7 incredible islands in the Caribbean

Full sun, white sands and crystal clear waters: the Caribbean islands share the beauty of nature and tourism development in small territories, where their historical, cultural and gastronomic particularities are intertwined.

Below, seven islands that invite you to enjoy a pleasant world, with doses of serenity and adventure, where time is suspended to walk and rest.

Its slogan is “The happy island” and there are plenty of reasons to support it. Aruba is located outside the hurricane beltwith refreshing trade winds and more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

In it Southern Caribbeanit is a destination that combines beautiful beaches with water sports and shopping and entertainment options in the capital Oranjestad.

As an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it has been independent in internal affairs since 1986. However, it shares its defense and foreign relations with the Netherlands and its citizens have Dutch passports.

This link with Europe is perceived in aspects such as architecture, the educational system and the language. Its inhabitants speak several languagesfrom Dutch and Papiamento, to English, Spanish and Portuguese.

In addition to its famous beaches Eagle Beach y Palm BeachAruba surprises with the Arikok National Parkwhere the desert landscape contrasts with the blue of the sea, the Conchi natural pool and caverns with stalactites, stalagmites and rock art.

Added to the culinary delights of the island are the aloe vera plantations, factory and museumwhich can be visited with the possibility of trying and buying skin products. Every corner is an invitation to well-being.

Beautiful and hospitable, Curaçao (in Spanish, Curaçao) is a 444 km² island located just 50 km from the Venezuelan coast and neighboring Aruba.

And although it has its own identity, it is a constituent State of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with internal autonomy. But although its inhabitants have Dutch passports and European rights, the island is not part of the European Union.

Until 2010 it was part of the Netherlands Antilles, and its relationship with the Netherlands is reflected in the architecture, gastronomy and language: Dutch is the official language along with Papiamento, but everyone also understands English and Spanish.

Its capital Willemstad is a World Heritage Site. and is divided by Santa Ana Bay in Punda, with vibrantly colored colonial houses, and Otrobanda, more residential. Both are united by Queen Emma floating and pedestrian bridgewhich moves when the ships enter.

Con more than 35 beachesCuraçao has varied options: from the lively Jan Thiel and Mambo Beach to the quiet Kenepa Grandi and Cas Abao. A must-see is Klein Curaçao, a small uninhabited island that can be accessed by catamaran. Everything is very “dushi”, a word that defines rich and beautiful.

With more than 200 beaches and 1,600 km of coastline between the Atlantic and the Caribbean Seathis country attracts travelers seeking warm waters and luxury resorts. Of course, the favorite spa is Punta Canawith its 48 km of white sand, direct flights and all-inclusive hotels.

In the eastern part of the Hispaniola island -a territory it shares with Haiti-, the Dominican Republic also has places of great natural beauty, such as Puerto Plata and Samaná to the north, and La Romana and Bayahibe to the south.

Santo Domingo, the capitalsurprises with its colonial area, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There you can visit the Viceregal Palace of Diego Columbus (son of Christopher Columbus), the first seat of the Viceroyalty of America. In addition, the Cotubanamá National Park stands out, with rock art and springs, and the Saona and Catalina islandshome to reefs and sea turtles. Another original visit is Altos de Chavóna 16th century Mediterranean villa recreated by local architects.

Among Argentines, this Caribbean destination continues to gain visitors: until July 2024, 155,000 travelers arrived, 17% more than in 2023. In addition to the flights from Aerolíneas Argentinas, Copa Airlines (via Panama) and Sky, those from Arajet were added to Punta Cana.

South of Cuba and west of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands stand out for their nature and history: Christopher Columbus discovered them in 1503 on his fourth voyage and called them Las Tortugas, marveling at the number of sea turtles.

However, by 1530, its name changed to “Caymanas,” derived from the native term for the crocodiles that inhabited the area.

Today, turtles are even present on its shield because for centuries they were essential to the diet, culture and local economy. The Cayman Turtle Center can be visited to learn about its conservation work.

With 260 km², Cayman is a British territory famous for its luxury infrastructure, tax-free banking system and natural wonders.

Grand Cayman, the main islandis known for George Town and Camana Bay, where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and yachting or cycling.

The biggest attraction is Stingray Cityan unforgettable excursion to swim and snorkel among rays in shallow waters. Ideal for those looking for an unforgettable experience.

One island and two countries. With 90 km², this corner of the Caribbean offers a unique mix of French and Dutch cultures.

The French side, Saint Martinis bathed by the Atlantic and stands out for its tranquility, elegance and focus on gastronomy and experiences.

The most famous beach is Orient Bay, known as “the Caribbean Saint-Tropez”, with stylish hotels, yacht clubs and beachfront restaurants. It is also ideal for relaxed walks, water sports, shopping and even a perfume shop where you can create a fragrance.

In contrast, Sint Maarten, the Dutch sideis vibrant and bustling, with casinos, nightclubs and the port that receives international cruise ships. Its greatest attraction is Maho Beachwhere planes pass very close to beachgoers when landing at Princess Juliana Airport, so there are always people filming and taking photos.

Both sides share 37 spectacular beaches and a unique history: the island has been divided since 1648 between France and the Netherlands, two and a half hours from Panama.

This open secret of the Caribbean with 61 km of coast It attracts international tourists for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters and tranquil atmosphere.

Its name comes from its elongated shape, similar to an eel, and from the Taíno term “malliouhana”, which means sea serpent.

The island was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493, and its modern history began with the arrival of the British.

For this reason, Anguilla (in English, Anguilla) today is a British overseas territory with internal autonomy, although it remains under the supervision of the United Nations Decolonization Committee. Located in the Lesser Antilles, it has maritime borders with Saint Martin to the southeast and the British Virgin Islands to the west.

Su capital, The Valleyis the starting point to explore surprising landscapes. Beaches such as Shoal Bay and Meads Bay offer calm and beauty, while the sea surrounding the island is home to rich marine life, represented by the three dolphins on its flag.

Anguilla also has curiosities, such as the shortest flight in the world between the island and Saint Martin, less than 10 minutes, and the goats that roam freely through its streets, reflecting its peaceful rural life.

Both the British island Anguilla and the small French island Saint Barth are about 20 km from Saint Martin, from which they can be reached by boat in less than an hour or a 15-minute flight.

Saint Barthélemy, known as Saint Barth, is a luxury island in the Caribbeanfamous for its virgin beaches, impressive landscapes and exclusive atmosphere.

With just 25 km², it is the favorite of celebrities for its discretion, very exclusive villas and hotels, yachts, restaurants and international brands.

From Saint Martin, tourists can take a ferry to spend the day on this small island with a French accent. But the ideal is to stay and walk around its capital Gustavia– Features charming cobblestone streets, high-end boutiques, and gourmet restaurants.

The beaches – such as Shell Beach and Colombier – offer crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling. And for those looking for a more accessible experience, Nikki Beach offers an unforgettable day of sun and sea, surrounded by green mountains, without spending a fortune.