s also a national park. An interesting fact is that two Pirates of the Caribbean movies were shot in the Bahamas. You could also try diving and horseback riding.
The Dominican Republic
The island of the Dominican Republic has fantastic beaches and some of the best golf courses in the world. Many people opt to go here as a vacation destination because of the variety of activities on offer. The food is great and the people are welcoming. Plus, it has waterfalls which you and your family can visit to grab a few photos of.
Barbados
Barbados island is situated in the eastern Caribbean. It is a place that teems with life. The common activities on the island are surfing and swimming. So, if you’re a surfer, this is a great destination for you.
Plus, it has a rich cultural heritage. You can see colonial structures dotted all over the island. But, there’s a modern feel to it. Plus, the food scene is outstanding. Aside from that, there are plenty of other things to do, such as visiting the botanical gardens and kayaking.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is famously known for the two towering mountain peaks called the Pitons, which were said to be formed by volcanic activity over 300 000 years ago. For this reason, it is part of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage site.
But other than that, the island boasts an array of coral reefs, beautiful beaches, fishing villages, and luxurious hotels. Thus, it has a unique feel compared to the other islands. Plus, if you enjoy diving, Saint Lucia would be a fantastic option for you. The corals that are indigenous to the island are beautiful. There’s also a national park with various kinds of fish and marine life. And there are places with waterfalls you can go to see and take a dip in.
Antigua
Antigua is a place that has a fairly long coastline with nearly 365 beaches! This means there are a lot of coastlines you can explore on this island. Plus, the island has pleasant hotels and restaurants. The food scene is sophisticated and you will get a variety of foods to choose from when you get to Antigua.
You could start your journey by taking a hiking trip up a mountain, which is what most tourists do when they get there. It’s not the most talked-about island, but it deserves more attention because it has a lot to offer.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is culturally rich. The wonderful scenery and wildlife complement this, as well as the other landscapes that adorn this Caribbean Island. The island has so much character. Therefore, if you enjoy traveling and sightseeing, this could be the right destination for you.
You can start your tour off in the city where you can explore different foods and cuisines. You can also try shopping in the various markets in the city. Thereafter, you could then explore the jungles and landscapes littered all over the Island with a guide who can show you some of the rainforests, mountains, and waterfalls.
Also, it has some luxurious villas and hotels you can use during your stay there. So, it’s an island full of character. And for those travelers who enjoy being at one with nature, Puerto Rico is a good consideration.
Turks And Caicos
For those people with a hectic lifestyle, this island presents itself as the perfect place to wind down. It’s a secluded place that’s arrayed with gorgeous landscapes and facilities designed to give a luxurious feel to all who tread on the island. For those who are looking to escape, this is a good option.
Turks and Caicos is a chain of about 100 islands. So, it is fairly large. And different parts of the island exude unique characters, so to speak. For example, there’s an area known as the Providenciales, which houses a number of luxurious hotels. Plus, if you enjoy scuba or cage diving, this is just the place for you.
Furthermore, there are historic areas on the island such as the Turks and Caicos National Museum, which is said to be the place where the famous Christopher Columbus docked in the West. It also has one of the longest barrier reef systems in the entire world. So, there’s a lot to see on this island.
The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are unique and well set apart from other islands in the Caribbean. The island is overflowing with exuberance in every way. It’s filled with gorgeous landscapes. The white sand also stands out and adds to the visual appeal.
The hotels are nothing short of spectacular, and you’re guaranteed a regal experience in these top-class hotels. It’s certainly no ordinary island and you’ll enjoy yourself if you aim to have a relaxing holiday visit to relax and rejuvenate. The best way to scout the area is by boarding a yacht or a boat so you can have a view of the island and its surroundings.
Conclusion
The Caribbean is popular for a good reason. There’s a rich blend of culture, beautiful landscapes, and cuisines that makes it different from any other place. The beaches are great too. So, if you’re looking to go anywhere this season, choose the Caribbean. Keep the above list of the top islands handy, too!
Andrea was born and raised in Northern Italy. At the age of 30, he moved to Vancouver Canada. Over the years he traveled extensively in North America, Europe, Central America, and Asia. He is passionate about traveling, cruising, and travel photography. He likes to write about his traveling and shows his travel photos.