Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda is an island nation consisting of two major islands in the Caribbean Sea. Visitors to Antigua and Barbuda will discover a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Despite being a lesser-known destination, Antigua and Barbuda offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. The country has stunning beaches, lush vegetation, and a rich heritage of African, European, and indigenous influences. With its rich history, Antigua and Barbuda has undergone a transformation in recent years, establishing itself as a hub for tourism and offshore banking. The capital, St. John's, is slowly becoming a popular destination, offering a glimpse into the country's unique culture and heritage.

Aruba’s uncrowded white sand beaches are second to barely any other. Benefiting from the warm climate of the Caribbean, Aruba offers an endless array of outdoor activities. Admire marine life and snorkel the breathtaking reefs of Mangel Halto or try scuba diving and explore ancient shipwrecks. Discover Aruba’s natural wonders on horseback or on a hike, or take a stroll through the island’s capital Oranjestad. It is not surprising that Aruba, with its beautiful all-inclusive resorts and endless opportunities, is the most popular holiday destination in the south Caribbean and a well-established cruise port.

Although the Bahamas are officially considered part of the Caribbean, the over 700 islands and 2400 cays are actually located in the Atlantic, between Florida and Cuba and not in the Caribbean Sea. If you visit between December and April, you will experience perfect weather conditions to explore the large array of outdoor activities. Snorkel the coral reefs, relax at the pink sandy beaches, hike in the forest or visit the historic towns. With all the islands have to offer, the paradisaical image of the Bahamas clearly matches reality.

Barbados is the easternmost island in the Lesser Antilles and inspires its visitors with perfect, endless beaches, tall palm trees and an interesting history. Influenced by many cultures, such as Creole, Indian and West African, the former British colony has a lot to offer. With its relatively small size, it can be discovered on a single trip, choosing the capital Bridgetown as start and end. It has been a beloved destination for some time now – and still attracts visitors with laid-back charm and authenticity.

The British Overseas Territory of Cayman Islands encompasses three gorgeous islands in the western Caribbean. The biggest of the three, Grand Cayman, is known for pristine beaches and diving sights. George Town, the country’s capital, is a major destination for cruise ships. You’ll find countless opportunities for duty free luxury shopping here, surrounded by traditional architecture and modern treats. If shopping is not your thing, you will surely appreciate the famous Seven Mile Beach — one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Cayman Brac is a real refuge from fast-paced city life and is a popular launch point for deep-sea fishing excursions. Little Cayman, the littlest island, is home to diverse wildlife. Make the trip to see endangered iguanas and rare seabirds with whimsical names such as red-footed boobies.

A trip to Cuba constitutes a veritable time-warp, a journey into a postcard world of classic cars, dilapidated colonial buildings, socialist propaganda and prodigious musical flair. It is a place unlike any other in our times – for now. Changes have already come about that allow visitors to interact with locals more closely than ever by staying at family-run guesthouses and eating in private kitchens and shopping at local galleries and workshops. A long-standing cultural powerhouse on the Latin American level, Cuba is ready to explode onto the world stage.

Curaçao, a vibrant gem in the southern Caribbean Sea, is a Dutch Caribbean island known for its pastel-coloured colonial architecture and sun-kissed beaches. As a harmonious blend of Dutch and Caribbean cultures, it offers a unique experience to travellers. Dive into its rich history at the Kura Hulanda Museum, explore the prolific street art of Willemstad, or bask in the beauty of beloved beaches like Porto Mari. Don't miss the chance to sample the island's signature Curaçao liqueur, distilled from the bitter fruit of the Valencia Orange. This captivating island is truly a treasure trove of tropical delights.

The Dominican Republic, with its stunning nature, beautifully restored architecture and extraordinarily rich culture is the second largest and one of the most intriguing Caribbean countries. It is undisputedly geographically diverse and boasts a breathtaking mountain scenery, national parks with rushing waterfalls and rivers, hot deserts and wide, sandy beaches. Top resorts provide an endless array of water sports, recreation, and entertainment options. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic and explore ancient monasteries and cobblestoned streets during the day and a buzzing nightlife after the sun goes down.

Among the endless paradisaical spots that define the Caribbean, Jamaica remains an island that beats to its own rhythm. It is equally as beautiful as it is strong, with crystalline waters flowing around coral reefs and breaking over white sandy beaches. Vast stretches of untouched nature feature cascading waterfalls, mystical caves and breathtaking mountain ranges. Jamaica entices visitors with uncountable opportunities to explore the island and its surroundings, be it on foot, on a bamboo raft or by diving and snorkeling. Jamaican culture with its creole influences resonates everywhere and you can taste it in the rich stews, African spices and of course, the Jamaican rum.

Martinique's most prominent feature is undoubtedly the still-smoldering volcano Mont Pelée, whose eruption in 2001 wiped out the former capital, St-Pierre. What has remained are fertile lands and beautiful natural surroundings, with an incredible variety of landscapes. Martinique gives you the unique opportunity to explore the rainforest, lie on a white sandy beach or hike through the mountains – all in one day. The city life in Martinique’s hotspots Fort-de-France and Le Lamentin is vibrant and cosmopolitan, with a delicious culinary scene, influenced by the cuisines of Africa, France and the Caribbean.

The portrayal of Puerto Rico in Arthur Laurents’ "West Side Story" does no justice to the flourishing country Puerto Rico is today. It welcomes you with paradise-like Caribbean beaches, dense forests and a vibrant culture that is difficult to compare to any other despite clear Spanish and American influences. Lethargic beach lovers and sun worshipers as well as active surfers will be equally happy in Puerto Rico. The impenetrable forests give this country something of a mysterious and magical air, and it almost seems as though the land does not want to reveal its secrets to visitors all at once – look deeper and be captivated by the smell of lechoneras and rhythmic salsa beats.

Formerly known as the Danish West Indies of the Kingdom of Denmark–Norway, the United States Virgin Islands are not one of the most accessible Caribbean holiday destinations for American travellers. Lush national parks, picture-perfect beaches, exciting water sports and delicious cuisine — anything you could wish for in a cruise ship port of call. Stay longer and explore beyond the charming town of Charlotte Amalie with its colourful colonial architecture, tax-free shopping and stunning views. The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of three main islands, bathed in the azure Caribbean waters and year-round sun. St. Thomas has pristine beaches and luxury resorts, white sands of Magens Bay, castles and botanical gardens. The largest of the islands, St Croix, has the easternmost point in the United States. Stop by for more colonial architecture of Christiansted and Frederiksted, and get some scuba gear to explore the reefs around Buck Island. Take a short boat ride to the east of St Thomas and see St John. Snorkel the crystal-clear, turquoise waters with sea turtles, rays and brilliantly coloured fish above corals. Crowd-free, white-sand beaches and an enormous national park with numerous hiking trails will guarantee an unforgettable trip. Sun, sea, sand and beach vibes — the U.S. Virgin Islands are your ultimate Caribbean destination.