If you are planning a Caribbean holiday but don't know where to start, here is a map of the best places to see for the trip you have always dreamed of
Sea with crystal clear water, long white sand beaches, rich marine fauna and delicious food: these are the Caribbean in the minds of tourists. If you want to organize a trip to this beautiful part of the world, here are our suggestions to help you choose, among the many destinations available, those are really for you.
The Caribbean area is very large and is made up of a myriad of islands that separate the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea and the latter from the Atlantic Ocean and the coasts of some continental countries in Central and South America. This wide variety of landscapes has led the Caribbean to be a destination for everyone: from young people looking for fun to families with children, through couples aiming for a romantic holiday or adrenaline lovers looking for extreme sports. But if you still don't have a precise idea of ââwhere to go, here is some advice on the most well-known destinations in the Caribbean, between the mainland and the major islands.
Mexico
Your trip to the Caribbean could start from the coasts of Mexico. The peninsula of Yucatan it is in all respects one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean area. Not only for its endless white sand beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, but also for the charm of uninhabited islands such as Isla Contoy and for cultural tourism, whose greatest attraction is represented by the ruins of history and civilization Maya.
Cuba
Leave the mainland and dive into the wonder of one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean: Cuba. The beaches are fantastic, but the real charm is probably represented by its capital Havana, where you can breathe the true air of Cuba. It is a special place, rich in history, tradition and with an incredibly unique culture. Stroll through the narrow alleys of Habana Vieja â the historic colonial center protected by UNESCO â or visit La Cabaña, the 18th century fortress which was Che Guevara's operational headquarters. All to the rhythm of music... which can never be missing on the streets of Cuba.
Barbados
Once a pirate hideout, the Barbados Islands offer fun for the whole family. Explore the capital Bridgetown where its past as a British colony is more alive than ever and five o'clock tea cannot be missed, but don't neglect the beaches overlooking a calm, crystalline sea. Don't forget to plan a trip to Alleynes Bay where you can admire the beautiful sea turtles that live peacefully between the sand and rocks and which will be particularly unusual swimming companions.
Haiti and the Dominican Republic
Continuing south, here is another of the major islands of the Caribbean archipelago, the large island Hispaniola, which welcomes Haiti , Dominican Republic. The beaches are dreamlike, and this is nothing new, but the real peculiarity lies in the splendid excursions that can be done in the more internal areas. The island has, in fact, a predominantly mountainous territory and here is the Pico Duarte, which with its over 3.000 meters of height is the highest peak in the Caribbean.
Virgin Islands
Located east of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands are on the border between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Here too the beaches are wonderful and the water of an unforgettable color is ready to welcome you in places such as White Bay or Marina Cay. Among marine parks, dolphins and subtropical forests that reach almost to the sea, there is no shortage of peaceful excursions between one island and another, not to mention all types of water sports that will, however, delight the more adventurous.
Windward and Leeward Islands
Going further east, the Lesser Antilles form the eastern half of the Caribbean island arc. It is an archipelago of isolated and wonderful beaches with lush and uncontaminated nature. Among the myriad of small islands, the Martinique, a very lively cultural place, from which comes a literature full of world-famous authors and where everything is music and dance. Its capital Fort de France is an expanding city, but still with a relaxed pace and is full of interesting museums and beautiful monuments.
Venezuela
The Caribbean island arc ends further south with Los Roques, the largest coral archipelago in the Caribbean. Located off the coast of Venezuela, Los Roques is a protected natural park where some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are located, but if you have only a few days available, this is probably not the most suitable place for you... How will you choose which beaches to visit among the 360 ââislands that make up the archipelago?
