Extend the summer in one of the sunniest corners of the globe, the Caribbean – sounds very tempting. The Caribbean islands are a paradise for downshifters and drug lords, reggae and rum fans, windsurfers and divers. Each of the fifty islands is unique in its own way, waiting to offer you unique landscapes, ecosystems, ethno-cultural features, culinary delights and a rich heritage of their colonial past in the form of a mass of museum houses and pompous mansions in the background of exotic nature, where the green of tropical forests is replaced by volcanic landscapes and the expanse of coffee plantations, with thickets of sugar cane and bananas, mesmerise you. All of the islands are beautiful, but which islands are best to stop at on your journey? We present to you the eight most enticing of the islands of this region.

Jamaica

Jamaica is the birthplace of Bob Marley and, without a doubt, the most colourful and unique Caribbean island. This region literally lives in the rhythm of ‘reggae’, which burst into the popular music of the 1970s and 80s. Here, you will find endless beaches with white sand, colourful bars and the smell of coffee, Jamaican rum and marijuana.

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is an entire archipelago of 300 islands, in the coastal waters of which exists the largest coral reef in the Caribbean. There is a rich combination of luxury hotels and pirate spirit of centuries past. It is an ideal location for diving and snorkelling lovers. In the summer, you can meet entire flocks of different species of creatures and, from December to April, you can witness the migration of the humpback whales.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign state located on two namesake islands (Antigua and Barbuda) and, connected by a small isthmus, the tiny uninhabited island of Redonda. Barbuda is completely coral and its wild nature is preserved here in its original form. Here, you can expect up to 365 sunny days a year, with azure beaches, palm thickets, night casinos and the most delicious lobsters in the Caribbean.

Aruba

Aruba is an island-state, ideally created for a serene holiday. There is ideal weather throughout the year, as any hurricanes bypass it. The island boasts paradise landscapes, unspoiled beaches and picturesque coral reefs. For entertainment, consider mountain walks, diving and fishing, night casinos, discos or the many bars.

Granada

Grenada is an island of volcanic origin with a heavily indented coastline, comfortable bays and a lot of secluded beaches. ‘Spice Island’, as Grenada is called, is ready to turn anyone’s head, with picturesque waterfalls, deep mountain lakes, snow-white beaches, reefs consisting of corals and the aroma of vanilla and nutmeg that will be remembered for a long time. What is captivating about this island is the tropical and mangrove forests with a diverse animal world and the fact that, in coastal waters, you can swim without fear of sharks because of the density of coral reefs near the shore that prohibit their movements.

The Bahamas

We wrote in detail in the last issue of our magazine about these islands. ‘The Bahamas’ is, of course, a synonym for a luxurious beach holiday, with wide, white sandy beaches, clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and excellent coral reefs, as well as affordable duty-free shopping and hundreds of casinos. The ancient British colony has long-retained the title of a luxurious holiday destination. However, journeys on a yacht, casinos and coral reefs are available here to everyone.

Martinique

This island, along with the commonwealth of the islands of Guadeloupe, St. Barthelemy and St. Martin, is part of the overseas territories of France. For entertainment, you can take walks through the rainforest, visit volcanoes, peruse a gallery with the works of Paul Gauguin and much more. The island will surely impress gourmets, as, here, you can try many rare sea delicacies cooked with French charm.

Barbados

Barbados is one of the favourite places for divers. Also, they know what real rum is and the ‘herb’ here smells almost the same as in Jamaica. Especially on more-or-less deserted beaches, the colourful people quietly light up, enjoying the sea view from sunset to dawn.