It also has one of the best carnivals in the Caribbean. The Lahara orange peels are used to make the liqueur, and its indigenous to the island. is part of the Netherlands; its such a Spanish-sounding name! A post shared by Avila Beach Hotel | Beach Resort on Curacao (Southern Caribbean) (@avilabeachhotel). Know your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before you fly. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, head inland and do some agrotourism, which usually includes some delicious tastings. From chilling on the beaches of Bora Bora to eating shellfish in Cape Cod, USA, here are the best places to visit in June. The unique Oil Nut Bay features suites and villas built straight into a cliff. The Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas are a delightful mlange of islands sunny stalwarts with shimmering blue waters, palm-fringed shores, and ultra-luxe resorts. At Four Resort Nevis, you'll be in front of the famous Pinneys Beach. Add these stunning Caribbean islands to your must-visit list. Barbados With a little of everything on offer, Barbados's geography is as diverse as it is stunning: waterfalls, craggy caves, superb snorkeling even pink-sand beaches. If it's beaches you're after (and let's face it, what traveler to the Caribbean isn't? Whats up with the smelly seaweed washing up on the beaches of Florida? After much consideration, there can only be one: St. Lucia. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. In 1995, a volcanic eruption destroyed a lot of the island, which is still recovering. The lovely beaches, historic buildings, nightlife, and location outside of the hurricane belt are all part of the allure. Known for great weather, the islands receive minimal rainfall and the average annual temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 1. Hike through the Blue Mountains (where some of the best coffee in the world is sourced), See the birthplace of the legendary Bob Marley at Nine Mile, Soak up the rum in the Kingston bars while you enjoy the Rasta off-beat tunes. The U.S. News and World Report gave the bronze medal for best Caribbean destination to the British Virgin Islands. St. Barts is known for its scenic beaches (from beautiful Anse de Grande Saline to sprawling Anse des Flamands) and unique French Caribbean culture,which is evident in its cuisine and lively annual festivals. Its one of the least visited Caribbean islands, with. You wouldnt have to worry about overcrowded dive spots, beaches, or nutmeg plantations. But there is one thing that sets the British islands apart: The Baths. Trinidad and Tobago. Hotel and flight prices tend to be on the lower end during the summer months, so you can enjoy the palm-fringed white sand beaches and serene sea without ruining your vacation budget. 24) was touted as "enchanting, pristine, and beautiful", Several readers also raved about the beaches and turquoise waters on Anguilla (No. The most important in our opinion is that it's outside of the hurricane belt, which means strong storms are less likely to hit during the long hurricane season. The Caribbean is a special place. is like the Garden of Eden for the Caribbean because its so lush with rainforests, peaks and valleys, rivers (more than one for every day of the year), volcanic beaches, hot springs, and waterfalls. Budget Tips It may not be possible to save hundreds when visiting the VI as it is a pricey island chain, but there are still a few ways to save. Hike up La Soufriere, an active volcano guarded by a lush tropical jungle. Its #home to jerk chicken, reggae, and Bob Morley. During the right time of year, you may get to see nesting and hatching sea turtles. One of the so-called ABC Islands, along with Aruba and Bonaire, Curaao is located in the southern Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. They live on any of the three islands that form the Caymans: Cayman Brac an island ideal for the adventurous spirits, Visit the colonial forts like St James Castle, Explore the museums that chronicle Carib piracy and British maritime history, Be amazed at the stingrays, multi-colored iguanas, starfish, and endangered sea turtles, Get your tan on at sun-kissed beaches like, Attend al fresco parties at the Sunset House or cocktail parties at Billy Bones, Go scuba diving, deep diving in Cayman Trench, or snorkeling, (not to be confused with Dominica, which is also located in the Caribbean), youll know its an international, La Romana for the best beaches and Bayahibe, an off-the-grid fishing village, Santo Domingo, the capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Try out some water activities snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, or scuba diving, Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the capital, Immerse yourself in the medieval era at Altos de Chavon. Skip staying at a resort, and stay at the family-owned luxurious Jamaica Inn. At Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, visitors will find rare blue iguanas, tropical gardens, and a two-acre lake with unique aquatic birds and animals. Choose between a beach lined with lively bars blaring out soca tunes, or a near-deserted strip of sand where itll be just you and the odd pelican diving for fish. On St. John, the Virgin Islands National Park is home to beaches, hiking trails, and historic ruins. island is shaped like a butterfly, with wings spread over the two main islands (the largest ones) Grande Terre and Basse Terre. Narrowing down your options isnt easy, and thats where I come in. With the duo Piton Mountains rising out of the Caribbean sea, the beautiful famous beaches, and tropical rainforests, its a sight to behold. This island is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, flora and fauna, and of course the beautiful beaches and . "Posh" is the best word to describe the British Virgin Islands. No matter how you choose to pass the time, a trip to this destination will be one for the books. Its no surprise the 100 or so inhabited islands are beloved vacation destinations for visitors from around the world. Moskito Island, just across from Necker Island, also offers natural beauty surrounded by clear, blue waters, with estates available for guest buyouts. The British Virgin Islands dominate this year's rankings, with Jost Van Dyke (No. The island sees mostly day visitors, but you can stay for longer too. 3), with one calling it "paradise found." The Abaco Islands, meanwhile, are known for fishing, sailing, boating, and charming colonial towns. Here are 18 of the most beautiful Caribbean islands. The bright-colored buildings and natural features of St. George's harbor in Grenada offer a view worth savoring. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. St. Barts is also synonymous with luxury, so you'll find many high-end hotels and upscale resorts here, plus harbors that house mega-yachts. We're not going to sugarcoat this. A night out in San Juan is a raucous affair, generally centered around the old town, which has the highest concentration of bars and clubs. Trinidad and Tobago are two very different Caribbean islands that perfectly compliment each other. Spring is the time to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, particularly in late April when the boisterous Carnival season on St. Thomas gets underway. Despite its name, Great Inagua only has a population of about 1200 people, but its flamingo population exceeds 80,000 birds, flocking around aptly named Lake Rosa. We're not exaggerating. Not likely - the Caribbean consists of 28 islands encompassing just over one million square miles. Typically, clients pay 50% to secure the booking; the remainder is paid 30 days prior to . When I decided to look into the best islands in the Caribbean region, I figured a checklist or selection criteria had always worked well for me, so why not trust this process again? From Namibias wind-swept Skeleton Coast to Javas G-Land, discover the best place to hang ten, whatever your surfing ability. Regardless of which shoreline you choose, you'll find clear water and white sand surrounded by lush greenery. Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica offers untouched natural beauty, rivers, rain forests, mountains, and waterfalls. But for an authentic dose of local culture, head to Kingston (the island's capital) to attend a lively festival, listen to reggae tunes and try local specialties like Blue Mountain Coffee and jerk chicken. But choosing can be difficult. We don't have to say that the beaches are beautiful with their soft sand. Start at sunrise and youll be at the top before the heat of the midday sun. Antigua and Barbuda. If you want to join picnicking locals, head to Jolly beach on the west coast; for solitude, try Half Moon Bay in the southeast, and for tree-shaded golden sands, head to Pigeon Beach on the edge of Falmouth Harbor. St. Barthelemy may just be the most exclusive of all Caribbean islands. The shoreline atCane Garden Bay and the white sand beaches on Anegada island are stunning. Regardless of when you visit, try to spend at least a day enjoying the unspoiled beauty at one of the many beaches along St. John's shoreline, including the popular Trunk Bay beach. To save some coin, grab food at a local supermarket before heading to the beach for a picnic. The childfree may want to actively avoid the area, because its more built up than other Caribbean coastlines, but if its an all-inclusive hotel with a waterslide youre after, then youll find no shortage among the popular brands jostling for attention. The territory is a boating haven, with over 50 small islands and the signature clearness of the Caribbean Sea. If you're looking to cross a national park off your list, head to St. John, which is almost entirely made up of Virgin Islands National Park. Get to Montserrat via ferry or plane from Antigua. The Cove at Atlantis has become a bucket-list destination for people who love all-inclusive, over-the-top experiences. This is a comprehensive guide to the best islands in the Caribbean, and I promise, theres an island or romantic vacation for everyone here. A post shared by The Cove Atlantis (@thecoveatlantis). You can also have an adventure by spending the day hiking or by driving yes,driving the Sulphur Springs volcano. Or, stop for casual barbecued meat and fresh fish at one of the open-airloloslocated along the shore. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. While many choose to vacation here to relax at a resort on the beach and enjoy delicious cuisine (think: tasty seafood and fresh fruit), this destination offers plenty in the way of culture as well. The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman combines coral sand and a lively waterfront with restaurants and beach bars on its famed Seven Mile Beach. Gorgeous beaches, rain forests, and mountains provide visitors with adventures like hiking, kayaking, and exploring the islands protected parkland. This is a comprehensive guide to the, My Bottom Line Up Front: The Best Island in the Caribbean, My Selection Criteria for the Best Caribbean Islands, My Final Thoughts on the Best Caribbean Islands. . Grace Bay Beach offers soft white sand, calm seas, and an extensive barrier reef. About 100 miles from Puerto Rico, this archipelago consists of three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, the largest. Consider These Turks and Caicos Accommodation Options, Best for: The ultimate chic vacation vibe, Anguilla is a small Caribbean island with more than 30 picturesque beaches you can enjoy, with magnificentcoral reefs, Plus, the water is warm all year. SAFEST CARIBBEAN ISLANDS GUIDE. The beauty continues under the sea, where divers and snorkelers can see coral, colorful tropical fish, and sea turtles. Nature lovers will want to hike to the 301-acre Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve, home to some 400 species of fish and endangered green and hawksbill turtles. Rap music was initially created in Jamaica and became popular in the USA. (#coulditgetanybetter?). White-sand beaches on its 75 miles of coastline, rain forests, and waterfalls are part of the appeal, as is its vibrant culture, ancient rum distilleries, and historic architecture. Here are some of my budget tips for the USVI: The Safari is a public bus system that goes to many places on the island and is only $2 USD per person for one way. In 1995, a volcanic eruption destroyed a lot of the island, which is still recovering. Antigua is home to a wealth of diverse beaches 365, to be exact. The exclusive enclaves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. To help you decide, here's a breakdown of the 11 best Caribbean islands to visit, with everything that makes each one special: 1. Do we even need to introduce beautiful Jamaica? You can start your day with a hiking adventure through the Pitons, soak up some midday sun along Reduit Beach and watch the sun set over the Caribbean Sea. Some are rustic and rugged, bereft of any modern meddling, while others are well-developed oases with lots of shops, restaurants, and hotels to choose from. Just plan on sticking to one or two islands to avoid blowing your vacation budget on transportation costs. The island is a special Netherland municipality. This beautiful island is nicknamed the "Spice Isle" for its production of spices, including nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, pepper, and vanilla. That really says everything you need to know about it. Caribbean The 23 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2023 By: Caribbean. Instead, the anything-but-average island lures eco-travelers with a jumble of rain forests, volcanoes, hot springs, thunderous waterfalls, and black-sand beaches. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. But if you want to see the country outside of glitzy resorts, head to islands where tourism is limited. Given how prone some Caribbean islands are to be invaded by overtourism, this is one of the things we like the most about it. From beaches to mountains to rain forests, Puerto Rico offers a diverse environment. While October is one of the rainiest months in San Andrs, with approximately 12 inches of rain, this tiny island is located well south of the Hurricane Belt. Visitors can snorkel among coral reefs, mangroves, and colorful marine life. With warm turquoise waters, delicious food and some of the largest coral reefs in the world, what's not to love? 1. The 23 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2023 HIgh Cay off the coast of San Salvador in The Bahamas. Black-sand beaches, rain forests, hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanoes dot the island, which is also home to 365 freshwater jungle streams and the Caribbean's longest continuous hike, the 115-mile Waitukubuli Trail. An incredibly popular destination, Jamaica is known for its music, its beaches, its waterfalls and its food. *Rankings are from U.S. News and World Report's Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean list for 2023-24. At Mount Cinnamon Resort, each of the 37 villas and suites boasts ocean views. La Toubana was Guadeloupe's first five-star hotel. One of many Leeward Islands you'll find on our list of the safest Caribbean islands, Anguilla is a beloved British Overseas Territory that includes a 35-square-mile main island and several offshore islets. Read on to find out why, and to learn more about this year's top 25 islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. Meanwhile, the boulders and sea pools atThe Baths National Park (touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world) mystify visitors. I can imagine the salty ocean air mixed with the wafts of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and other spices. Soft sand and clear, warm waters attract visitors to the islands resorts on the east ends Shoal Bay and the west ends Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay, and other beautiful areas. But don't stare for too long Grenada has more than 45 beaches to choose from, including the 2-mile-long Grand Anse Beach. Historic shipwrecks and the islands abundant marine life make diving a popular attraction, too, along with Martiniques famed rum and cuisine. Then, hop on a boat and sail between the country's other islands for diving, snorkeling, golfing, sunbathing and photo-ops. Places to stay range from quaint bed-and-breakfasts to luxurious resorts and everything in between. 5, St. Lucia home to the majestic Pitons, beautiful beaches, and plenty of chocolate and rum was described as "a great spot for active travelers on a romantic escape." The 9 BEST Islands to Visit in the U.S. (No Passport Required) | Jetsetter Islands America's Best Island Vacations (No Passport Required) Island getaways are typically reserved for all-inclusive Caribbean idylls, but we've got plenty of sensational stays right in our backyard. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. 26. Plus, the other guides on EpicCaribbean.com will further help you and give you the necessary information. Separated by only 2.5 miles of water, the islands offer the incredible opportunity of a cross-channel swim. Helping You Plan Your EPic Caribbean Getaway. The most populated and most visited city in Cuba and one of the best cities in the Caribbean, beguiling Havana is associated with Hemingway and Cadillacs, music-filled theaters and grand rum bars.

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