The Caribbean conjures images of palm-fringed beaches, rum- fueled dancing and jungle excursions. If you pick any of the 700 islands that form an arcs between Florida and Venezuela, you will get everything.
The Caribbean is rich in African culture brought to the region by the trade of enslaved people, making it one of the most culturally diverse places in the world.
Get trusted guidance to the world's most breathtaking experiences delivered to your inbox weekly with our email newsletter.Christopher Columbus wrote in his journal that he saw so many islands that he didn't know which to go first. We can help you find a party city or a family friendly destination. There are many places to visit in the Caribbean.
It's the best for the beach.
Antigua in the Leeward Islands has a beach for every day of the year with coral reefs just a flipper from shore. The hue changes from brilliant white to cotton-candy pink depending on where you are.
You can either go to a beach with bars and soca music, or you can go to a strip of sand with no bars or soca music. If you want to get away from it all, head to Half Moon Bay in the southeast or Pigeon Beach on the edge of the harbor.
For hiking, it's the best.
The twin peaks are the most photographed attraction in St Lucia and can be seen from as far north as Castries.
Gros Piton is the largest of the peaks and it is the only one that can be climbed. You can start at sunrise and be at the top by midday. The soil will be dry in January, February and March so it's a good time to visit.
The rooms at Ladera Resort are completely open to the rainforest and offer an up- close view of the volcanic plugs.
If you book a guide from the Gros Piton Tour Guides Association, you will not only make it to the summit without losing the path, but you will also learn about the history of the slave rebellion.
The best place to live is the old town.
Havana is the most visited city in Cuba and one of the best cities in the Caribbean and is associated with Hemingway and Cadillacs.
The old town of Havana, known in Spanish as Habana Vieja, is a great place to visit if you are looking for something to do.
In the day, the city hums, but at night it's all singing and dancing. One of the many bars and cafes at Plaza Vieja has a terrace where you can sit and watch the bands play. Ernest Hemingway famously knocked back daiquiris after a day at the typewriter.
For snorkeling, it's the best.
Just off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean is a Dutch ABC island called Bonaire. The entire coastline was turned into a marine park in the late 70s.
Most of the dive and snorkel sites on the island are located in the sheltered coral reefs off the west coast. It's a great place to visit in July because it's south of the hurricanes.
The marine park nature fee is $25 for non scuba and $45 for scuba divers and is valid for a year. The National Parks Foundation sells it.
For sailing, it's the best.
The Grenadines are a far cry from the commercialization of the US or British Virgin Islands.
This is one of the best sailings in the world for competent sailors because of the occasional strong Atlantic winds and calm waters on deserted beaches. It only takes an hour or two to travel between the islands.
It is a great place to visit in July, August, September or October because it is south of the hurricanes. It's hard to sail north up the chain.
It's best for people who love wildlife.
Two islands make up the southernmost island group. The population of Great Inagua only has 1200 people, but it has a large population of birds. In 2002 Little Inagua became a national park.
Visitors to the islands come to see the native and migratory birds that can be seen here.
If you want to plan, you can fly into Great Inagua airport or travel by mail boat from Nassau. You need a fisherman to take you to Little Inagua, a place where sea turtles nest. The best time to see turtles hatch is in the summer.
For families, it's the best.
If you are looking for a family holiday in the Caribbean, this is the place to go because of the abundance of family friendly hotels. The childfree might want to avoid the area because it is more built up than other Caribbean coastlines, but if it is an all-inclusive hotel with a waterslide you will find no shortage of attention.
If you want a five-star hotel with a fairytale palace, cartoon characters or a swimming pool, you can find it there.
For partying, it's the best.
Wherever you are on the US Commonwealth island of Puerto Rico you are never more than a couple of hours away from San Juan. It is possible to spend at least one night of your holiday partying in Puerto Rico. San Juan has the highest concentration of bars and clubs in the country.
pia coladas can be found until the early hours in La Factoria, which is taking the island's mixology to the next level. The lavender mule is a signature cocktail made with ginger tea, lavender cordial and Ketel One Vodka.
By day the fruit and veg market is located at La Placita de Santurce and at night the sounds of salsa fill the air. It's one of the best places to visit in the Caribbean in December or early January because the Christmas period is more fun than usual.
The article was first published about a year ago.
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