Eden Rock reopened in November after two years of renovation and rebuilding. This French territory sits in the south Caribbean, and from above its two main islands look like a butterfly. Saona Island. Lots of little beaches on Antigua are lined with resorts large and small, modest and lavish. In Martinique -- a hot spot for French tourists -- visitors will find a taste of Europe in the Caribbean. Two distinct cultures, Dutch and French, share space on this smallish and very lively island. All that sun makes you hungry, and visitors are in luck. That dramatic entry gives way to an island crisscrossed with trails through rugged rainforest and volcanic rocks with the aptly named Mount Scenery as the hiking centerpiece. © 2021 Lonely Planet. Sugar cane blows in the breeze in central Barbados, a reminder of the island's rich rum culture. Arid and nearly featureless, Aruba's main attraction is a ribbon of beaches lined with big world-class resorts and backed up with malls of familiar restaurants and bars. Cocktail bars are in ample supply for visitors who'd rather sip on something than work up a sweat. Caribbean Islands Geography . Little paradise island, turquoise water, tall beautiful … Take a hike, Dominica: the Caribbean's most adventurous island. You'll mostly have this paradise to yourself. The short runway in Saba provides a dramatic entry for visitors. There's been a steady increase in nonstop flights to the country. Eden Rock resort reopened in November after two years of renovation and rebuilding. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/best-caribbean-islands-to-visit Challenges abound on this island that has suffered through natural disasters, but if you want to explore a rich culture that is the region's most African, Haiti is for you. There's not much going on in the way of beaches, and it's only accessible by air via the neighboring island of St. Maarten. Visitors can take tours at a range of distilleries or stop into one of the island's many rum shops to enjoy the spirit alongside locals. Grand Cayman is reminiscent of South Florida, only more orderly and with less traffic. French-accented Guadeloupe offers relaxed islands for people who want to travel little, laze on the sand and enjoy especially good food. The sister island of Barbuda is home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Cuba is the largest of the Caribbean islands, spanning 110,860 square kilometers. Why Long Island should be your next Bahamas vacation. About 90 miles (145 kilometers) north of Venezuela, the island of Curaçao boasts one of the liveliest urban centers in the Caribbean. Roadside stalls across the island reflect the island's cultural tapestry with offerings from roti and curries to kebabs. How your vacation can help save sea turtles in the Caribbean. The main island, St Vincent, is mostly rainforest while little idyllic Bequia is the star of the oh-so-mellow Grenadines. A slew of beaches ideal for surfers, wind-surfers, budget sunbathers and traditional types who dress for dinner make Barbados a truly welcoming island. The British West Indies, sometimes abbreviated to the BWI, is a collective term for the British territories historically established in the Anglo-Caribbean: Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, British Guiana (now … It packs great beaches and tropical nature in a small package. Tropical forest covers the northern part of Martinique, where a handful of rum distilleries steer the visitor back to its Caribbean flavors. Yachties and divers find their bliss amongst the 40 islands here; the main island, Tortola, offers glam diversions. It … The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are sometimes considered to be a part of the Caribbean, even though they are neither within the Caribbean Sea nor on its border, however The Bahamas is a full member state of the Caribbean Community and the Turks and Caicos Islands are an associate member. For visitors who are curious about island history, Wade's Green Plantation on North Caicos offers a window into the era of Loyalist plantations in Turks and Caicos. The countries that are included in this group are Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Belize, and some islands off Central (Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, San Andrés and Providencia, Corn Islands, The Bay Islands) and South America (Federal Dependencies of Venezuela and Nueva Esparta). Connected by ferry to the far more developed Turks and Caicos island of Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos deliver rustic island life devoid of glossy resorts. Learn how to create your own. The national dish of Barbados is flying fish and coucou, made with corn meal and okra. Sea cliffs and a dramatic offshore rock formation buffeted by crashing waves make this a mesmerizing spot for soaking up pinch-yourself Caribbean views. A medium-sized island with a focus beyond tourism. Bomba, plena, décima, salsa, reggaetón. Willemstad, Curaçao's capital, offers a distinctive Euro-Caribbean experience, where Dutch colonial architecture brings Amsterdam in pastels to this autonomous country within the Royal Dutch Kingdom. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our, Here are the new rules for visiting the Caribbean, Taste the tropics with these make-at-home Caribbean cocktails, Kitesurfing, caving, canyoning and more: finding adventure in the Caribbean, Italy has unveiled plans to welcome travelers in May. Diving offshore is another top draw for this still largely undiscovered island. Nowhere here is very busy, even the world-class dive sites. So for the Caribbean-bound visitor, which island among the many do you choose? The main city of Willemstad has a justifiably famous, beautiful and historic harbor. And there's world-class diving and snorkeling, plus sandy shoreline for full-fledged relaxation. How sustainable tourism is thriving in Puerto Rico. The first Caribbean stop for many Americans has all the comforts - and familiar names - of home. To find a taste of Europe in the Caribbean has a fascinating history and rich culture. 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