The island nation of St Kitts and Nevis is one of the Caribbean’s most appealing and low-key destinations. Magnificent mountains drop to sandy shores, where calm blue waters and sheltered bays were made for swimming.

The dual islands have plenty of history too – with colonial capitals and museums that focus on Admiral Nelson and Alexander Hamilton. Take a leisurely stroll through the towns of Basseterre in St Kitts and Charlestown in Nevis for old-world architecture and unique shops full of the region’s one-of-a-kind wares.

As the larger of the two, St Kitts offers the best of the bars, restaurants and a small but lively nightlife. Activities tend to centre around its jungles and waterways, so expect plenty of rainforest hikes, snorkelling and water sports while you’re here.

And once you’ve had your fill of exploring, make for St Kitts’ most popular beach, Cockleshell Bay, where the mile-long curve of pure sand is the perfect place to watch the colours of the sunset amid the island’s idyllic atmosphere.

What comes to mind when you picture paradise? Perfect strips of sand, lapped by crystal clear waters? Palm tree-lined streets and lush, forested mountains? If so, Antigua has all of these, and then some.

The busy port capital of St John’s has a distinctly British feel, with plenty of historic sights and colonial architecture, but move away from the main town and you’ll discover an island with authentic Caribbean flavour in abundance.

Colourful houses, welcoming locals and white beaches, almost too perfect to be real, welcome those who stop here, where snorkelling and diving among some of the 120 odd shipwrecks are just a few of the activities to tempt you off your beach towel.

For a quick day trip, those who take the short boat ride to Antigua's sister island of Barbuda are rewarded with pink sands, pirate caves and exotic wildlife too.

Famed for its incredible beaches, Barbados is less low-key than its neighbours, with a bustling energy that’s impossible to resist. The island’s UNESCO-listed capital Bridgetown is a joy to explore on foot, with the Garrison Historic Area being of particular interest to history buffs.

The capital is also a popular shopping destination, with Broad Street and Swan Street hosting a range of local boutiques and colourful stores.

Away from Bridgetown, surfers and snorkellers alike head for the shore of Half Moon Bay – a beautiful crescent of sand that remains relatively underdeveloped, with just a handful of beach bars and snack joints.

And for those who want to experience nature up close, the island also boasts a multitude of scenic hikes, including the day’s trail from the west to the east coast.

Looking for a getaway from your getaway? One of the best islands in the Caribbean to escape the tourist crowds, Dominica remains refreshingly undeveloped but no less charismatic.

It might not boast the beaches of Antigua, but “Nature Island” is still home to some of the finest diving, densest rainforests, and most beautiful waterfalls you’re likely to see in the Caribbean.

For those who like to keep active, Dominica is the ideal destination. Hikers, bikers, kayakers and snorkellers may well flock to the area, but with less than 100,000 visitors a year, you’ll still feel like you’ve landed on a castaway island.

Wildlife fanatics will also love the abundance of birds, turtles, dolphins and whales spotted here, whilst those who are looking to taste authentic Caribbean cuisine will find the local dishes, fresh fruit and vegetables might be more delicious than those of any other island.

Considered the Caribbean’s “happy island” (which is no small feat), Aruba is one of the region’s busiest and most popular tourist destinations. The island’s pretty capital of Oranjestad is entirely walkable for those with just a few hours to spare, while the turquoise waters of nearby Surfside Beach is the perfect place for a spot of sun, sand and swimming when you’re ready to relax.

Venture further afield and you’ll find plenty of luxury resorts, whiter-than-white strips of sand and a whole host of water-based activities to keep every member of the family entertained.

Diving is varied and plentiful, and Aruba’s most popular sight is the wreck of the USS Antilla – a Navy ship from WWII sunk off the coast of Malmok Beach. With incredible water clarity, you don’t even need to hire diving equipment to catch a glimpse of the wreck – it’s simply one of the best places to snorkel on the island.

An island full of colourful villages, breathtaking beaches and local legends, Puerto Rico has long drawn inquisitive visitors to her diverse shores.

From the swashbuckling tales of smuggling and pirates to the mixture of Spanish and American cultures, Puerto Rico is one of the Caribbean’s most fascinating destinations.

Stroll through the streets of the capital San Juan, where you’ll discover a wealth of history in the old town, colonial buildings that sit aside modern high-rises, and a culinary scene that could well rival the best in the world.

Puerto Rico is also home to some of the most postcard-worthy beaches in the Caribbean – fringed with colourful coral reefs and offering spectacular sunsets over the ocean. Wish you were here? We bet you do…

Arguably the Caribbean’s most vibrant island, Jamaica might be best known as the birthplace of Bob Marley, but its irresistible rhythms go far beyond its famous son. 

Put simply, this is an island packed with music, food, history and incredibly friendly locals. So whether you want to simply relax on the beach, explore the many adrenaline-pumping activities or delve into Jamaica’s intriguing heritage, you’ll find endless options to keep you occupied during your trip.

Beyond the white, palm-tree-backed beaches, Jamaica is a rich, jungle-covered island, full of tropical flora and fauna. The Blue Mountains, which include the island’s highest peak, is the most popular place to hike in Jamaica, with plenty of guides and tours available for less experienced trail-goers too.

If that sounds a little too energetic, make like the locals and enjoy an ice-cold beer whilst watching one of the Caribbean’s most iconic sunsets – all while gentle reggae soundtracks your view.

An awe-inspiring, mountainous island, even by the region’s standard, St Lucia’s beauty is plain to see from the second you cruise into port.

Named after St. Lucy of Syracuse, with its highest point – Mount Gimie – standing 3,120 feet above sea level, St. Lucia’s towering beauty makes visiting the island a sight to behold. It has its quirky side too. One of the few places in the world with its own drive-in volcano, visitors pass through a bubbling volcano crater, while its nearby hot springs and mud baths, full of volcanic materials, are said to be great for the skin.

Tailored towards outdoor exploration, take a trip to the island’s southerly part, where the region plays host to the French Colonial capital, Soufriere, and the Diamond Botanical Gardens, two places that offer plenty of opportunity for discovery.

If that wasn’t enough, then horseback riding along its mountain trails is sure to cater to your inner adventurer, while the crystal-clear waters are perfect for getting up close to St Lucia’s plentiful marine life.

Brimming with cultural gems, incredible beauty and photogenic landmarks – plus Creole cuisine you won’t want to miss – St Lucia has plenty to excite travellers stepping foot on its shores.