Personally I love Antigua and Barbuda. The water and beaches are some of the best I've ever seen, crystal clear with white sand. What is the best Caribbean island for families? When is the best time to travel to the Caribbean? The Caribbean's high season runs from mid-December to mid-April, with the winter holidays bringing the biggest crowds and the highest prices. The rainy and hurricane season runs from June through the end of November.
You'll likely find more affordable flight and hotel prices during the shoulder season (May, June, and early December) which makes this time a particularly enticing one to travel to the Caribbean. What is the prettiest Caribbean island to go to? We don't like to pick favorites, especially when beauty is so abundant as it is in the Caribbean. However, if we must, then we'd recommend St. Lucia as the prettiest island in the Caribbean.
St Lucia is well known for its stunning Piton mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers some of the best views in the Caribbean. The island is green, lush, and blessed with incredible beaches. The Dominican Republic stands out as the best Caribbean island for relaxing vacation due to its all-inclusive options. The area boasts some of the finest all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, each offering unique experiences.
Lucia consistently earn top spots on lists of the best Caribbean islands, and it’s easy to see why. These medium-sized gems offer the perfect blend of developed resorts and lively local culture. These are the best places to travel this summer Get inspired by destinations chosen in this year's Best in Travel list. For travelers seeking the most comprehensive insights.
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Whether your travels include the beaches of Europe or the USA's sizzling cities and majestic parks, we'll be adding all sorts of resources to inspire your next summer travel adventure. Dive into our guides, stories, and more to find Lonely Planet's favorite (and sometimes unexpected) summer destinations. Lonely Planet's annual Best in Travel list ranks the year's 30 hottest (and coolest) destinations, including popular favorites and under-the-radar spots chosen by our global team of expert contributors. The kaleidoscope of colors at Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos places it among the top spots for a Caribbean escape.
Getty Images Nothing beats a tropical getaway in the Caribbean. Each island has a distinct history, culture and way of life. Whether you’re drawn to volcanic peaks blanketed in emerald rainforests, historic forts overlooking cerulean waters or pillowy pink sand beaches, your heart's desire is waiting to be found in this enchanting region. With so many blissful islands to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to eight of the Caribbean’s most captivating destinations to help you plan a memorable vacation.
The island’s signature Pitons – cone-shaped twins that rise dramatically from the sea – dominate the horizon, forever the postcard-perfect backdrop for couples chasing idyllic sunsets on a late-afternoon boat ride. Sulphur Springs, billed as the world’s only drive-in volcano, is a chance to decompress in rejuvenating and skin-smoothing mud pools, while climbing the Stairway to Heaven on the Tet Paul Nature Trail delivers breathtaking views without the grueling hike. Don't miss the chocolate-themed tours and spa treatments, which are a nod to St Lucia’s cocoa-growing history. Dominica, the Nature Isle, is a respite for those hunting for unspoiled beauty.
It’s carpeted with rainforests, gorges, hot springs and waterfalls, including the striking twin Trafalgar Falls. A staggering 365 rivers crisscross the island – one for every day of the year – with the Indian River standing out for its lush mangroves and cameo in Pirates of the Caribbean. Boiling Lake, the world’s second-largest hot spring, is a geothermal phenomenon accessible via a challenging yet rewarding 4-mile trail that cuts through the Valley of Desolation, with its smoking fumaroles and bubbling terrain. Dominica is also one of the few places on earth where you can swim with sperm whales.
Year-round whale watchers can glimpse these majestic creatures, but the prime months of November through March bring humpbacks and pods of playful dolphins to the island’s protected waters. With 365 beaches, Antigua is a playground for water babies and sun chasers. From the powdery pink-tinged sands of Half Moon Bay to the tranquil shallows of Dickenson Bay, you’ll find your slice of paradise. On the quieter sister island of Barbuda, the spectacularly pristine Princess Diana Beach – named after the beloved royal who frequently holidayed here – promises seclusion and soft sand.
Adding a touch of novelty to Antigua’s scene is the Kon Tiki Bar and Grill. Anchored off Dickenson Bay, this haunt invites visitors to hop on a complimentary boat to the island’s first and only floating bar. Sip on freshly made cocktails and enjoy light snacks while gentle waves lap against the bar. Vividly turquoise waters tether together the 40 coral islands of the Turks and Caicos archipelago.
Grace Bay Beach is consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches for good reason. Its clear water is ideal for swimming or floating out on a stand-up paddleboard. The islands are defined by their impressive barrier reef system, the second largest in the western hemisphere. With over 60 species of coral and 250 species of fish, the reefs are a detailed snapshot of marine biodiversity and a compelling destination for snorkelers.
Smith’s Reef and Bight Reef are easily accessible snorkeling spots where schools of tropical fish, sea turtles and coral formations thrive beneath the water's surface. The Turks and Caicos islands are also a highly touted scuba diving destination, boasting some of the most striking underwater landscapes in the Caribbean. A defining feature is the Wall, where the seabed transitions dramatically from shallow reefs to deep ocean, creating near-vertical drops. Exceptional dive spots include the Northwest Point and West Caicos marine parks, known for calm waters and excellent visibility, and French Cay, a sanctuary where divers often encounter sharks.
Grace Bay unlocks vivid snorkeling near Leeward Cut, while Sand Bore Channel and West Sand Spit provide more adventurous divers with varied marine life and dramatic underwater views. Barbados effortlessly blends laid-back vibes with a buzzy culinary scene that will make anyone swoon. Barbadian cuisine reflects a fusion of African, Indian, British and Indigenous influences. The island’s famous flying fish and cou-cou (a polentalike dish) is best enjoyed at Oistins Fish Fry, a Friday night tradition filled with music, dancing and plates piled high.
Continue your weekend with a helping of pudding and souse, which combines pickled pork with a spiced sweet potato pudding – a savory tradition, especially on Saturdays. Another favorite, Bajan macaroni pie, is a baked twist on mac and cheese, seasoned with local spices, ketchup, mustard and sometimes tuna. Oistins’ main drag is dotted with other dining options. Deia Beach merges Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with Caribbean flair, serving guests in a stylish beachfront setting with full service to beach chairs – perfect for an all-day escape.
Barbados is also the cradle of rum, and the Mount Gay Distillery, established in 1703, is reputed to be the world's oldest rum producer. How much do the locals love rum? Over 1500 rum shops are sprinkled across the island. St Vincent and the Grenadines is the perfect antidote to the hustle and occasional chaos of everyday life. This collection of 32 islands and cays is optimal for travelers who prefer solitude amid natural beauty.
St Vincent, the largest island, boasts lush landscapes, including the commanding La Soufrière volcano and the gushing Dark View Falls. For a slower pace, Bequia (pronounced Beck-way ) is a sanctum of calm beaches and halcyon days. The real magic, however, lies in the Grenadines. Sail to Tobago Cays, a protected marine park with impossibly clear waters, coral reefs and the chance to swim alongside sea turtles.
For complete seclusion and an ultraluxurious stay, an exclusive resort in Canouan all but guarantees ceaseless tranquility. With its Cannon Crest unfurling unfettered views over the Atlantic and neighboring islands, and the Fort George Museum providing layered historical context, it’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The Bahamas, a panoply of over 700 islands (with 16 major inhabited islands), caters to all types of travelers. Nassau’s Atlantis Paradise Island is a family-friendly haven with water slides, aquariums and endless entertainment.
For quieter escapes, the Exumas invite you to swim with its famous pigs or snorkel in Thunderball Grotto, a James Bond film site. Andros, a diver’s delight, possesses the world’s third-largest fringing barrier reef, while Long Island contrasts rugged eastern cliffs with calm western beaches and diving at Dean’s Blue Hole. The Abacos, with their sheltered harbors and marinas, are best for sailing and fishing, and Harbour Island charms with its iconic pink sand beaches and golf-cart lifestyle. If designer boutiques and high-end dining aren’t at the top of your priority list, you may wish to experience a more ‘authentic’ Caribbean experience on one of the lesser developed, more low-key islands, such as Grenada or Tobago.
For those seeking the best Caribbean island for relaxing vacation, Aruba's consistent weather makes planning effortless. Tobago is the smaller of the two main islands of Trinidad and Tobago, and offers a peaceful escape with its secluded beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs. The UNESCO-listed historic Bridgetown showcases centuries of architectural evolution, while the island's legendary rum heritage comes alive at Mount Gay Distillery, the world's oldest commercial rum distillery. Swap the typical luxury beach resort for a unique stay in a guesthouse or small hotel, where you’ll be immersed in the island’s natural beauty.
We highly recommend combining at least two Caribbean islands to make the most of your trip, or even adding a US city to create a USA and Caribbean itinerary for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the Caribbean has it all and because island hopping in the Caribbean is relatively easy, it makes the perfect choice for a multi-centre itinerary. In the north of the island, the wooden deck at Cliff at Cap, known as Rock Maison, sits over the water for an intimate dining experience. The Bahamas offer a range of holidays from the luxurious resorts on Paradise island, the bustling capital of Nassau and the tranquil Out Islands.
The Waitukubuli National Trail, stretching 114 miles across the island, is the longest trail in the Caribbean; the route through Dominica’s volcanic terrain and coastal villages is worthy of any bucket list. If you’re looking for an easy escape to the Caribbean, Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic offer multiple direct flights each week, including from regional airports.
