By Helen Truszkowski
The picture postcards tell it like it is: the Caribbean is paradise on earth. The sands are golden, the sea an inviting turquoise. But with over 7,000 islands to choose from, picking just one isn’t easy. Each has its unique flavour; while some span hundreds of miles, others can be covered on an afternoon bike ride. Here are some of our favourites, perfect for family holidays:
Best for kicking back
Turks and Caicos - comprising 40 islands and cays (only eight of them inhabited), this idyllic string of pearls at the end of the Bahamas chain offers fly-and-flop away from the crowds. High rises are forbidden, there’s extensive national park and crystal clear waters makes scuba and snorkelling the top attractions.
With a one mile vertical coral wall located offshore, Provo is a diver’s paradise: you’ll find hawksbill turtles, nurse sharks and octopus. As well as sun-worshipping on sugar-white sand beaches take a unique tour of the world’s only Conch Farm and a trip to Water Cay: an island inhabited by friendly iguanas and birds. Migrating Humpback whales appear from January through March.
Best for easy exploring
Barbados - perceived as 'the most British' of the Caribbean islands, at times in its history Barbados was called Little England. Hassle-free with excellent family-friendly hotels the island benefits from direct flights and offers stacks to do, including visits to the Barbados Wildlife Preserve, submarine trips, boat rides to deserted beaches and jeep excursions through jungles of sugar cane.
Plus, the biggest summer carnival is Crop Over, a five-week festival held every July. The most easterly of the Caribbean islands, on its Atlantic side the currents are strong, and dramatic, jagged cliffs and sea caves are carved-out by strong tides. The unspoiled scenery of Bathsheba is surfing nirvana. In contrast, western beaches offer sprawling sands, calm waters with excellent visibility, little current and a gentle trade breeze.
Best for culture
Jamaica - spanning over 4000 square miles Jamaica has a little of everything: rivers, mountains, plains, forests, waterfalls, limestone caves and an incredible coastline. The home of reggae, jerk chicken, a rich heritage and vibrant local art and crafts, this fascinating island exudes a diverse culture and irrepressible vibe. Several distinct destinations lie a few hours' drive apart on roads that corkscrew beside a jagged coast overseen by the Blue Mountains soaring some 7,500 ft above sea level. Kingston, the capital city, on the south shore of the island, is the epicentre of Jamaica’s buzzing arts and culture.
Best for scenery
St Lucia - second largest of the Windward Islands - is lush, mountainous and jungly. Orange, lime, lemon, mango, breadfruit and coffee trees blanket the landscape. Miles of bananas stud the horizon and flowers are in bloom everywhere. This garden of Eden is fringed by stunning beaches. Its volcanic past has blessed St Lucia with black, volcanic sands, often mixed with white sands in striking wave patterns (like at Anse Couchon). Explore the rainforest, volcanoes, botanical gardens, hot sulphur springs and waterfalls, the colourful market in Castries and Friday-night ‘jump-up’ street parties of Gros Islet.
If the paradise islands of the Caribbean are the place for you and your family, find out more about the latest VHOT DEALS to the Caribbean.
Helen Truszkowski is a freelance travel journalist and broadcaster. She regularly writes for The Independent on Sunday, The Times, The Daily Express and The Sunday Express