8 GREAT ISLANDS IN CARIBBEAN,
Famed for its postcard-perfect beaches, azure water and welcoming atmosphere, the Caribbean continues to reign as a premier travel destination. While larger islands like Jamaica and Puerto Rico hold a wealth of attractions, there’s an undeniable appeal to discovering a tiny island paradise.
Whether you’re looking for a Crusoestyle escape, charming fishing villages or trendy resorts, the classic Caribbean vacation can still be had at these smaller Caribbean islands. (U.S. citizens who travel to the Caribbean islands must provide a recent negative COVID-19 test.)
1. St Bart’s
Set within the Leeward Islands, St Bart’s stands out for its unique blend of French culture, understated luxury, and superb natural Caribbean beauty. The island is a popular stopover for yachts and sailboats traveling around the Caribbean, but there’s plenty for visitors to explore from land too. A total of 16 beaches line St. Bart’s, ranging from secluded coves to posh beach clubs. Backed by rocky hillside, Plage de Saline’s golden sand is one of St. Barth’s least trafficked beaches, despite its picturesque qualities.
2. Nevis
The smaller of the two islands comprising St. Kitts and Nevis, Nevis has the edge on its sister island in terms of nature-based activities and empty beaches. Pinney’s Beach spans three miles of golden sand along the west coast. A handful of resorts and casual beach bars tout cool cocktails and fresh seafood, while coral reefs lie just offshore. For more solitude, Lovers Beach and Windward Beach see fewer crowds, since there are no on-site facilities. However, the fine white sand on Lovers Beach and rolling waves at Windward are wellsuited for a picnic and day of beachcombing. When it’s not enshrouded in clouds, the conical Nevis Peak can be seen from around the island. Reaching the summit entails a demanding four- to five-hour hike round-trip, but the effort is rewarded with views of neighboring Montserrat. 3. Little Corn
Although its official Spanish name is Isla Pequena del Maiz, the island’s AfroCaribbean population refer to their home as Little Corn. Encompassing just 1.1 square-miles, the only way to get around Little Corn is by foot, with several walking paths leading from the ferry dock on the western coast to the rest of the island’s settlements. Visitors arrive via Panga boat, which whisk about 45 passengers at a time from nearby Big Corn, where there’s an airport with daily flight connections to Managua and other Nicaraguan cities.
4. Isla De Providencia
Situated more than 50 miles from the nearest landmass, this Colombian territory affords secluded island paradise. Although Providencia totals a modest 6.6 square miles in size, it packs sparkling white-sand beaches, dense forest, and the world’s third-largest barrier reef. El Pico Natural Regional Park includes 1,100-foot El Pico Mountain, which can be summited in 90 minutes for panoramic views over the island.
5. Culebra
Located midway between mainland Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Culebra is known for its pristine natural beauty and bohemian atmosphere. Playa Flamenco, which lines a tranquil, horseshoeshaped bay, is Culebra’s most renowned beach for its crystalline waters and beached military tank. For more solitude, embark into Culebra National Wildlife Refuge to hike through lush greenery and along abandoned coastline at Playa Brava.
6. Anegada
The most remote of the British Virgin Islands, Anegada’s stunning topography, uncrowded beaches, and pristine coral reefs are its main draw. The island’s desert-like landscape is broken up by wild orchids, frangipani trees, and a series of salt ponds that serve as habitat for the protected flamingo population. Visitors can get a closer look at local fauna from the Flamingo Pond Lookout or spot rock iguanas along Bones Bight Nature Trail.
7. Saba
Characterized by rugged volcanic terrain and steep cliffs, Saba’s landscape stands out amongst its Caribbean neighbors. The island is just five square miles, though its highest point, Mount Scenery, constitutes the highest elevation in all of the Netherlands at 2,910 feet. Saba is also unique in its virtually nonexistent beaches. The only stretches of sand can be found at a man-made beach along Cove Bay and another sliver that emerges at Wells Bay during low tide.
Saba has plenty of allure for escapists and scuba enthusiasts. Undersea geothermal activity has resulted in fantastic rock formations. Lucky divers may spot manta rays, humpback whales, and whale sharks.
8. La Desirade
Located east of Guadeloupe, La Desirade exemplifies all of the quintessential Caribbean qualities: palm-fringed beaches, thick jungle, and laidback island living. An imposing ridge spans the center of the long island, separating the wild northern coast from the southern coast, where the island’s 1,700 inhabitants reside. The River Trail connects the opposing coasts from Souffleur Beach to the deserted northern shoreline. Along the way, hikers will spot wild orchids and waterfalls, while the plateau offers expansive views over the La Desirade.