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.
Saba
We love Saba. It’s tiny, but mighty. You won’t find any big hotels here. There are no beaches, really, and, yet, we can’t stop talking about it. As a Dutch Caribbean island, Saba is nicknamed “The Unspoiled Queen.” It even served as a pirate hideaway in the 1600s. Kind of exciting, right?
The entire island is one lush, green volcano jutting out of the sea. If you love diving, the coral reefs here are some of the best in the world. If hiking is more your speed, take on Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Netherlands. The town of Windwardside is impossibly cute, and the whole place feels like it’s been frozen in time. Along with Saba, here are what we consider to be the 15 most beautiful islands in the Caribbean.
Dominica
Dominica is like stepping into Jurassic Park, minus the dinosaurs. It’s wild, green, and bursting with waterfalls, hot springs, and rainforests. Once home to the Kalinago people, Dominica has managed to preserve more of its indigenous culture than most Caribbean islands. It was also one of the few places that held out against colonization longer than most.
This is where you go to unplug from the world. You can hike through the rainforest to the boiling hot, volcanic Boiling Lake. Then, you can snorkel in Champagne Reef, where bubbles rise from volcanic vents. Try to visit the Kalinago Territory, too, to learn from the island’s first people. Dominica is one of the last truly untamed islands in the Caribbean, and that’s what makes it such a gem.
Guadeloupe
How about a fresh baguette and a palm tree in the same afternoon? Guadeloupe is actually an archipelago, and each little island offers something different. The two main islands, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, are shaped like a butterfly and have completely different personalities.
Colonized by the French in the 1600s, Guadeloupe still feels very French, but with Caribbean warmth. You can explore the colorful markets of Pointe-à-Pitre, hike through Guadeloupe National Park with its waterfalls and volcano, or take a ferry to Les Saintes, a dreamy off-the-beaten-path spot that’s perfect for lazy beach days. All in all, Guadeloupe is a great pick for culture seekers, francophiles, and anyone who wants to hop between islands with ease.
Antigua
Antigua is all about the beach life. It actually has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, and each one is worth visiting. But, it’s not just about the beaches. Antigua was once a major British naval base, and the historic English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard are still beautifully preserved.
You can explore the historic side in the morning, then head to Half Moon Bay or Darkwood Beach for some lazy afternoon sun. If you happen to visit during Antigua Sailing Week, you can plan for a mix of regattas, parties, and international flair. Even if you miss the big events, this island is a dream for beach lovers and low-key travelers.
Carriacou
A ferry ride away from Grenada, you’ll find Carriacou, an island that feels like stepping back in time. This place is what the Caribbean used to be: sleepy villages, friendly faces, and an unhurried way of life. Like Grenada, it was colonized by the French and British, but it’s kept a deeply traditional spirit, especially with its boat-building and music.
On Carriacou, you can swim at Paradise Beach (which lives up to the name), take a boat over to the tiny, uninhabited Sandy Island, or visit during the Carriacou Regatta to see handmade wooden boats racing across the sea. It’s all about simplicity here.
Carriacou is perfect for couples, solo travelers, and anyone who wants a digital detox with a soft sea breeze. With that breeze on your mind, here are a few more Caribbean destinations that are perfect for beach days.
Curaçao
Curaçao feels a little different from the rest of the Caribbean. With its Dutch colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and laid-back rhythm, it brings together the best of Europe, the Caribbean, and a touch of Latin America. It’s part of the Netherlands and sits pretty just off the coast of Venezuela.
The capital, Willemstad, is a pastel wonderland with candy-colored buildings and the floating Queen Emma Bridge. You’ll want to spend time wandering the Pietermaai district, full of murals, cafes, and local charm. The island’s west side is a beach-hopping haven: picture tiny, tucked-away coves with the clearest water you’ve ever seen.
If you like your beach days with a side of street art, culture, and fantastic food, then Curaçao is calling.
Which Island Will You Fall in Love With?
There’s no wrong Caribbean island, but there’s one that’s perfect for your travel style. Whether you want off-the-grid tranquility or some colorful culture with a splash of rum, there’s something on this list that’s calling your name. Go ahead; book that ticket. Your island is waiting.
But, before you seal the deal, come take a quick peek at our library of destination guides. We’ve clocked many miles across the Caribbean coastline and would love to help you plan your next trip to perfection. Here’s hoping that we’ll clink a cute little umbrella drink with yours some sunny day.