Best Caribbean Island to Visit

With some of the world’s most stunning beaches and serene water packed with life, choosing the perfect Caribbean island to visit isn’t the easiest feat. But once you start looking, there’s plenty to distinguish each little slice of paradise, from food and bars to culture to wildlife and more.

From Antigua to Barbados to Jamaica, the choice is yours. To help you make the tough choice, we’ve revealed the top ten Caribbean Islands people are travelling to, highlighting some of their key attractions, standout points and options of places to stay.

With no more delays, here are the top ten most visited islands in the Caribbean.

1. Barbados

The most-visited island in the Caribbean, Barbados is a popular holiday destination for holidaymakers from around the world and home to luscious beaches and award-winning restaurants.

Best Holiday for

A luxury beach holiday for all ages. Barbados has some of the best hotels in the Caribbean, as well as fantastic restaurants and fun activities.

Barbados Highlights

The ‘platinum coast’ of Barbados, which refers to the west side of the island, is where you’ll find beautiful beaches – think white sands, turtles frolicking in crystal waters and cocktails at sunset. It also has some of the Caribbean’s best restaurants.

Where to stay

For a luxurious beachside stay, why not visit the iconic Fairmont Royal Pavilion? Step onto the soft sands from your suite and breathe in the fresh air of your seafront setting. Fairmont has exceptional service and old-world charm that will leave you feeling completely relaxed, though you could also enjoy the complimentary yoga or the array of watersports on offer.

If you’re travelling with a family there’s plenty on offer here too with the Kids’ Activity Programme, including treasure hunts and swimming with friendly turtles. Food lovers also shouldn’t miss out on the exquisite dining experience at Palm Terrace and Cafe Taboras, where delectable flavours are served over incredible views.

2. Antigua

The beautiful island of Antigua is one of the most peaceful islands filled with vibrant colours and a friendly welcoming feel.

Best Holiday for

A true taste of island life! This welcoming island paints a pretty picture with the colourful town of St Johns, pristine beaches, azure Caribbean waters and historic sites.

Antigua Highlights

Antigua boasts perfect conditions for sailing and holds its own world-recognised annual regatta. Visitors love this island for its laidback atmosphere, 365 beautiful beaches and maritime hub: Nelson’s Dockyard.

Where to stay?

Perfect for a family getaway or a secluded couple’s break, Blue Waters is set in an incredible location with three beach coves and landscaped tropical gardens. Do as much or as little as you feel like whilst letting the relaxing island vibes recharge you.

Here, you can enjoy complimentary watersports to your heart’s content or lounge by one of the pools, if you prefer. There’s a secluded adults-only pool if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, while families can splash around at the beachfront pool.

Blue Waters is also perfectly placed for enjoying Antigua’s only PGA-rated par 69 golf course, Cedar Valley Golf Club, which is just three miles away.

3. St Barths & St. Martin

As one of the prettiest yet sophisticated areas, St Barths and St Martin are two popular smaller islands with plenty to see and do.

Best Holiday for

A glamorous Caribbean experience. This French-speaking island is a celebrity favourite with plenty of uber-luxurious hotels, soft sandy beaches and chic beach bars.

St Barths & St. Martin Highlights

Along with stunning beaches, St Barths also offers luxury shopping, fine dining and a buzzing nightlife scene with top DJs providing the soundtrack. Naturally, the island is a favourite among yachting crowds, and there are two annual events that are ideal for sailing enthusiasts.

Where to stay?

Fancy a bit of seclusion and beach energy? La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel has plenty. The stylish seafront resort is nestled on Baie Longue beach with chic guestrooms and suites that are perfect for outdoor living. Choose one with a Jacuzzi or direct beach access to take your stay up a notch.

Dining here is a real treat. You can sample French delights in the Caribbean breeze as you watch the sunset over the sea. Pair your food with your chosen bottle of wine from the resort’s acclaimed cellar to toast to a special occasion. For a nightcap, head to the Baie Longue Bar and choose a cocktail to round off a day in paradise.

4. St Lucia

Featuring a striking volcanic landscape, St Lucia is a beautiful luxury holiday location perfect for couples and families.

Best Holiday for

Adventurers and romantics. Explore the Pitons, go snorkelling and admire the beautiful flora and fauna at the Botanical Gardens, before reclining on the sugary sands.

St Lucia Highlights

Aside from the standout UNESCO World Heritage Pitons, you can hike the rainforest nature trails, go ziplining and see bubbling hot springs. Plus, embark on a day trip to tour the cocoa plantation of Hotel Chocolat.

Where to Stay?

With its extensive choice of hotels, resorts and suites, there is a place to stay for everyone. Choose from highlights like the Cap Maison boutique hotel with private villa suites or a stay at StolenTime by Rendezvous for all-inclusive dining with spa access and diving centres.

5. Bahamas

Perhaps one of the most beautiful beach locations, the Bahamas is a popular destination for those looking to relax, with a little bit of island hopping thrown in.

Best Holiday for

Beach lovers! The Bahamas is renowned for its abundance of paradisiacal beaches, including the famed Pink Sands and Pig Beach.

Bahamas Highlights

There are 16 islands in the Bahamas, so island-hopping is a must to experience true diversity. The clear Caribbean waters are ideal for snorkelling and fly fishing, while dining at the local fish fry and catching a live Junkanoo band will reveal the Bahamas’ colourful character. Wander sleek marinas, discover the bustle of its capital city of Nassau or head out by boat to visit more secluded cays.

Where to Stay?

The Bahamas has some beautiful hotels to feel at home in. The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort is a popular location with fine dining, a Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course and much more. The Rosewood Baha Mar is also a fantastic choice with a selection of rooms, suites and villas as well as spa access.

6. Jamaica

One of the most famous Caribbean islands, Jamaica is a welcoming laid-back location with gorgeous beaches and plenty to see and do.

Best Holiday for

Culture lovers and fun-seekers. Listen to reggae rhythms and sip rum punch on the white sands or head out for some adrenaline-fuelled adventures in the rainforest.

Jamaica Highlights

Jamaica is one of the liveliest Caribbean islands, filled with fantastic music, bold flavours and historic sites. Experience the country’s vibrant party scene at one of its many dance clubs! Of course, it’s the birthplace of Bob Marley, but you’ll also find more tranquil beaches, epic surf spots and cascading waterfalls.

Where to Stay?

With a choice of villas and hotels, whether you’re travelling as a couple, family or a group there’s a location for you. For groups and bigger family holidays, Rose Hall Villas at Half Moon are ideal with an idyllic setting and attentive staff. The Jamaica Inn is an elegant boutique hotel, with private beach access and watersports included.

7. Guadeloupe

With endless white beaches and pristine water, there’s plenty of culture to take in, sun to soak up and food and drinks to be consumed in Guadeloupe.

Best Holiday for

A classic tropical escape with French-Caribbean charm. Less ‘touristy’ than many Caribbean islands, embrace the natural beauty of this gorgeous island.

Guadeloupe Highlights

Kick back on immaculate sands while surrounded by tropical beauty. Great for a classic beach holiday, you can wander quaint villages, enjoy the perfect beach day on sun-kissed shores or head out for a rainforest adventure on this diverse island.

Where to Stay?

Guadalupe is home to some of the nicest hotels in the Caribbean, with options for all different types of travellers. The Mahogany Hôtel Résidence & Spa is a popular choice with tailor-made stays and Bwa Chik Hotel & Golf is the ideal hotel for golfers and those looking to relax.

8. St Vincent & the Grenadines

A paradisiacal island chain to the West of Barbados, St Vincent & the Grenadines is a tranquil location with beautiful white sand beaches perfect for holidaymakers who like to be out on the water.

Best Holiday for

Honeymooners and couples. A secluded hideaway, these islands are home to a plethora of beaches and unspoilt shorelines. Plus, stay on ultra-exclusive private islands.

St Vincent & the Grenadines Highlights

You can completely relax in total peace and quiet when staying in St Vincent & the Grenadines. This quintessential island paradise is made up of 32 islands, untouched by over-the-top tourist attractions, so you can snooze in your hammock and snorkel the pristine waters, undisturbed.

Where to Stay?

St Vincent & the Grenadines has a fantastic choice of hotels with rooms, suites and cottages available. Cotton House is a popular choice thanks to its private rooms and fine dining. Petit St. Vincent is a unique hotel with 22 individual cottages, incredible dining experiences and plenty of activities including diving and fitness trails.

9. British Virgin Islands

Home to some beautiful mountains and combined with stunning beaches, you’ll certainly not be disappointed if you choose a holiday in the striking British Virgin Islands.

Best Holiday for

Outstanding natural beauty — perfect if you want to fill your days with white-sand beaches, scenic hikes, boat trips and world-class snorkelling.

British Virgin Island Highlights

These Caribbean islands offer the ultimate luxury beach break and it’s here you’ll find the renowned Necker Island. While the capital of Tortola is vibrant, you’ll find unspoilt and serene sands wherever you go. Watersports are very popular here and sailing conditions are almost perfect from November to May.

Where to Stay?

Choose to stay on seafront villas or in luxury boutique hotels with options for large groups to families to couples. The Rosewood Little Dix Bay is a striking hotel on a pristine crescent beach with a vibrant coral reef. Or stay at Moskito Island, a private island with space for 22 guests and a team of staff including a private chef.

10. Grenada

Known as the spice island, Grenada is one of the most unique spots in the Caribbean thanks to its blend of stunning, shell-filled beaches and the vibrant St. George harbour and quaint streets.

Best Holiday for Foodies!

‘Spice Island’ is bursting with flavour. Visit spice and chocolate plantations to learn about the island’s incredible natural resources and produce.

Grenada Highlights

Exquisite beaches and delicious seafood aside, there’s plenty to do in Grenada. There’s amazing wildlife to marvel at and numerous festivals throughout the year that bring this Caribbean island to life. And when you are done soaking up its rich culture, sunbathe on one of the Caribbean’s best beaches: Grand Anse.

Where to Stay?

Perfect for couples, families and groups, there’s a fantastic selection of places to stay in Grenada. How about the Laluna Villas, with stunning views, a glorious pool and bags of space? Or the Calabash, one of the select few Relais & Châteaux hotels in the region known for its secluded beaches and fine dining.

Best Times to Visit the Caribbean

With its tropical climate, the Caribbean is hot and sunny all year, however, the majority of islands undergo a rainy season. This falls between May and October when temperatures are higher but rain is more likely.

If you want to avoid the rain, typically, November to April will be the best time for you but if you’d prefer some peace and quiet, the rainy season will be better if you don’t mind the odd shower.

How many Countries are in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean is made up of thirteen sovereign island nations:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Grenada
• Haiti
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Jamaica
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

However, the region is home to more than 700 individual islands, with some bigger dependencies like the Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands.

Should you choose a big or small Caribbean island?

When it comes to size, the Caribbean offers everything from tiny castaway islands to bustling towns and expansive landscapes.

So, it goes without saying that the size of the island you are visiting has a huge impact on the experience you have.

For instance, Jamaica is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean, as well as being one of the liveliest. It has three main ‘resorts’ that many visitors choose between Montego Bay, Negril and Ochos Rios. These areas offer plenty of things to do, while further afield you can explore Kingston, the Blue Mountains or stay at the famous GoldenEye — the former home of Ian Fleming.

If you were to visit one of the small islands, such as Nevis, you’ll find a more intimate experience. Beaches here are less visited and you can spot peaceful birds flitting between the hillsides. With fewer resorts, bars and restaurants rarely feel busy.

St Barths, on the other hand, is small but can be busier. With a sophisticated French influence, it’s known as one of the Caribbean’s most glamorous islands. Resorts here are highly sought-after and it’s a popular stopover for yacht crowds.

The best way to decide which Caribbean island is best to visit is to speak to someone who knows them best.

If you’d like some expert advice, contact us at Inspiring Travel Company to chat with one of our Travel Specialists.

Searching for your perfect Caribbean island?

The Caribbean boasts an array of captivating islands to explore. From the pristine beaches of Barbados to the vibrant culture of Jamaica, each destination offers its own distinct character and experiences.

To choose the best island for you, and arrange a once-in-a-lifetime getaway to its shores, speak to our Travel Specialists. We’ll help you create a personalised itinerary so you can make the most out of all the island has to offer.