The 28 Most Beautiful Places in the Caribbean, From Jamaica's Waterfalls to the Streets of Cuba
Hidden lagoons, staggering mountains, European-inspired architecture: The Caribbean’s 7,000-plus islands and sea-facing coastlines offer so much more than just gorgeous beaches—although it certainly doesn't suffer in that department. And while many islands continually get battered by hurricanes and travel to other islands (i.e., Cuba) has been muddled by travel bans, the region is still one of our favorite places to visit on the entire planet. Take a tour of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean, including natural wonders, underwater sites, and some of the world’s dreamiest hotels.
This article has been updated since its original publish date.
Jeffrey Richards/GettyStingray City, The Cayman Islands
If it’s pristine beaches you’re after, look no further than the Cayman Islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman), which have some of the best stretches of sand in the entire Caribbean. But some of the islands’ best sites are actually found under the water’s surface, just past those white shorelines. Make sure to pay a special visit to Stingray City off of Grand Cayman, to snorkel with the rays in shockingly clear water.
M. Timothy O'Keefe/AlamyWillemstad, Curaçao
Although Curaçao has often been dwarfed by its sister island, Aruba, there are plenty of reasons to visit the “middle child” of the Dutch ABC Islands. For starters, the 17th-century, UNESCO-protected capital city of Willemstad is as pretty as it is historic. With its pastel-colored Dutch and Portuguese-inspired buildings, the architecture here will impress you from every angle.
Greg Vaughn/GettyEnglishman’s Bay, Tobago
The dual-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is about as far south as you can get in the Caribbean, located only seven miles from Venezuela. While Trinidad is best known for its vibrant Carnival celebrations, Tobago is the place to go for snorkeling and beach bumming. On the leeward coast of the island, the crescent-shaped, rainforest-backed Englishman’s Bay is a particularly stunning spot to swim in the warm Caribbean waters.
Federico Cabello/GettyRenaissance Island, Aruba
The second largest of the Dutch ABC islands, Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s best islands for beaches—and you’re guaranteed to find a great hotel on nearly every stretch of sand. For a more intimate beach experience, head to the privately-owned Renaissance Island, complete with shallow coves, overwater bungalows, and—best of all—a population of bright pink flamingos.
Douglas Klug/GettyBonaire National Marine Park, Bonaire
Only 50 miles from South America, Bonaire is the farthest east of the ABC Islands. And while the island has a dry, rather foreboding desert landscape, its true beauty can be found just below the surrounding waters. The entire coral reef around Bonaire is a national park (Bonaire National Marine Park), with brightly colored coral and wildlife ranging from nurse sharks to seahorses and friendly green turtles.
Gregobagel/GettyOld San Juan, Puerto Rico
You can find world-class beaches all over Puerto Rico, but the island is perfect for architecture lovers as well: Old San Juan remains one of the best-preserved examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the Caribbean, with brightly painted buildings and cobblestone streets that could launch a thousand Instagram stories.
Derek Galon/GettyMorne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica
You can find some great beaches on Dominica, sure, but the real appeal of the island lies a bit further inland. We’re talking about the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a tropical rainforest with some of the best flora and fauna in the entire Caribbean. The park is perhaps best known for its boiling lake and hot springs, but we’d just as happily visit for the giant ferns, colorful flowers, and chance to hike through a cloud forest.
Maremagnum/GettyCrane Beach, Barbados
Located on the rugged east coast of Barbados, the pink shoreline of Crane Beach is flanked by lush vegetation and turquoise waters. The beach is known for its boogie board–ready waves and luxe hotels where you can dry off after pulling yourself out of your beach chair. We’re particular fans of The Crane, one of the oldest operating hotels in the Caribbean.
Schafer & Hill/GettyLighthouse Reef, Belize
Located about 50 miles off the coast of Belize City, this Caribbean Sea atoll boasts beautiful coral and shallow turquoise waters—but it is probably most famous for the Great Blue Hole, a 1,000-foot-wide, perfectly circular sinkhole that draws scuba divers from around the world. But even if you don’t feel like diving into the unknown, you can still enjoy the Lighthouse Reef’s snorkeling sites, colorful fish and birds, and sandy islands covered in coconut trees.
Courtesy BelmondLa Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St. Martin
St. Martin (the French side of the dual-nation island of St. Maarten/St. Martin) is all about relaxation, good food, and some of the best hotels in the Caribbean. Case in point: Belmond La Samanna, a 5-star beachfront resort beloved by the international jet set (and our readers). In late 2018, the resort unveiled a retro-chic refresh of its rooms, villas, and public spaces, filled with breezy teal-and-coral decor and ocean views—plus plenty of private beach cabanas with complimentary champagne.
Paul Baggaley/GettyThe Pitons, St. Lucia
The scenery of St. Lucia can be summed up in one jaw-dropping site: a duo of striking spires known as the Pitons. The two volcanic peaks—Gros Piton and Petit Piton—are the most iconic landmarks on the island, and visitors can enjoy them in a variety of ways. An absolute bucket list experience has to be actually hiking the mountains, an activity that takes the better part of a day. If you prefer to keep your feet at sea level, plop a towel down at Sugar Beach, set dramatically (and conveniently) between the two Pitons.
Joao Barcelos/GettyGrace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Far and away one of the best places for a quick escape, Turks and Caicos checks almost every box, from private island spa retreats to miles of empty beaches and crystal-clear water. The island of Providenciales in particular has some of the world’s loveliest white sand beaches, namely 12-mile Grace Bay on the north shore. (Be sure to pack sunglasses: When we say white sand, we mean blindingly white sand.)
Spencer Everett/UnsplashOld Havana, Cuba
From the pastel buildings of Old Havana to the rich green moss of Metropolitan Park, Havana is as colorful as it is energetic. Most of the city’s architecture appears frozen in the 1950s—and you can lean into that old-school vibe by taking a vintage car tour or sipping a Hemingway Daiquiri in a jazz club.
Grandriver/GettyThe Baths, Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda is the third largest of the British Virgin Islands, with natural beauty covering virtually all of its 8.5 square miles. The island offers quiet beaches and coves and flora-filled national parks. Perhaps the prettiest (and most popular attraction), though, is the Baths, a seaside area where huge granite boulders form scenic saltwater pools and grottos.
Courtesy Belle Mont FarmBelle Mont Farm on Kittitian Hill, St. Kitts
St. Kitts is known for its sugarcane fields and well-preserved Brimstone Hill fortresses, but the island also houses some of our favorite luxury hotels. For sophisticated lodgings with a view, book a stay at Belle Mont Farm on Kittitian Hill, a 2015 Hot List winner. Situated on the northwestern slopes of Mount Liamuiga, some of the resort’s biggest draws are the private plunge pools and outdoor clawfoot tubs overlooking the sea.
mbrand85/GettyShirley Heights, Antigua
Antigua mixes tropical beauty with British history—just look at the candy-colored colonial buildings and much-touted 365 beaches to choose from. Overlooking the English Harbour (which fills with boats during the island’s annual yacht regatta), Shirley Heights should be on your itinerary: Soaking in the views of that curved coastline is a truly unforgettable experience.
Emzet70/GettyAltos de Chavón, Dominican Republic
For an uncanny slice of Europe in the Caribbean, head to Altos de Chavón, an exact replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village located in the Dominican Republic. This charming little village opened to the public in 1982 and remains a popular tourist attraction thanks to its restaurants and artisan shops, 5,000-seat amphitheater (Frank Sinatra and Elton John have held concerts here, among many others), and unparalleled views over the Chavón River.
Westend61/GettyMount Scenery, Saba
Winning the award for “most literally named natural wonder,” Mount Scenery is an active (but generally quiet) volcano on the tiny island of Saba, topping out at 2,877 feet. Hiking the mountain takes about three hours round-trip, and it’s well worth the effort for the abundance of jungle vegetation, cloud forests, and all-encompassing views of the island you’ll see along the way.
GettySt. George’s, Grenada
St. George’s could easily be mistaken for an Italian coastal town, with brightly colored houses and churches lined up along the turquoise water. But unlike Italy, travelers can get to Grenada’s capital city from New York in under five hours, leaving more time to enjoy the island’s coral reefs, buzzing food markets, and vendors selling local nutmeg and cinnamon.
Peter Phipp/GettyTobago Cays, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
No visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines would be complete without a day (or 10) devoted to sailing. You’ll never be far from land here, but most excursion boats anchor at Tobago Cays—and for good reason. The marine reserve comprises five uninhabited islands that are exceptional, even by Caribbean standards.
Courtesy Four Seasons/Christian HoranFour Seasons Resort Nevis
Frequently voted one of the best resorts in the Caribbean by our readers, Four Seasons Resort Nevis is a serene hideaway tucked away on Pinney’s Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the island. Expect pastel guest rooms with mahogany furniture, a spectacular infinity pool lined with sunny yellow beach chairs, and an open-air restaurant overlooking the ocean. The hotel is the perfect spot to explore Nevis, which often doesn’t get quite as much attention as its sister, St. Kitts (but definitely should).
NAPA74/GettyTerre-de-Haut, Guadeloupe
It’s easy to see why Guadeloupe has long been a favorite vacation spot among French tourists—particularly the small cluster of islands known as Îles des Saintes (or Les Saintes). Terre-de-Haut is the largest of the islands, and is almost like a miniature Rio de Janeiro, with incredible beaches and mountains tucked into its two square miles. Make sure to check out the reefs rich with marine life off of Pain de Sucre (Sugar Loaf Beach), and climb up the 170-foot Sugar Loaf Hill for a once-in-a-lifetime photograph.
Matteo ColomboLes Salines, Martinique
The relatively large island of Martinique belongs to France, making it feel even more faraway and exotic as you put your French skills and euros to good use. And with beaches like Les Salines, located just south of Sainte-Anne, the island also happens to be one of our favorites for sand and surf. The pristine white sand at Les Salines stretches on for miles, while palm trees line the shore and provide plenty of shade for those hoping to stay for the entire day.
Jason Cowell Photo/GettyDunn’s River Falls, Jamaica
If Jamaica’s Dunn’s River Falls look familiar, you may have spotted them on the big screen: The falls appeared in the very first James Bond film from 1962, Dr. No, when Ursula Andress seductively emerges from the water. Hollywood fame aside, the watery attraction is a must-visit for any Jamaican itinerary. The small pools that collect in the tiers of travertine rock have become a popular place to take a soak, while the bigger rocks surrounding the falls attract lines of people wanting to jump into the water.
Sean Pavone/GettyGustavia, St. Barts
While any mention of St. Barts tends to conjure up images of Rolexes and caviar, the tony territory has enough natural beauty and scenic views to give any 5-star hotel a run for its money. One of the best ways to explore the island is to start your day with a morning walk around the capital, Gustavia, a tidy collection of old, red-roofed buildings clad in volcanic stone. Soak in the views before stopping into one of the town’s great restaurants or fish markets.
Courtesy Altamer Luxury VillasAltamer Resort, Anguilla
The British Overseas Territory of Anguilla is the place to get away from it all. And there’s no better place to go off the grid than Altamer Resort, located on the famously gorgeous Shoal Bay West beach. The resort features private villas with sunny bedrooms, curated artwork, and swimming pools right outside the door. Plus, the ultra-modern, Myron Goldfinger-designed buildings are unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else in the Caribbean.
Hans Isaacson/UnsplashTrunk Bay, St. John
Sitting in the northwestern corner of the Virgin Islands National Park, Trunk Bay is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean—if not the world. Calm, clear water and a 225-yard-long underwater trail for snorkeling are big draws, as are hiking trails up and into the surrounding greenery, filled with the ruins of historic sugar cane plantations.
Urip Dunker/UnsplashTayrona National Park, Colombia
Located on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, Tayrona National Park is home to pre-Hispanic ruins, tropical rainforests, and some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. While the palm-shaded beaches may be the biggest attraction, the park is also popular among birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts eager to see monkeys, lizards, and Andean condors in their native habitat.
