Empty beaches, azure water, towering peaks—what’s not to love? While we love the soft, sandy beaches of the Caribbean, there’s more to the best Caribbean islands than sun and the surf.
Written content from CAITLIN MORTON AND MEREDITH CAREY via CN Traveler
From the iconic pitons of St. Lucia and tropical rainforest of Puerto Rico, to the pastel rainbow of 17th-century buildings in Curaçao, there are countless reasons to visit. With that in mind, we’ve selected the best Caribbean islands for travelers—whether you’re interested in nature, food, or just those white sand beaches—to help you plan your next warm-weather getaway.
As with all travel these days, remember to read up on entry requirements (if the island is accepting visitors at all) and any testing you may need to get before arrival. You can find a full list of how Caribbean islands are reopening here.
This article was originally published in March 2016. It has been updated with new information.
Many people use Jamaica as their entry into the Caribbean, whether its for a food crawl or an exclusive trip to GoldenEye (one of our favorite small resorts in the world). Even though we might go for different reasons, we all stay for the island’s unreal natural beauty. Head to the western town of Negril for some of the best diving and swimming spots in the country (Seven Mile Beach is a particular favorite), then head inland to hike through misty mountains, with guaranteed views of hidden lagoons and waterfalls.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands While the Cayman Islands—Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman—have some of the best stretches of sand in the entire Caribbean, we’re heading to Seven Mile Beach (not to be confused with Jamaica’s beach of the same name) on Grand Cayman, for a beachside cocktail and some sun. The island’s underwater adventures are just as, if not more, exciting than those on land: Don’t you dare leave without visiting Stingray City (off of Grand Cayman) for a snorkel with the surprisingly friendly stingrays.
Your first stop on this British Overseas Territory (just north of the dual-nation island of St. Maarten/St. Martin) should be Shoal Bay, Anguilla’s most famous beach. The blindingly white shore offers soft sand and non-touristy restaurants, plus an offshore reef for snorkelers and divers. For the ultimate luxurious hideaway, book a suite at the newly renovated Belmond Cap Juluca—resort perks aside, the enclave offers unbridled views of Maundays Bay’s vanilla sands and blue water.
Cuba
Cuba’s western, inland province of Pinar del Río is a treasure trove of natural wonders, with miles of mountain ranges and tobacco fields (hello, cigars). The region also happens to encompass Viñales Valley, arguably one of the most beautiful spots in the entire country. With its dome-like limestone formations and lush landscapes, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect place to watch the sun set. Don’t get so enthralled by this province that you get stuck, though: the bright architecture of Old Havana and the beauty of Varadero beach are reasons enough to explore the whole island. Read more from CN Traveler
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