Rating the best islands in the Caribbean isn't an easy task, with over 7000 little slices of paradise dotting the region. We don't need to tell you that any visit to the Caribbean is going to involve some absolutely spectacular scenery, but the views and photo-ops on the best Caribbean islands are just out of this world. The Caribbean is one of the most popular destinations for cruises leaving from the UK, so if you're headed that way by cruise ship, you may want to check out our tips on packing for a cruise holiday. So where are you guaranteed to find mind-blowing beauty on the best Caribbean islands? Read on for our round-up of the Caribbean's best islands and most beautiful places to see.
1. St. Kitts & Nevis
With some of the best beaches in the world and a rich historical heritage, there’s much to recommend on the small two-island nation of St Kitts & Nevis. Located in the Leeward Islands, this former British colony is the perfect choice for those who prefer unspoiled charm over the hustle and bustle of larger Caribbean resorts.
Natural beauty abounds in St Kitts & Nevis, where thick rainforest and sleepy villages dotted with magnificent old houses make way for peaceful, sheltered bays, surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Both islands are considered to be ‘hidden gems’ by connoisseurs of the Caribbean, and should be high on your list if you’re looking for stunning scenery and one of the best islands in the Caribbean.
2. Palm Island
Imagine the tranquility of an island accessible only by boat, with a mere twenty residences available to holidaymakers. This dream could becomes a reality for the small number of lucky tourists who take a trip to Palm Island in the Grenadines, a tiny island whose nearest neighbour is Union Island. While trickier than most islands to access, we’ve got to admit that it doesn’t get more beautiful than Palm Island's pristine sands and tall, swaying trees.
A true island paradise, this tiny resort is well equipped to keep visitors happy, with its own golf course, spa, beautifully landscaped swimming pool and five beaches offering every type of watersport you can image.
3. The Pitons, St Lucia
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the Caribbean was all about the beaches, but this vast and wonderfully diverse region has more to offer than just its (impeccable) sea and sand. Some of its most extraordinary scenery can be found in the volcanic Southwestern coast of St. Lucia, where The Pitons are the most famous landmarks. These two volcanic ‘plugs’ that rise majestically from the lush green banks of Soufrière bay are popular with sightseers and hikers alike, and make for an unforgettable view.
4. Willemstad, Curacao
Another stunning aspect of the Caribbean that doesn’t get a lot of press is its vibrant and wonderful architecture, and a great place to learn about some of the colourful and cheery styles is in Curacao’s capital city of Willemsted. The Dutch influence is obvious in this former colony of the Netherlands Antilles, where brightly colourful townhouses line the waterfront.
Legend has it that the city’s unusual colour palette arose after an 1800s Governor General decreed that all buildings must be painted any colour other than white, because white set off his migraine headaches. If true, we wonder what he’d think about the striking, candy colours used to decorate the buildings today!
5. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
If your idea of the perfect beach is miles upon miles of uninterrupted white sand, Providenciales is for you. Grace Bay is widely considered to be the best beach on the island, and many would say the whole of the Caribbean, while the picturesque Malcolm Beach is best for those who prefer to explore this exquisite coastline away from the crowds. There’s a wealth of exotic marine life to discover in ‘Provo’, and on Turks and Caicos in general, so don’t forget to bring your snorkel.
Do you have a favourite spot in the Caribbean?
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Written by Abi Silvester, a London-based writer and editor with a passion for great food, fine wine, coffee and cats; always planning my next trip! Follow her on Twitter.
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