Between the idyllic white-sanded beaches, captivating culture, and exceptional food, the Caribbean has plenty to offer the millions of international visitors who fly to the archipelago each year.
The one downside to traveling to such a diverse, hotspot-filled region is that the destination selection process can end up feeling overwhelming, especially for first-timers who don’t know what they’re looking to get out of their Caribbean getaway.
Luckily, Condé Nast Traveler, an award-winning travel magazine, recently conducted a poll with over half a million readers in search of the best destinations on Earth across several categories.
These were the Caribbean islands that 526,518 travelers deemed the best:
5. Nevis
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Nevis, the lesser-known sister island of St. Kitts, stands as a testament to the region’s unspoiled beauty and serene charm.
If you’re looking for an authentic Caribbean experience that still delivers the type of views and convenience you’d expect from bigger hotspots, this is the island for you.
Boasting pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant historical attractions, Nevis provides travelers with the perfect travel experience that seamlessly combines relaxation and cultural immersion.
What really sets this particular island apart from the rest of the archipelago, though, is its tranquil atmosphere.
The kind of quiet, understated charm that characterizes Nevis removes even the last shadow of doubt from the minds of those who’ve been putting off a visit to the Caribbean due to the region’s reputation as a chaotic, tourist-filled destination.
Take a quiet sunset stroll along the Caribbean shores or plan a hike to the Nevis Peak.
The journey across the extinct volcano is as stunning as it is challenging, but the views that reward you at the end are entirely worth it.
After a long day of sightseeing, you can settle down in Charlestown, the island’s capital.
There, you’ll be able to take in more of Nevis’ history by exploring the charming colonial-era architecture, the Alexander Hamilton Museum, and the many plantation houses.
4. Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos, an archipelago of over 40 islands and cays, is the epitome of the dreamy Caribbean getaway most of us imagine when we make our travel bucket lists.
Beach lovers will have the time of their lives here – between dozens of gorgeous white-sanded shores like Grace Bay Beach, Pine Cay, and East Caicos; they’ll be spoiled for choice.
Adventurers will be delighted to hear that diving and snorkeling opportunities are abundant, too.
If you’re truly looking to get your adrenaline pumping, though, go to the iconic Blue Hole in Providenciales or dive in Grand Turk’s extreme underwater drop-offs.
3. St. Lucia
St. Lucia is an Eastern Caribbean gem that captivates tourists with its dramatic landscapes, vast rainforests, and romantic atmosphere.
When on the island, the iconic Pitons are a must-see. These are two towering volcanic spires that rise from the sea, serving as a symbol of St. Lucia’s fascinating topography.
If you want to experience something truly unique, though, you’ll want to go to Sulphur Springs, the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano.
There, you’ll be able to witness the island’s geothermal activity and take a mud bath in the therapeutic mineral-rich waters – if that doesn’t sound like the tropical getaway of a lifetime, I don’t know what does.
2. Anguilla
Though Anguilla is one of the smallest Caribbean islands you’ll ever come across, its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and world-class cuisine more than make up for its modest size.
For travelers seeking to indulge and relax this upcoming season, Anguilla stands as the quintessential Caribbean retreat.
Some of the beaches you won’t want to miss out on include Shoal Bay, Meads Bay, and Captain’s Bay, just to name a few.
The only facet of Anguilla’s allure that rivals its untouched beauty is its rich culinary scene that draws inspiration from the ocean, featuring fresh lobster, crayfish, and snapper.
1. St. Barts
The Caribbean island that has captured travelers’ hearts the most is St. Barts, widely known as the epitome of Caribbean allure and luxury.
The French-speaking island in the Lesser Antilles flawlessly combines natural beauty with an exclusive ambiance, creating the ultimate tropical travel experience for those looking to escape reality for a little while.
Beachgoers will fall in love with the sun-soaked beaches of Saline, St. Jean, and Colombier, while city trippers can marvel at the art galleries, boutiques, and gourmet restaurants that adorn the streets of Gustavia.
Credit: Source link
