From the endless beaches of Cuba to the bustling resorts of the Dominican Republic, from the verdant mountains of Jamaica to the Creole flavours of Martinique, every Caribbean island has its own charm. The nature of Guadeloupe, the discreet luxury of Saint-Barth, the Bahamas or Saint-Martin are other great options for holidays under the Caribbean sun.
Cuba, a historic island
Good to know: Since 12 January 2021, the date on which the Trump administration put Cuba on the list, anyone who has stayed in the country is no longer eligible for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) electronic travel authorisation to enter the United States.
Under the Caribbean sun, Cuba has a lot to offer in terms of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and must-see sights. Varadero, Cayo Coco and Guardalavaca invite you to relax, while Havana charms with its colourful facades, retro cars and salsa rhythms that liven up the streets. But there's much more to the island than its seaside resorts: in the Viñales valley, tobacco fields stretch between spectacular hills, perfect for a stroll, and the Sierra Maestra mountains reveal a wilder Cuba. Between sea, culture and nature, the country offers a unique, timeless atmosphere, where you can enjoy both the warmth of the climate and the warm welcome of the locals. A destination where sunshine goes hand in hand with authenticity and unforgettable discoveries. And above all, the feeling of discovering a unique and legendary country!
In short: if you want to combine sunshine and a land steeped in history, the largest island in the Caribbean is ideal.
Which Caribbean island to choose? The Dominican Republic, postcard-perfect beaches
Which Caribbean island to choose? In the Dominican Republic, as well as the infectious good humour of the Dominican people, you'll find miles of beaches bathed in turquoise water lined with rows of lazy palm trees, top-of-the-range hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. Among the pearls of the country's beaches, the ivory-sanded Bay of Eagles is a paradise on earth, as are the almost deserted islands of Saona and Catalina. There are also other, more artificial paradises, built on the fringes of the most beautiful beaches in Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and La Romana, where everything has been designed so that you can stay in the hotel: swimming pools, golf, casino, entertainment, discos, bars, restaurants, shopping arcades... For those allergic to all-inclusive and sporty types, there is also a wide choice of itineraries between towns and fishing villages, beautiful walks on deserted beaches and the ascent of Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean.
In short: if you want a postcard island accessible to all budgets, the Dominican Republic is the place for you
Also read: Where to go in November in the sun? The best destinations
Jamaica, reggae under the sun
Which Caribbean island to choose? Jamaica is a caricature of our collective imagination, but it is far from being what some Europeans think it is. It's true that reggae culture is everywhere. Sure, you'll flirt with Rasta culture throughout your stay and smell the wisps of ganja-laden smoke everywhere, but you'll discover a country rich in unique culture and extraordinary landscapes, with so many beautiful places to visit. From the soaring Blue Mountains to the enchanting beaches of Port Antonio and the rocky cliffs of Treasure Beach, Jamaica is a land of discovery and wonder. Here you can enjoy some of the best coffee in the world, swim in crystal-clear waterfalls cascading through lush forests... And always under the sun. Yeah man!
To sum up: if you want to get off the beaten track and discover a mythical piece of land, fly to Jamaica!
Which Caribbean island should you choose? Martinique, authentic and tasty
Here are our top places to visit in Martinique, which is sure to surprise and enchant you! Just like its warm, mixed-race inhabitants, who create a joyful atmosphere and a gentle way of life that's infectious. Festive and gourmet, especially when it comes to celebrating traditional festivals. A real highlight of the calendar, they are an opportunity to get together with family and friends, on the beaches or in the streets, to share unforgettable moments and a rich gastronomy, starring its famous rum, served as ti punch or in colourful cocktails. Water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers will be able to make their dreams come true with all kinds of activities, while its cultural heritage reveals treasures, strong places of memory, artists who bring traditions to life..
To sum up: if you're looking for an island with lots of variety, authenticity and where French is spoken, Martinique is the perfect choice! And don't forget to read our article Top 10 destinations where you can travel speaking French.
Guadeloupe, a natural paradise
After a flight of around eight hours, the reward is visible through the window as you approach the coast: the ocean oscillates between shades of turquoise and deep blue depending on the seabed, majestic forests form a carpet of greenery and the mangrove swamps are gently approached just a few seconds before landing. Guadeloupe will win you over with its diversity of landscapes and not-to-be-missed sights, including bustling Grande-Terre, lush Basse-Terre, welcoming Marie-Galante, authentic Désirade, the activity-packed Saintes islands and protected Petite-Terre. Its superb white sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms are, of course, a major asset. However, visitors can also take advantage of the island's many attractions , including a volcano nicknamed "the old lady", invigorating rivers, impressive waterfalls and relaxing hot springs. And let's not forget the flavours of Guadeloupean cuisine and its famous rums, another charming asset that your taste buds won't be able to ignore.
In short: if you're looking for a holiday in the sun with plenty to doapart from the beach, head for Guadeloupe.
Saint-Barthélemy, jet-set atmosphere
Just a stone's throw from the Franco-Dutch island of Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten, the legendary and tiny Saint-Barth, a Caribbean confetti of 24 km², is far from being just a cufflink for a billionaire's suit, but an island with many must-sees. The art of living in Saint-Barth is tangible: the locals are relaxed and offer a sincere welcome. Saint-Barth strikes a balance between discreet luxury and simplicity on a piece of land where the idol of young people, Johnny Hallyday, was buried. Saint-Barth also has a surprisingly wild beauty. Here, the focus is always on the sea: diving, catamaran trips, jet-skiing, paddle-boarding, kitesurfing and other water sports are a must. A true paradise for gourmets, the island also offers a diverse and high-quality culinary offering, often featuring a fusion of Caribbean and European cuisine. All the way to long, festive evenings. Food lovers beware!
To sum up: if you can afford to spend (too much) to enjoy a little piece of land that stirs up all sorts of fantasies, dock in Saint-Barth!
Which Caribbean island to choose? The Bahamas, an infinite archipelago
The Bahamas, a foretaste of paradise? In any case, it's one of our top destinations for beach holidays. Imagine an archipelago suspended between sea and sky, dotted with some 700 islands and 2,300 islets; a sun-drenched turquoise sea that subtly displays all shades of blue and green, from the crystalline green of Grand Bahama Island to the royal blue of Exuma Sound, under an ever-welcoming sun; varied coastal landscapes fringed with coconut palms or casuarinas, beaches of fine pink sand hemmed in by turquoise water, or cliffs relentlessly swept by the onslaught of waves; unexplored villages living in slow motion and trendy tourist centres bustling with activity; an unequalled wealth of underwater treasures that are among the most renowned in the diving world.. But you can also try your hand at golf, swim with dolphins, feed sharks, tease big fish in deep waters, dance the night away, treat yourself to luxury duty-free goods or, quite simply, laze in the sun and do nothing... In short, you can afford to do anything in the Bahamas!
To sum up: if you have the means, the many islands of the Bahamas offer you a dream holiday.
Saint-Martin, an island of many islands
Saint-Martin/Sint Marteen, a two-headed island shared by France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for centuries, is certainly one of France's most unique overseas territories. In recent years, the island has seen a spectacular rise in visitor numbers and has earned its place as a Caribbean paradise in the holidaymaker's imagination. What makes it unique is the apparent ease with which it mixes genres: the Dutch side's North American voluntarism and energy, with its huge resorts, giant liners and duty-free shops on every corner, contrasts with the more 'Old Europe' atmosphere of the French side, with its select restaurants and relative indolence, all set against a backdrop of Caribbean cordiality and cool. On this island, you can switch seamlessly between English and Creole (Guadeloupean or Haitian), French and broken English, Dutch and Spanish... A visit to Saint-Martin means discovering the entire Caribbean world, and a population that has forged its own unique and endearing identity.
To sum up: if you want to discover a unique island with many different atmospheres, Saint-Martin is a good option.
