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Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the eastern Caribbean Sea near Saint Martin, is revered as one of the best culinary destinations in the Caribbean, making it one of the best Caribbean islands to visit. This is due to its blend of inspiration hailing from native Caribbean cooking, Spanish, French and English influences and a strong base of African traditions. As such, visitors will find restaurants offering truly authentic dishes, such as barbecue and jerk, callaloo and marinated seafood dishes. Of course, the 33 beautiful beaches aren’t too shabby either—Meads Bay Beach tops many best-beaches lists.
What to do: Eat! At only 26 miles in length and a few miles wide, Anguilla does an impressive job of packing a lot of flavor into its small island. The nation’s national dish is pigeon peas and rice, a one-pot dish of pigeon peas, rice, spices and herbs. Grilled spiny lobster is a delicious treat at Da’Vida Restaurant, where the views are equally fantastic. For a more laid-back dining experience, visit the Sunshine Shack on Rendezvous Bay for a seafood and barbecue lunch with the sand beneath your toes.
Where to stay: Speaking of the breathtaking Rendezvous Bay, it’s where you’ll find the 178 luxurious suites and villas of Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club. Aside from multiple golf courses, you’ll find a rejuvenating spa, cooking classes and wine tastings, a family-friendly pool complex with a splash pad and lazy river and an amphitheater for live performances.
What to consider when finding the best Caribbean islands to visit
There’s more to booking a tropical vacation than looking at some dreamy photos online. (Though don’t get us wrong, that is a very important part of the wanderlust experience.) For starters, you’ll want to consider your travel budget: Set a rate for how much you want to spend on your total trip and research how much flights, hotel stays and meals will cost. It’s also a good idea to think about how easy it will be to get to the destination in question; some people may prefer locations they can get to through a quick, non-stop flight. Last but certainly not least, think about the activities a destination offers. From snorkeling excursions to mouth-watering seafood, the options are limitless.
Why you should trust us
The Reader’s Digest team isn’t just committed to elevating your home with the best kitchen cabinet organizers and budget-friendly shampoos: We also want to ensure that your time away from home is excellent. Not only did we scour the web for the most popular tropical destinations—and the best places to stay—but we also drew from personal experience to create a comprehensive list. This guide was curated by Jill Schildhouse, an award-winning journalist with over 20 years of experience in travel journalism. (Translation? She knows where to go and where to stay.)
How we chose the best Caribbean islands to visit
I’ve been to nearly 20 Caribbean islands over the past few decades—including weekend getaways, luxurious couples escapes and affordable family vacations—and have stayed at some of the best Caribbean resorts. The one key takeaway from my adventures is that even though they all have palm trees and sandy beaches, each Caribbean island has a totally unique vibe, culture and scene. That’s why it’s so important to choose the island that best matches your vacation style, whether you are foodie-focused, looking for wildlife, yearning for adrenaline-pumping thrills or just want to kick back on a secluded beach. Read on for your guide to the best islands to visit in the Caribbean based on your interests.
FAQs
What is considered the best Caribbean island to visit?
Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for. All of the islands featured here are worthwhile places to visit in the Caribbean, but it’s a good idea to consider what you’re looking for in a vacation. For example, Antigua and Turks and Caicos are known for their dreamy white sand beaches. However, if you have a thirst for adventure, you’ll love Saint Lucia.
Which is the safest Caribbean island to visit?
Before you book a trip, you should check the United States Department of State’s website for travel advisories. (Anything can happen anywhere; however, the travel advisories will give you a sense of a country’s overall safety.) Many countries like Barbados, St. Martin and the Bahamas have the lowest travel risk level.
What is the best month to go to the Caribbean?
If you’re all about soaking up the sun and enjoying warm waters, the peak season from December to April is your best bet. Going anywhere during peak season can make your vacation pretty pricey. For an affordable alternative, try one of the shoulder seasons, from May to June or late October to mid-November.
