The 9 Most Beautiful Towns in the Caribbean
Known as one of the world’s best vacation spots, the Caribbean is a beautiful destination in the Americas. Home to a combination of 700 islands, this region has lovely islets, reefs, beaches, and more for the perfect coastal trip. So, if warm weather, glamorous resorts, world-class spas, and delicious cuisine are your idea of a vacation, the Caribbean is a must-visit. However, with so many islands, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit on your trip. While some have better beaches, others may offer the best seafood you’ve had! So, to help you find the best town to visit, let’s take a look at the 9 most beautiful towns in the Caribbean and what they have to offer!
Havana, Cuba
The capital of Cuba, Havana, is a scenic city in the Caribbean and an economic and tourism hub. With an area of 281 square miles (128 sq. km.) and whopping 2.3 million inhabitants, Havana is full of enjoyable things to do no matter where you go. Most importantly, the town has a rich culture as a military position for the Spanish during the Spanish-American War. Throughout this time, the city has seen plenty of major political events and battles which have made it the culture-filled and strong community you can see today. Testament to its history, Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can find many historical buildings here. For example, check out the National Capitol Building’s stunning architecture or the 18th-century Catedral de San Cristóbal!
If you’re not into historical sights, don’t worry! Thanks to its location in the Caribbean, Havana is home to some great adrenaline-filled activities for tourists to enjoy. Snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and even relaxing along the many beaches are paramount when it comes to daytime enjoyment! On the other hand, Havana is also known for its assortment of vintage Cuban cars as the country was unable to import cars for many decades. So, go to the Museum of the Revolution or Hotel Inglaterra where you can pick up an antique beauty to travel around town. Once you’ve spent your day roaming the streets, settle down in a local bar with one of the region’s renowned Cuban cocktails for a blast of flavor!
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The oldest European-founded city in the Americas, San Juan is a unique mix of both historical relevance and modern tourism. With an area of 77 square miles (199.4 sq. km.) and rich history as a Spanish settlement, the culture imbued into the city is prevalent. Although, as it was ceded to the United States in 1898, San Juan has been an unincorporated American territory for more than 100 years, giving it a fresh cultural appeal. Thus, no matter where you go in this city, you are sure to find some historical sites with unique stories. For example, check out Old San Juan where you can find major landmarks such as the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a six-level fortress from the 1500s which was integral in many battles. If you are a history buff, you can also check out other sites such as La Rogativa, Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery, and La Fortaleza.
Step out of Old San Juan and the city of 342,000 is flush with a welcoming environment and exciting activities for everyone. Check out the Caribbean’s largest shopping mall, Plaza Las Américas where you will be surrounded by boutiques, luxury stores, a cinema, and much more. After enjoying some shopping, relax and unwind at one of San Juan’s many beaches such as Condado Beach or Ocean Park Beach. These beaches offer everything from fun sports like paddleboarding to relaxing coastal spas to calm down. However, that’s not all as San Juan gets even livelier after the sun sets with its amazing nightlife scene! So, visit clubs like La Placita de Santurce to enjoy world-class cuisine, drinks, and dance the night away!
Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius
If busy cities and crowded streets aren’t your thing, Oranjestad is a great town you can visit in the Caribbean. With a population of over 1,000 Oranjestad is the capital and only town on Sint Eustatius Island in the Caribbean. Thus, the town is full of 8 square miles (21 sq. km.) of luscious greenery completely encompassed by water for a never-ending coast! So, combining the quaint vibe and expansive coast, you get the perfect place to chill out and relax along the beach! Along with this, you can have a go at watersports such as windsurfing or waterskiing which are two of the most popular activities here. Along with coastal beauty, the island is well preserved with many scenic views inland. Out of these, Boven National Park is the most prevalent as it houses a massive 2,000 (609 m) feet tall volcano which is completely accessible to tourists. Surrounding this volcano is a range of scenic trails where you can see all kinds of flora & fauna such as exotic birds, orchids, etc. With this and much more, there is no shortage of natural sights in and around Oranjestad.
While it may be quite secluded, Oranjestad still has an intriguing past with many important events. The region was first colonized in the 1600s and since then, was used for sugar production, a center for slave trading, and even a military city for the French. Thanks to this, you’ll find sited like the French Fort Oranje from 1629. This well-preserved fort has functional cannons and sturdy walls, making it a premier tourist attraction. So, whether it's nature, history, or even sports, Oranjestad is the Caribbean town to visit for a peaceful take on your vacation.
Cockburn Town, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Cockburn Town is a small settlement on Grand Turk Island and the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Founded in 1681 by salt collectors, this town has quite a unique past that made it the tourism hub it is now. This is because Cockburn Town initially rose to fame for its sea salt industry which brought in both people and money. Testament to this, the town’s architecture showcases the British Colonial Bermudian style which was widespread at that time. Even today, you can see structures from this era around town with wooden plank roofs and smooth stucco exterior walls. However, to take in Cockburn Town’s history, check out The National Museum which displays local artifacts, international pieces, and even an exhibit of the oldest excavated European shipwreck in the New World. For more insight, you can also visit the infamous H.M. Prison or Grand Turk Lighthouse!
While the town’s history is enticing, these sites are primarily on Queen Street and Front Street. Step out of these streets and you will find lovely beaches, crystal clear waters, and delicious food. With an area of 6.7 square miles (17.4 sq. km) and a quaint population of 3,700, it is the perfect town for some peaceful coastal fun. For example, spend your day resting along Pillory Beach for a tranquil experience with the waves. Here, you can also book a scuba diving package and spend the day underwater with beautiful coral and fish! After this, head to Salt Raker Inn or Sandbar Restaurant for a delicious meal flush with local seafood delicacies. All in all, Cockburn Town is a great way to take in the coastal experience with a pinch of history on the side!
St George’s, Grenada
One of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, St George’s is the complete package when it comes to natural beauty. Known for its spice production, it is Grenada’s capital city and while the town may house 33,000 residents, there are always tourists here. This is because no matter where you look, there is some scenic view awaiting you. Look at the city and you’ll see red-tiled roofs and quaint houses exuding French and British colonial architecture. Go past the city and you’ll find a horseshoe-shaped harbor on one side while the other is surrounded by a hilly volcano crater! With so much beauty on offer, it's no wonder St George is jam-packed with fun activities for tourists to enjoy. For example, outdoor enthusiasts can spend the day hiking along the nearby Mt. St. Catherine, a massive 8681 feet (2646 m) tall mountain! Or, if hiking isn’t your thing you can also go scuba diving or swimming to explore the magnificent reefs off the coast. So, if you want to see what the Caribbean has to offer when it comes to natural beauty, St George’s is the place to go.
That’s not all! Home to a rich history dating back to 1650 when it was colonized by the French, St George’s is also a cultural hub! Having been the site for many political events and battles such as an American invasion in 1983, St George’s is now filled with fortifications and historical structures. For example, River Antoine Rum Distillery has been processing and producing rum since 1785 and offers lively tours which allow tourists to sample liquors! Another historical site is the 18th-century Fort Fredrick which played an important role in defending French troops from British attacks! Today, Fort Fredrick sits atop the east end of St George’s and offers a panoramic view of the entire city and nearby areas, perfect to end your trip!
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Home to a lively population of 1,485,000, San Dominigo is a bustling metropolis and capital city of the Dominican Republic. Testament to this, the city is the country's cultural, economic, political, and tourism hub, with a lot to offer both residents and visitors. In terms of natural beauty, this Caribbean town stays true to the coastal image but with a modern twist. This is because while Santo Domingo does have a vast coastline that spans its southern boundary, the city is also lined with a scenic cityscape, as well as mountainous regions nearby. So, you can spend your morning along the Guiba beach, or take a hike along the Los Charcos de Nizao to enjoy natural pools and limestone cliffs! Additionally, the nearby Cotubanama National Park is a short distance from the city which takes you to beautiful natural wonders such as caves and swimming holes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
When it comes to the historical value of cities in the Caribbean, few towns can compete with Santo Domingo. First inhabited by the native Taino people, Santo Domingo was “discovered” by the famous Christopher Columbus in 1492 after which it became a Spanish settlement. Within the coming years, the town developed under the Spanish and witnessed many movements and events such as the slave revolt of 1522. The following centuries saw multiple battles with the city coming under the flag of France, Haiti, and even that of a free nation. With this culmination of these events, the town has managed to incorporate the culture and history of many regions to create a unique mix that emanates from all corners. For example, the Ozama Fortress is part of the original city walls and is recognized by UNESCO as the oldest military construction of European origin in the Americas. You can also check out the cathedral which housed the remains of Christopher Columbus for more than a century. Move forward to the present and you can enjoy artistic beauty at Microteatro Santo Domingo, a lovely theatre that showcases a 15-minute play on local culture, life, and society. With so much to do and also some amazing cuisine to keep you fueled, Santo Domingo is perfect for anyone interested in the Caribbean.
Willemstad, Curaçao
Another famous capital city in the Caribbean, Willemstad is the capital of Curaçao, an island and constituent country of the Netherlands. With a total area of 45 square miles (117 sq. km.) and a population of 137,000, this city is full of life and vibrance which you can see in every corner. Whether it is the stunning architecture and bright colors on every building or the beautiful waterways spread throughout, Willemstad exudes an air of positivity. Being in the Caribbean, it fits the vibe of a coastal town with some relaxing street cafes that offer delicacies such as “Orange Liqueur,” an alcoholic beverage made with dried orange peels. However, there’s more to it than the coastal areas. Instead, you can move deeper into the island which is filled with national parks such as Shete Boka, a beautiful park with a water-filled underground cavern that is a treat to observe.
If you are more interested in the history and culture of this Caribbean town, then you’re in luck. Imbued with Spanish, Dutch, and British influence, Willemsted is jam-packed with culture. This is evident everywhere in town whether it is through historical buildings or unique art. For example, Fort Amsterdam is a place of interest that was built in 1634 by the Dutch West India Company as a Caribbean outpost! Similarly, many other sites exist thanks to which many parts of Willemstad have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites! However, while buildings are one thing, the rich culture is present in the locals as well with many people being able to speak multiple languages such as creole, Dutch, English, Papiamentu, and Spanish. Moreover, artistic displays through music, crafts, and even sculptures can be found all across the city streets! Thus, Willemsted has it all for a Caribbean getaway filled with natural and cultural beauty.
Jacmel, Haiti
Nicknamed the “City of Light” for being the first Caribbean commune to have electricity, Jacmel is a well-preserved town in Haiti. The city is home to a decent population of 138,000 and similar to many of its nearby counterparts, has a unique past! Occupied as the capital of a French colony in 1698, Jacmel was an important city for sugar production and trade. As time went on, the economy shifted to the cigar and coffee industries, which became quite prevalent. Albeit, things took a turn post-1791 when the region was first attacked and occupied by Romaine-la-Prophétesse as part of the Haitian Revolution. This began a chain of many battles in Jacmel which even involved bombardment by the American warship USS General Greene. Things slowed down by the 2000s and while a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in 2010 caused major damage, Jacmel has managed to reconstruct beautifully. Having maintained its rich historical and cultural heritage through disaster, this city is accepted as a World Heritage Site. This is prevalent when you look at Jacmel’s Historic District filled with streets of iron and cast iron houses of French influence.
As with any Caribbean city, apart from the rich culture, natural beauty is always a key attraction, and Jacmel is no different. The city is home to some lovely sights such as Bassin Blue, a series of pools that connect to form a natural waterfall. This scenic area is an enchanting sight and you can swim in the clear water of the final pool. Or, you can visit Raymond les Bains, a sandy beach in Jacmel which has great spots to relax and tasty food options like baked fish and cola! Speaking of food and drink, Haiti is famous for its Prestige Beer and fresh coconuts, so be sure you try both of these when in Jacmel!
Roseau, Dominica
Known for its unique contrasts and beautiful scenery, Roseau is a lovely Caribbean town to visit. It is the capital and largest city of Dominica as well as a vital hub for foreign exports of bananas, bay oil, oranges, and more. While it is an urban center, the city is quite compact and houses a tight-knit population of less than 15,000, which gives it a peaceful vibe. This feeling is also prevalent in the surrounding areas of the city which are imbued with a range of natural scenes that are sure to catch your attention. For example, walk south of Roseau and you’ll land on Champagne Beach, a lovely beach filled with coral reefs, marine life, and even hot volcanic vents that spout out “champagne” like bubbles. On the other side of town, you will find hilly areas such as Morne Bruce, a small mountain that offers an ideal hike to enjoy a panoramic view of the town. Further inland is the Morne Trois Pitons National Park which is home to everything from mountain peaks to beautiful waterfalls, perfect for a camping trip!
While natural beauty takes the limelight, Roseau is also a well-known historic place. As another French settlement in the Caribbean, it is also filled with fortifications, European architecture, and other unique sights. You can also spend the day at the Old Roseau Market, an age-old trading market that has now become a center for arts and crafts. Thus, everything from handmade souvenirs to unique art pieces are famous here.
With so many beautiful towns in the Caribbean, there is something to enjoy no matter where you go! For example, check out Roseau for the region's natural beauty or go to Havana for some historic sights. All in all, no matter what you plan on doing, there is always a beautiful coast waiting for you in the Caribbean
