Caribbean holidays: a guide to the islands

One region, many holidays

The Caribbean is the chain of islands between Mexico, Central America and South America, from Cuba in the north west to Barbados in the east. Some are proper countries with mountains, rainforest and cities of their own, others are small islands where a beach and a hotel are the whole point. Language, food, music and prices vary more than most people expect, because the islands had different colonial powers: English on Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia and Antigua, Spanish on Cuba and in the Dominican Republic, and French Creole in much of the east.

From the UK, Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia and Jamaica all have direct flights, which makes the English-speaking islands the easiest Caribbean holidays to plan. Expect a long travel day each way, so ten nights is a sensible minimum.

How to choose a Caribbean island

• Barbados suits you if you want calm beaches, good restaurants and an easy trip. The west coast is quiet and polished, the east coast wild and windswept. Read our Barbados guide.

• Jamaica is for music, nature and plenty to do: waterfalls, mountains, coffee and Seven Mile Beach. Read our Jamaica guide.

• Cuba is for cities, history and culture rather than luxury resorts: Havana, Trinidad and the tobacco valley of Viñales. Read our Cuba guide.

• St Lucia is the honeymoon and nature island, with the twin Pitons, rainforest and dramatic hotels. Read our St Lucia guide.

• Antigua is the island for beach lovers and sailors, with a long list of beaches and historic Nelson's Dockyard. Read our Antigua guide.

• The Dominican Republic has long beaches and big all-inclusive resorts around Punta Cana. Read about the Dominican Republic.

For more ideas, see our pick of the best Caribbean islands and our guide to Caribbean cruises.

When is the best time to visit the Caribbean?

The dry and most popular season runs roughly from December to April, with sunshine, low humidity and trade winds that keep things fresh. It is also when prices peak, especially around Christmas, New Year and Easter.

Hurricane season officially runs from 1 June to 30 November, with the highest risk from August to October. That does not mean constant storms, but the weather is less settled, some hotels close for refurbishment and travel insurance with cancellation cover is wise. May, June and November can be good compromises with lower prices.

It is warm all year. Check the current entry requirements for your island before you travel.

All inclusive or not?

Many of the best Caribbean hotels are all inclusive, which is practical where restaurants are spread out. On Barbados, Cuba and Jamaica there is still plenty to find beyond the hotel gates: the Friday fish fry at Oistins, street food in Kingston and paladares in Havana. See also our guide to adults-only all-inclusive resorts.

Caribbean holidays: frequently asked questions

Which Caribbean island is best?

It depends on what you want. Barbados is easy and polished, Jamaica has the most to do, Cuba has the most history, St Lucia has the most dramatic scenery and Antigua has the most beaches.

When is the best time to go to the Caribbean?

December to April is the driest and most popular period. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October.

Which Caribbean islands have direct flights from the UK?

Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia and Jamaica all have direct flights from London, and some also from regional airports in season.

Which Caribbean islands speak English?

Among others Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia and Antigua. Spanish is spoken in Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

How long should a Caribbean holiday be?

At least ten nights, ideally two weeks, because the journey is long. It also gives you time to combine two islands.