Home to some of the world’s most exclusive hotels, beautiful beaches, scuba diving, and golf courses, the Caribbean islands have something for every kind of traveler. The combination of relaxation and adventure attracts honeymooners, budget backpackers, families, celebrities, and corporate magnates, alike.

Popular with tourists for its unreal beauty, deciding which island to visit is the hardest part of the trip. When planning your next getaway, these are the best Caribbean islands to put on the list.

The Most Beautiful Caribbean Islands

From Puerto Rico’s cobbled streets to St. Kitts’ rainforest mountains to private villas with views of the ocean in Turks and Caicos, the Caribbean is another level of beauty.

Turks and Caicos

That timeless postcard beauty that pops into your mind when you think about visiting the Caribbean – that is Turks and Caicos. In Providenciales, the alabaster shores of Grace Bay, lined with luxury resorts and make this Caribbean island a top destination.

Based on its spellbinding turquoise waters alone, Turks and Caicos could be considered the most beautiful chain of Caribbean islands. A stay on beachfront property on the island of South Caicos will give you the chance to lay back on one of the Caribbean’s best beaches and do some world-class snorkeling without all the tourists. You’ll fall in love and never want to leave.

Jamaica

While the delicious food, exclusive resorts, and Reggae scene are just a few reasons people flock to Jamaica, the surrounding beauty is undeniably what keeps everyone coming back for more.

Negril has some of the Caribbean’s best spots for water sports, including the famed Seven Mile Beach. Heading inland, you’ll make your way through mountains, going through swathes of the jungle where spectacular views of waterfalls and hidden lagoons are guaranteed.

The British Virgin Islands

Beauty abounds in the British Virgin Islands. Along with the beautiful white sand beaches and blue waters of Cane Garden Bay and Seven Mile Beach, BVI is home to The Baths Natural Park, in Virgin Gorda, a mystifying area where gigantic granite boulders have formed outrageously scenic grottos and pools of crystalline saltwater.

Ginger Island’s jungle, home of endangered hawksbill colonies, is for intrepid types while Apple Bay’s stunning waves lure surfers. . Posh is the only word to describe it.

Barbados

Pink sand beaches, exotic tropical gardens, and wildlife and historical plantations bring thousands of foodies, families, millionaires, and backpackers to Barbados per year.

Take in the beauty of its tropical lowlands strolling through Hunte’s, a beloved botanical garden, surfing the world-class waves of Bathsheba, or exploring Harrison’s Cave. Barbados checks every box for what you’d want in a Caribbean island while being one of the most multifaceted. Its unique flair heightens the beauty around it further.

Puerto Rico

A proud and vibrant culture, historical sights, and shimmering beaches make Puerto Rico one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands you really must see to believe. Visit San Juan to tour three UNESCO world heritage sites for amazingly preserved examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the region before making your way through the El Yunque National Forest.

When you’ve had enough for the day, relax on the beaches of Culebra and Vieques. Hidden gems, the beaches on these laid-back islands are rarely crowded and offer outstanding snorkeling.

Anguilla

Just north of St. Maarten/St. Martin, this British Overseas Territory is the place to go to truly get away from it all. Anguilla has some of the most gorgeous beaches, like those found at Shoal Bay and Rendezvous Bay. Along with diving and snorkeling, take the time to explore the Cays to behold what is certainly perfect beauty.

With a population of about 15,000 people, it is perfect for a quiet, calm, and nearly tourist-free Caribbean vacation.

Aruba

Still part of the Kingdome of the Netherlands, Aruba is a Dutch island that averages 300 days of sun annually. Eagle Beach, an internationally-known beach is Aruba’s most popular but there’s no bad beach in the country. The Arikok National Park, though taking up 18% of the island, is still somewhat of an unspoiled secret. Head there to explore a landscape filled with cacti.

With its dry climate and unique blend of thriving fauna and flora, Aruba’s diverse landscape is proof that the Caribbean is more complex than the typical images it conjures up.

St. Lucia

A long-time honeymoon destination, St. Lucia is often considered the most beautiful Caribbean island. Pristine beaches are not hard to find here, but its beauty extends beyond the waters.

The landscape is a true thing of beauty, two volcanic peaks – the mighty Pitons – rise into the sky, treating visitors who make the long climb to jaw-dropping views. Mud pools and volcanic springs are bubbling, the revered Tet Paul Nature Trail that hikers will love, and the historical old military forts that provide even more amazing views.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Head to St. Thomas right as Carnival season begins and you’ll see some of the most beautiful celebrations. St. John has some of the most stunning, unspoiled beaches along its shoreline and is also a paradise for snorkelers, thanks to the amazing marine life found at Trunk Bay.

Antigua

Colorful colonial buildings and a whopping 365 beaches give Antigua a unique beauty that doesn’t disappoint. The spectacular beaches come in pink or white sand and forests wait for those who want a bit of adventure.

Bahamas

A scuba diving and snorkeling hotspot, the magnificent crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas make it easy to see the eye-popping varieties of marine life and coral reefs.

Conclusion

Ranging from spurting volcanoes to vast stretches of gorgeous shoreline to flourishing, historically significant cultures, traveling to the most beautiful Caribbean islands will leave you in awe.