The best islands in the Caribbean depending on what you are looking for: living, vacations, cultural tourism, leisure, nature, shopping...

The Caribbean islands have proven to be the best destination in the world, not only to go to the beach and enjoy the sun and its crystal clear waters, but also offer a wide variety of options for those interested in doing more things and taking advantage of free time . Below we offer you several lists with the best Caribbean islands depending on your objectives: cultural tourism, spending a few days of leisure, discovering the most impressive natural spaces, shopping or even the best Caribbean islands to live.

Top 5 Caribbean Islands to Live

Before we begin, let's clarify where the Caribbean is. The Caribbean lies southeast of North America, east of Central America, and north of South America. It is the entire region that is bathed by the Caribbean Sea and that details the following map of the Caribbean islands:

Did you know that in this geographical area there are more than 7,000 Caribbean islands? Many of the best islands in the world to live are found in this region with countries with a tropical climate. Among all of them we chose 5 islands that are really irresistible Caribbean paradises to retire, undertake or move for life.

Cayman Islands, Great Britain Overseas

The Cayman Islands are three Caribbean islands with these names: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. These insular territories were occupied, since 1658, by deserters from the British army and refugees from the Spanish inquisition who left traces of their passage.

The largest of all is the island of Grand Cayman, where today there are luxurious tourist and commercial complexes and spectacular places for water sports. Cayman Brac is highly sought after by deep sea anglers, while Little Cayman attracts wildlife lovers.

The Caymans are among the most attractive islands in the Caribbean to visit. For retirees and investors they are highly desired places to live. Although the cost of living is 10% higher than in New York, real estate is cheaper.

Curaçao, Netherlands

Dutch, English and Papiamento (Creole slang) are spoken on this island in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Located 145 kilometers north of Venezuela, since 2010 it has been an autonomous government after the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.

Its Dutch colonial architecture is reminiscent of Amsterdam, while the Handelskade, a row of vibrant buildings facing St. Anna Bay, is quite the visual delight.

It has an official incentive plan that includes less taxes for those who decide to retire or live here. The cost of living in its capital Willemstad, which is a world heritage site, is 30% lower than that of New York. The detail: you only have a year and a half to buy a home with the commitment to settle for 50 years.

Dominican Republic

This Caribbean country located in the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola, in the archipelago of the Greater Antilles, is ideal for vacationing and living modestly.

Its capital Santo Domingo is one of the oldest Caribbean cities, with a fortified colonial center, a World Heritage Site. Its most sought after tourist destination is Punta Cana, with the best beaches in the Caribbean.

Many foreigners from Europe and America move to this country to live for around $1,500 (€1,300) per month. It has resorts and hotels in the Caribbean that satisfy all tastes, as well as facilities for residence permits and less taxes. Many French and Italians have settled in Las Terrenas, surrounded by the tranquility of the island environment.

United States Virgin Islands

These American islands were colonized by Spain, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Denmark and have belonged to the United States since 1916. They are part of the Archipelago of the Virgin Islands, in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles.

Its main settlements are Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas, along with other smaller tropical islands. It offers a first class tourist destination, with beaches with turquoise waters, abundant nature, places to walk, arrive by yacht, kayak or snorkel.

You have many options for an early retirement or a peaceful retirement. In its capital, Charlotte Amalie, rents are between $2,250 (€1,900) to $3,000 (€2,500) per month, while food and services can be high.

Puerto Rico, United States

This Caribbean island that is part of the United States offers fun, music and dance, as well as a rich culture, history, gastronomy, beaches and many outdoor activities free for all ages.

It has a vibrant nightlife, its cocktail making tradition being an art form. Living in Puerto Rico can be very profitable for many citizens, especially those with roots in North America.

The island allows them to access medical services and pay for housing, meals and transportation at half the price of the US. In its capital of San Juan, the cost of living can be up to 50% cheaper than living in New York or Madrid.

The 5 best Caribbean islands to go on vacation

If you want to know what the Caribbean is, these 5 destinations are perfect for understanding it and planning your next getaways. On these Caribbean islands, the locals go out of their way to serve tourists as they deserve. They offer charming beaches, spa hotels, unique gastronomy and 24-hour fun for your vacation.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands, located to the east of Puerto Rico, are a paradisiacal destination with beaches and coral reefs. It has four main islands and more than 50 small islands that make up an archipelago.

All year round it receives travelers who arrive on yachts or aboard the best cruise ship in the Caribbean, to enjoy white sand beaches, a radiant sun, exciting excursions and careful attention.

Tortola is famous for the stories of its most famous inhabitants: the pirates Blackbeard and William Kidd. Its capital is Road Town, a vibrant tourist spot. Surfers, scuba divers, and snorkelers adore Apple Bay Beach, with its popular Smugglers' Cove, and Trellis Bay, with an array of beachside restaurants.

St. Barts, French Overseas Territory

St. Barts or Saint Barthélemy (San Bartolomé) is a class apart for those who want luxury vacations. It has all the French charm and sophistication of an island where nothing seems random.

Playa St. Jean is, after the district of Gustavia, the most active town on this island. Boasting 1950s glamor combined with modern comfort, the exclusive Eden Rock Resort and Spa attracts celebrities to its suites and villas. Other luxury places are Cheval Blanc and Le Toiny.

If you travel to this place, visit Playa de Conchas, just 5 minutes from downtown. Playa Toiny is one of the favorites for surfing. Other interesting sites are Petite Anse Beach, with its shallow waters, and Marigot Beach, an undisturbed oasis.

Saint Lucia (Saint Lucia), Windward Islands

To the east of the Caribbean Sea and north of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia is a small independent state of Great Britain that offers colorful sunrises and sunsets on its beaches.

It is famous for being home to the Pitons Mountains, an Ecological Reserve with two peaks that rise like pyramids more than 750 meters above sea level. They can be seen from almost every point on the island.

Other attractions include rainforest trails, such as the Barre de I’Isle, and the La Soufriere volcano, the only one in the world that you can reach by car. You can also head to the mineral-rich Diamond Waterfall and enjoy luxurious resorts and spas all over the island.

Turks and Caicos Islands, Great Britain

This archipelago south of The Bahamas is one of the top 10 destinations in the Caribbean for diving. It is made up of 40 islands with impressive coral reefs. The Turks and Caicos Islands are famous for their long miles of fine white sand beaches, and for Providenciales Island, called “Provo” by its people.

Provo is home to world-renowned luxury resorts, shops and restaurants. Unmissable places to see are Cayo Sal, the underwater wall located in front of Grand Turk Island and the coral reef of Providenciales.

Visit Grace Bay with its Grace Bay Beach. This is considered the best beach in the world, according to traveler and expert portals. Other places to see are Bahía de Zapote (Sapodilla Bay), Taylor Bay and The Bight Reef and Smith's Reef.

Anguilla, British Territory

Anguilla is ranked by many as the best island in the Caribbean. What makes it so special? Well, there is no stress here. It is a territory of the islands of the Antilles, in the northern part of the Leeward, where you can breathe total calm and connection with nature.

Located 19 km from the northern part of the island of Saint Martin and 100 km from Saint Kitts, it has resorts, spas and resorts with panoramic views like no other, as well as white sand beaches and high cliffs like Little Bay. It is a perfect place for an intimate getaway, far from civilization.

Shoal Bay East is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by travelers and specialized media. In fact, all of Anguilla, including its capital The Valley, impacts as the best destination in the Caribbean for couples.

The 5 best islands in the Caribbean to visit

Surrounded by the sea and full of exuberant places to visit, these Caribbean islands invite you to live an unforgettable experience beyond its beautiful beaches. Visiting them will mean a before and after in your tourist agenda.

Dominica, Windward Islands Archipelago

Located in the eastern Caribbean, Dominica is a 750 square kilometer destination, distinguished by its outdoor corners that have earned it the tourist name of “the Island of Nature”.

This Caribbean destination enjoys areas of sandy beaches, but its main attraction are the paradisiacal places of jungles and natural waterfalls that flow into pools such as La Esmeralda, located within the Morne Trois Pitons National Park.

On this island with a boom in luxurious hotels, you can visit the so-called Boiling Lake, take tours and walks in the middle of forests, as well as practice snorkeling in Souffrière Bay.

Cuba

Between tobacco fields, sugar cane crops and beautiful beaches with vegetation, Cuba shines like a beautiful island to visit.

Havana, its capital, stands out for its pastel-colored houses and its vehicles dating from the 50s. This city is an obligatory stop to later visit beach resorts with extensive coastlines of up to 9 kilometers in Playas del Este or Playa Jibacoa, via Matanzas, which stands out for being one of the best on the island.

You cannot miss visiting the Ernest Hemingway Museum, which was actually the house where the American writer lived in Cuba.

Martinique, France

A taste of Europe in the Caribbean. This is how Martinique is summed up. An island of delight, with great contrasts, which offers tourists the type of gastronomy aligned with a French overseas department, where bakeries with baguettes stand out, at the complete disposal of visitors.

In this destination you can access the commune of Les Trois-Îlets, an area of ​​beaches, museums and French-Caribbean tradition. Also, to the capital of the island, Fort-de-France, a place of beautiful architecture. You will be able to discover the essence of the Foyalese, inhabitants who preserve the joy and color of this French corner of the Caribbean and its beaches.

Guadeloupe, France

Guadeloupe shelters its beauty in its magical sunsets. This inspiring Caribbean destination, known as "The Island of Beautiful Waters", and located in the center of the island group of the Lesser Antilles, surrounds the white, golden and black sand beaches with virgin nature.

This paradisiacal island shows an endless number of attractions, where you can take walks through Pointe-à-Pitre, a district where you can visit aquariums, museums, historical libraries and popular markets.

Right there you will have the opportunity to walk through the vast Place de la Victoire and enjoy its majestic gardens.

The Bahamas

Bimini is a Caribbean enclave with pristine beaches in The Bahamas. Only 80 kilometers separate it from Florida (USA). It is made up of numerous keys and two main islands, North Bimini and South Bimini.

This paradise was considered by Ernest Hemingway as his favorite place to spend the summer. Also, Dr. Martin Luther King found inspiration in Bimini to put together part of his speech for the Nobel Peace Prize.

You can visit Bimini Road, a submerged road, which according to legends, is associated with the highways of Atlantis. The beaches, tours, resorts and outdoor activities guarantee you entertainment day and night during your stay.

Top 5 Caribbean Islands for Leisure

These Caribbean destinations have it all for nights out, late-night parties and trying your luck in the casinos. During the day these sites offer many options to browse and have fun with sports, water activities and amusement parks for children and adults.

Jamaica

This joyful destination is a highlight among the islands of the Caribbean Sea. Its core is the city of Kingston, which vibrates with reggae, its festivals and the museum dedicated to its most remembered singer-songwriter and guitarist: Bob Marley.

Among the out-of-the-ordinary experiences are the Blue Hole, a water attraction with natural pools of blue water, caves to explore, waterfalls, rock climbing and swinging ropes. In Montego Bay is the Luminous Lagoon, with bioluminescent water that glows at dusk, as well as beaches and coral reefs.

This country offers a lot of fun with exclusive bars, excursions and street dancing. There's sledding and skydiving for kids and adults, as well as bamboo raft rides, tours of the Ras Natango Gallery and Garden, and dives in Negril.

Bahamas Islands

The Bahamas Islands are a territory of more than 700 islands and islets, most with unspoiled landscapes and white and pink sand beaches. Only 24 islands are inhabited, so many prefer to explore on their own, with the help of local guides.

Nassau, the capital, offers water activities and pristine beaches at Long Wharf. The island of Grand Bahama is the ideal place to spend time with the children and the family touring national parks such as Peterson Cay and Lucayan, to go scuba diving or kayaking.

On Andros Island is the Guardian Blue Hole, a blue hole with sponges and corals, and the Ocean's Tongue, a paradise for divers. In Playa Atlantis (New Providence) is located the famous complex with water parks, restaurants, cocktail bar, contact with dolphins, spa and more.

Dominican Republic

Punta Cana, located on the western coast of the Dominican Republic, is an island tourist option that goes beyond beautiful white-sand beaches and landscapes to achieve the most memorable photos.

Lined with a chain of large all-inclusive resorts, this city has excellent opportunities to enjoy various attractions such as hiking, extreme sports, diving and even safari trails.

This destination is one of the most demanded for weddings, business meetings and parties of all kinds. In addition, it has casinos and discos to spend fun nights.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Lesser Antilles

This archipelago of impressive coral reefs, white beaches, hundreds of palm trees and crops offers many attractions for those who like scuba diving, water sports, cocktails and movie trivia.

Its capital is Kingstown, a city with a large number of colonial, modern and Creole buildings. Fort Charlotte is the fortress from the times of British colonization from where you can see the beauty of the archipelago.

Sales of rum, fish, and chocolates attract famous musicians, athletes, and movie stars who make this destination their summer residence. In Wallilabou Bay the movie Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed and there you can visit part of the stage.

Trinidad and Tobago

These two islands in the Caribbean host in their capital Port of Spain one of the most famous and oldest carnivals. These celebrations, which date back to the 18th century, have influenced Caribbean music with happy rhythms born here: soca, calypso and in the 20th century, the band style.

Tourism in the islands is an invitation to total relaxation, to tan under the sun and practice snorkeling in the coral reef of Tobago's Buccoo Reef. This island is conducive to leisure and distraction activities.

Small Caribbean hotels and inns provide rest for adventurers looking for fine sand beaches and palm trees. In the Caroni Bird Sanctuary you can visit the environment of the Scarlet Ibis and other birds in the area.

The 5 best islands in the Caribbean to enjoy nature

The magic of nature in its splendor. This is what the islands of Saba, North and Middle Caicos, Saint Kitts and Nevis, La Tortuga and Antigua and Barbuda give away. All are a unique opportunity for lovers of ecological and natural tourism.

Island of Saba, Netherlands

Saba is tiny in size (just 12 square kilometers), but big in surprises. This rugged, volcanic-rock-strewn tropical jungle island has the shortest commercial runway in the world, at just 400 meters.

This destination can only be reached from the neighboring island of St. Maarten. Climbing, hiking and diving identify the tourist activities in this little corner of the Caribbean, in which the Mount Scenery is recognized as a fundamental piece for hiking.

Called “The Virgin Queen”, this island has a single road that will take you on walks through picturesque villages.

North and Middle Caicos, Great Britain

Some of the best views in the Caribbean are found in North and Middle Caicos. It is because virgin territory emerges from this piece of land, which is connected by ferry to the Turks and Caicos archipelago.

Belonging to the so-called Providencial Islands, this rustic destination promises panoramic views of sea cliffs and imposing rock formations in the high seas, battered by the waves.

Among the most wonderful places to visit in North and Middle Caicos are Wade's Green Plantation, Mudjin Harbor and Bambarra Beach, where you will be amazed by caves, reefs, spas and historic conservation sites.

Saint Kitts and Nevis, United Kingdom

The island of Saint Kitts and Nevis (in English, Saint Kitts and Nevis) is a destination that stands out for its mountains with tropical forests, in addition to having beaches with sands of various shades.

Its capital, Basseterre, surprises with its picturesque buildings from the colonial era, and one of its main attractions is Plaza El Circo, which dazzles with Victorian-style details.

With one of the most spectacular views in the Caribbean, this island has the renowned Timothy Hill, a viewpoint hill that separates the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic. Museums, fortresses and popular markets await you in this natural corner.

Isla La Tortuga, Venezuela

It got its name from the fact that when it was first sighted it was full of sea turtles. Isla La Tortuga is bathed by immaculate waters that invite you to spend quiet moments, surrounded by a unique stillness and iridescence of blue.

Marine pools, a shell museum and the meeting of waters over sands is an unmissable spectacle in this flat destination, with a record of the highest height of 40 meters, and which has some keys. You will remember this island for its white sand beaches, dreamy coral reefs and captivating bays.

This site can only be reached by contacting some tour operators or with private yachts. It is a rustic and adventure destination, without luxury hotel infrastructures.

Antigua and Barbuda

A total of 365 beaches to fully enjoy nature are a great letter of introduction to Antigua and Barbuda. These islands, united in a single country, stand out for being a destination for relaxation and also for sports tourism.

Swimming with stingrays and having the opportunity to see the birth of baby turtles are reasons enough to schedule this place on your sightseeing tour.

Surfers also have their share at Galley Bay Beach, which is resplendent with lush vegetation. Snorkeling, in Gravenor Bay, is another experience that you cannot miss.

The 5 best islands in the Caribbean for shopping

If you are looking for the best areas in the Caribbean to do your shopping for exclusive products, locally produced items, perfumes, exclusive clothing and fine jewelry, these 5 destinations are among those preferred by tourists.

Sint Maarten (Saint Martin)

The island of Saint Martin, in the northeast of the Caribbean Sea, shares French and Dutch influences. This combination, plus her dominant languages ​​which include English, French and Dutch, allow her to balance different cultures with marked sophistication.

Perhaps for this reason it prides itself on being one of the best places to purchase jewelry, gems, diamonds and fine jewelry in the entire Caribbean region. Famous jewelers are located on Front Street in Philipsburg and other areas.

Boutiques with fine watches and accessories from renowned brands mix with its lively festivals, concerts, fashion events, art and gastronomy.

Aruba

Do you know which Caribbean islands are ideal for shopping? The so-called "Happy Island" continues to be a reference as one of the best shopping destinations. Aruba always stands out for its offers to purchase perfumes or liquors, international products and luxury goods.

In the footwear and clothing sector, the offer is also vast, while there is always a good bargain to take advantage of in its jewelry stores.

The shopping areas are in the center of its capital, Oranjestad, with streets full of shops, and also in the resort areas, with abundant shopping centers.

Barbados, British Community

This island territory is a destination for luxury shops, jewelry stores and delights for the most gourmet palates. It is well known for its elegant places to eat and for the rum distilleries made from the sugar cane grown on the island.

Rum culture runs deep in Barbados. Mount Gay Rum, the world's oldest commercial spirit, has been produced on the island since 1703. You can take guided tours of the distilleries or sip drinks alongside the locals at the many rum shops.

Shopping for fine jewelry and luxury items at attractive prices is concentrated in its capital Bridgetown. Without a doubt, this is one of the best islands in the Caribbean.

Bahamas

Nassau stands out as one of the most picturesque Caribbean places to shop in the Bahamas. From souvenirs made of straw, such as the typical baskets and hats, to the highly sought after Colombian emeralds and jewelry.

Most of the stores are located on Bay Street, including the renowned King's Jewelery World and Solomon's Mines. On Grand Bahama, the 48,500m2 market with more than 60 retail locations is an excellent opportunity to pick up jewelry and gifts at affordable prices.

Grand Cayman

The capital of Grand Cayman Island, George Town, is a top destination for those looking to shop and save on taxes. This is one of the most recognized tax havens in the world, which includes attractive prices on purchases of glassware, porcelain, watches, jewelry, perfumes and collector coins.

In Cayman Brac there are also interesting shops with collectibles. In George Town, the duty-free shops are located very close to the cruise port, so you won't have to walk far if you arrive directly from the pier.

Before leaving the island, take a souvenir of some of the distilling factories on this island.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

» What is the best island in the Caribbean?

The best island in the Caribbean is the one that best suits what you like. Among all of them we can highlight the Virgin Islands, from the United States, they offer one of the most famous coasts of the Caribbean to go on vacation and live; St. Thomas boasts rugged, mountainous skylines, luxury shops and hotels, and pristine beaches; and on the islands of St. John and St. Croix there is much untouched nature, history and culture.

» What is the most beautiful island in the Caribbean?

Anguilla is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and one of the most authentic. It has beaches with crystal clear waters and loose sand, and offers both popular places and coasts as well as idyllic and unspoilt areas for total relaxation. Combine luxury hotels and resorts with hidden beachfront villas, host cruise ships and offer endless fun.

» Which are the best islands in the Caribbean?

Saint Lucia is a small island full of unique attractions, such as the Pitons Mountains, which rise like natural pyramids within an ecological reserve with beautiful beaches . It has the most beautiful beach in the world, so considered by many. Other Caribbean beaches considered among the best are those of Anguilla and the Virgin Islands.

» What are the best Caribbean islands to visit?

Dominica is called the Island of Nature for its paradisiacal beaches and islands, jungles, waterfalls and natural pools. The Turks and Caico Islands, in the Bahamas, are among the top 10 Caribbean destinations for diving. Cuba is a nation frozen in the 1950s, with beautiful beaches and a rich culture and music worth seeing first hand.

» What are the best islands in the Caribbean for vacations?

The British Virgin Islands with its capital Road Town and its beautiful bays and the island of Tortola attract vibrant tourism, enchanted by pirate stories in this paradise for diving and surfing. Saint Barthélemy, which belongs to France, is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean for those seeking vacations with glamor and luxury.

» What are the best islands in the Caribbean to live?

The Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico and Curaçao are among the most sought after countries with a tropical climate to live an early or lifetime retirement, along with to beautiful beaches and enchanting coastlines. It allows you to reside comfortably in the Caribbean, with ease to enter and leave cities on the mainland. They offer the sensation of an eternal vacation.

» What is the cheapest place in the Caribbean?

Varadero (Cuba), Punta Cana, Samana and Puerto Plata (in the Dominican Republic) and Monte Bay and Negril (in Jamaica) are among the the cheapest destinations in the Caribbean to go on vacation and stay, from $60 per night. In Guadeloupe, a French island in the Caribbean, there are accommodations from 50 euros per night and mid-range packages.

» Which is cheaper Cancun or Punta Cana?

Cancun usually offers cheaper plane tickets than Punta Cana, although hotel accommodation can be more expensive than the main destination in the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana offers all-inclusive hotels, very spacious, many attractions for day and night, with excellent value for money.

» What is the cheapest month to travel to the Caribbean?

Between August and November is usually the low or cheapest season to travel to the Caribbean. There are destinations like the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Aruba that launch cheaper offers between April and June and from October to November. Hurricanes occur most frequently in September.

After seeing this selection of the best islands in the Caribbean, which of these destinations would you decide on? Would you add any other site to this list? The Caribbean islands hold many surprises that can only be discovered by visiting them firsthand, so go ahead and plan your next getaway to one of these sun and beach paradises.