Top Caribbean Islands You Need to Visit This Year

We’ve all had a Caribbean daydream or two dance through our heads. It’s those warm breezes, turquoise waters, and the thought of having something fruity in hand around lunchtime. 

Before you consider a trip to the usual suspects, let’s weigh the classics with some of the more low-key gems. It’s possible that they’ll leave you feeling like you just unlocked a secret level of paradise. Ready to be refreshed by those calm, healing waters?

Grenada

Grenada might be the most underrated island in the Caribbean. It’s called the Spice Island for a reason; it smells like nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove from the moment you arrive. Once a key player in the spice trade, Grenada still produces a hefty portion of the world’s nutmeg. It also has a complex colonial past shaped by the French, British, and even a short-lived Marxist revolution.

But, don’t let the heavy history fool you. Today, Grenada is a quieter, friendlier alternative to the busier islands. There are fewer cruise crowds, more barefoot beach bars, and some of the warmest, most welcoming locals you’ll ever meet. 

When you’re here, you can hike to waterfalls in Grand Etang National Park, snorkel around the world’s first underwater sculpture park, tour a rum distillery, and eat fresh fish on the beach in the fishing village of Gouyave. If you love history, nature, food, and authentic experiences without the resort overload, Grenada is your island.

Saint Lucia

Yes, everyone’s heard of Saint Lucia. But, it’s not overrated. It’s just that good. With the iconic Piton mountains rising from the sea like a movie set, it’s easily one of the most dramatic and romantic landscapes in the region. St. Lucia switched hands between the French and British fourteen times, and you can feel that cultural blend in everything from the food, to the architecture, to the language.

This beautiful island is a perfect balance of romance and jungle adventure. You can soak in volcanic mud baths near Soufrière, hike the Gros Piton if you’re feeling ambitious, sail around the island at sunset, or simply lounge at Sugar Beach with the Pitons standing tall on either side. Whether you’re a honeymooner, solo traveler, or someone who appreciates next-level scenery, Saint Lucia will deliver in every way.

Montserrat

Usually, we don’t hear much about Montserrat. That’s probably because a volcano erupted in the ’90s and changed everything. Half the island was buried, and the capital city was turned into a modern-day Pompeii. But, Montserrat has slowly rebuilt, and what’s left is a peaceful, soulful island full of resilience, charm, and stories that are just waiting to be told.

Once a hotspot for recording artists like Elton John and The Rolling Stones, Montserrat has since quieted down, but in a beautiful way. You can tour the haunting ruins of the old capital, hike through the lush green Centre Hills, or stretch out on a black sand beach with barely another soul around. It’s the kind of place where you’ll feel like a traveler, not a tourist.

Barbados

Barbados is the perfect mixture of beach culture, British-Caribbean charm, and an atmosphere that feels like pure sunshine. It was a British colony for centuries and only recently became a republic in 2021. You’ll see those colonial influences in everything from cricket matches to afternoon tea.

But, don’t be fooled by the elegant afternoon tea; Barbados also knows how to party. There’s live music everywhere, endless beach bars, and food that’s out of this world. You can tour Mount Gay, the world’s oldest rum distillery, surf the waves on the rugged east coast, stroll the colorful streets of Bridgetown, or grab fresh grilled fish at Oistins on a buzzing Friday night. Whether you’re a social butterfly or just love a good rum punch, Barbados will satiate your soul.