Ready to discover the best islands in the Caribbean? From the historical Nevis to gorgeous St Lucia, these are the places you need to add to your bucket list RN.
The Caribbean is renowned for its beautiful beaches, unbelievably blue waters and laid-back lifestyle. But with so much choice, it can be difficult to pick a destination for your next sunshine getaway.
Not to worry – I’ve chosen the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean to help you along the way.
Beautiful Islands In The Caribbean You Have To Visit
Nevis
Nevis is the small island hideaway that you’ve been dreaming about. Only 36 square miles large, the island packs a punch when it comes to white sandy beaches, colourful buildings and a lushly forested interior.
The capital, Charlestown, is one of my favourite places in the entirety of the Caribbean. Steeped in history, the town is one of the best preserved in the region, its colonial history is still present in the buildings and statues dotted around town.
Quiet, understated and classy. Nevis is the Caribbean hideaway that few have heard of but that’s loved by everyone who has been.
Read my Nevis Travel Guide: Cool things to do and Places to See on this Caribbean Island
Antigua
Antigua doesn’t disappoint when it comes to beautiful islands in the Caribbean.
White sandy beaches and crystalline sea are two of the big draws, along with the chilled out ambience, vibrant culture and photo opps galore.
That’s all before you get to the incredible food and cool outdoor activities – whether you’re talking about hiking up to famous viewpoint Shirley Heights or zipping across the island on an ATV, there’s no shortage of thrills at your fingertips.
If you’re looking for something even more relaxed, sister island Barbuda is a short hop away and much quieter.
Read Next: Unmissable Things to do in Antigua
Jamaica
When it comes to beautiful Caribbean islands, Jamaica is the Caribbean’s not-so-hidden secret.
Long the retreat of the rich and famous (who hasn’t longed to spend a decadent week on Goldeneye, Ian Fleming’s old Jamaican bolthole) and a honeymoon favourite it’s one of the true jewels in the Caribbean.
From hidden spots such as Frenchman’s Cove to the out-and-out spectacle of the five-mile-long Negril Beach, there’s a beach for everyone.
Away from the beaches, hiking through the Blue Mountains (the source of some of the world’s best coffee) is an unforgettable experience.
Barbados
Barbados. The name alone is enough to make you want to pack your bags and book yourself on the next available flight – and for good reason.
From the pink sand Crane Beach to the notorious “green flash” on the horizon as the sun sets over the sea, Barbados is an island full of unforgettable moments and one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean.
Spend your time working your way down the exclusive beaches of the island’s west coast. Then explore the less developed but no less beautiful east coast. Just make sure you bring a good travel camera – you’re sure to put it to good use.
Aruba
It’s not hard to see Aruba’s appeal. The flamingos on the beach, seemingly endless stretches of white sand for guests to soak up their share of the Caribbean sunshine and THAT sea.
There are more high-end resorts than any luxury traveller could ask for, but if you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten track, there’s a whole island to discover away from the glitz and glamour.
Anguilla
Anguilla is often named as having the best beaches in the Caribbean – which is no small feat given the stiff competition. The small island boasts over 30 picture-perfect beaches, dotted with luxury places to stay.
What’s more? It still hasn’t lost any of its charm and character. Visitors go for the peace and quiet, world-class diving and snorkelling and the ultimate chic vibe and stay for more of the same.
Could this be the best island in the Caribbean? I think so.
St Lucia
First impressions are everything and St Lucia never fails to impress. The much-photographed Piton Mountains rise out of the sea, covered in tropical rainforest and leading down to an island rich in natural resources and beautiful views.
St Lucia is not only the perfect place to spend some quality beach time, the trade winds and abundant coral reefs mean it’s an outdoor lover’s playground.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can get your hiking boots on and hike up the stunning Pitons. I’d go as far to say that the hike up the Gros Piton could be one of the most beautiful things you do in St Lucia.
You can book the excursion with a guide or ask your hotel, the next best thing about St Lucia is how friendly everyone is. The locals love showing off their beautiful island!
Turks & Caicos
No guide to the best Caribbean islands is complete without the inclusion of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
The islands are really a stretch of sand cays, created by the third-largest coral reef system in the world. This means that both the beaches and the diving are first class.
Providenciales, the main island in the archipelago, is a hub of elegant cocktail bars, restaurants and luxury boltholes. Head out to the other islands for deserted beaches and an escape away from it all.
Dominican Republic
If you’re into golf, this island is for you. The Dominican Republic is a hub for international golfers, however there’s much more to it than that.
The Dominican Republic shares its island with Haiti, so you could be extra adventurous and check out both. Not only does it have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it also throws colonial towns, rainforest and mountains into the mix, too.
Whether you’re after waterfalls, mangrove lagoons, mountain peaks or you just want a break for the hustle and bustle of your life and take time out in one of their many resorts – they’ve got you covered.
An insider’s secret, make sure you check out La Romana. Tucked away in the southeast corner of the island, this is said by locals to have the best beaches in Caribbean waters, the main spot being Bayahibe – a tiny off-the-grid fishing village with few hotels.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a real life paradise and the prettiest Caribbean island. Spanish history emcompases the 16th cobblestone corners of Old San Juan. Puerto Rico has breathtaking architecture and history as well as being home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The Caribbean island, Puerto Rico, offers a different beach for every mood with 365 different beaches (you can even have a beach for every day of the year!)
We suggest heading down to El Yunke, which is the only rainforest in the U.S National Park Service. It’s full of hiking trails, colourful parrots, waterfalls and you can even take a zipline tour (this isn’t for the faint of heart, you’ll be zapping along 24 metres off the ground!)
We highly recommend checking out the bioluminescent bays for a once in a lifetime experience. This is a natural phenomenon where water glows at night! Key spots to see the purest glowing rivers of light are on the southeast coast in Fajardo or at La Parguera.
Cuba
The main island of Cuba is the largest in the whole of the Caribbean. In fact, it’s difficult to narrow down some of the best things to do on this gorgeous island. There’s something still very mysterious about Cuba as it’s managed to stand alone in its essence and independence.
A place far away from all commercialism, it’s riddled with stunning independent restaurants, pristine beaches and unique shops.
Depending on how long you are there, we recommend checking out Playa Las Tumbas for the ultimate palm trees and white sand experience.
If you’re a Hemingway fan, it’s worth heading out to his Museum about ten miles outside Havana where he used to live. This is the same home he wrote ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ and ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’. Slightly touristy, but still without a doubt worth it.
Beautiful Caribbean Islands: Map
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The most beautiful island is where my dad is from Trinidad Tobago it is so amazing over there I go over there every 3 years.
Thanks for the suggestion Breyanna – they do look beautiful.
I keep hearing about Nevis – I think it’s time 🙂
It’s such a wonderful island – ridiculously beautiful, so much culture and still chill.
@Julianna Barnaby, What about Spice Island, Grenada?
ANTIGUA simply the Best just spectacular
Dominica the Nature Isle is very beautiful also
Barbados is the most beautiful and secure tourist country all over the world, Also the barbadians or bajan peoples are very helpful for tourist, for these reason i think Barbados is best destination about Caribbean, Thanks Barbados
The Nature Island of Dominica is the most beautiful Caribbean island hands down. The amazing sulphur springs, 365 amazing river, mountains and valleys, black sand beaches a walk through the forest is pretty amazing…The many waterfalls and whale watching is fabulous
Where is the safest caribbean island to travel to in the midst of a pandemic/epidemic? Which islands has the best health care system incase of a medical emergency?
Barbados is without a doubt one the safest islands to visit.It’s intelligent, friendly people makes vacationing an absolute joy.