Which countries are included in the Caribbean. Saint Kitts and Nevis

Not all countries washed by Caribbean are exemplary resorts, which is why we've compiled a list of the best travel destinations in the Caribbean.

An unforgettable vacation awaits those who set out on a journey to the countries, the territories of which are washed by the Caribbean Sea. The list of such locations is quite large: this is a number of countries in the South and Central America as well as numerous island states.

Of course, not all of them are exemplary resorts, so the National Tourism Union has set itself the task of highlighting the 7 best tourist destinations for you and telling you in detail about them. Meet the 7 rating best countries Caribbean vacation destination.

Bahamas

The Bahamas is an archipelago located off the coast of the United States. Only 20 out of 700 islands are inhabited, respectively, only on them your vacation can be organized.

Due to its exotic nature, paradise climate and fabulous views, the Bahamas attracts many couples in love, ranging from newlyweds to seniors - there is no more suitable and beautiful place in order to enjoy each other's company.

There are hotels for every taste, but if tourists want to check into a fashionable hotel, then it is best to choose New Providence or Paradise. It's no secret that some islands have fundamental differences in their tourist infrastructure - this is done so that every traveler who has visited the Bahamas can enjoy exactly the kind of vacation he was going for.

So, for solitude with a loved one, the small islands of Harbor Island and Eleuthera are ideal: silence prevails here, making it possible to feel harmony with nature, and comfort. And against the backdrop of pineapple plantations and picturesque beaches nestled in bays, you can take stunning pictures for the family collection.

Mayaguana Island is considered the most exotic and virgin: there are many fishing villages, wild beaches and caves to explore. And the seabed is replete with coral rhymes and even sunken ships. Therefore, lovers active rest and diving are happy to choose this place.

An obvious disadvantage of a vacation in the Bahamas is, of course, the high cost, as well as a long flight time from Russia: there are no direct flights - a transfer is required, which from different tour operators requires from 1 hour to a day of waiting, and the entire flight takes more than 20 hours in total.

But come to rest in paradise you can in any season: thanks to the constant mild trade winds, the air temperature ranges from 22 to 30 degrees all year round.

Aruba

Aruba is an island nation created for an unforgettable vacation. Unlike the Bahamas, this tourist destination is not as advertised, but it can offer travelers many options for a luxurious vacation: for those who, in addition to tranquility, need a drive, a varied nightlife is organized here, each hotel has a casino, there are a large number of bars and conceptual restaurants.

The tropical maritime climate awaits tourists all year round. The nature here is no less fantastic than in the Bahamas: clear water, picturesque beaches, many of which are adapted for diving, surfing (including wind and kitesurfing) or snorkelling.

Most of the beaches are assigned to hotels, and we tried to highlight the best of them: Druif Beach - is considered the cleanest and most picturesque; Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are some of the most "party" beaches in the resort: the fun does not stop here until the morning; Rogers Beach and Baby Beach are the calmest and quietest beaches, allowing visitors to blend in with the natural surroundings.

Of the minuses of this tourist destination high prices can be noted, as well as the need to obtain a visa for Russians (the consular fee is 4300 rubles), and the maximum period for which a visa can be issued does not exceed 30 days.

Moreover, as in the case of the Bahamas, there are no direct flights to Aruba - the flight requires a transfer in Amsterdam. The entire flight, excluding the stopping time, will take about 14 hours, but the fact of transferring in the capital of Holland imposes another task on the traveler - it is necessary to issue a transit visa for the Netherlands. But will that stop a real Caribbean pirate?

Mexico

In this country, Spanish, Indian and Caribbean cultures are surprisingly mixed: in addition to such world-famous beaches as Cancun and the Riviera Maya, there are ancient monuments of architecture of mysterious civilizations, which are a separate pleasure to study.

The traveler chooses the concept of rest in Mexico, guided by his taste: if you are interested in diving - you are on the island of Cozumel, if you want to learn more about the life of the Mayan civilization - follow the Palenque temples, love and appreciate the nightlife - Acapulco discos are waiting for you.

For those citizens who intend to spend their vacation in a relaxed mode, dozens of beaches have been equipped, where you can spend time with your family in peace and comfort, enjoying the delightful nature.

Numerous excursions are also organized, among which it is worth highlighting the possibility of scuba diving in an underwater cave, where a fantastic view of the representatives of the marine fauna opens up.

Add rich national cuisine able to satisfy the appetites of even the most seasoned gourmets, as well as the opportunity to taste more than 300 local tequila varieties - all this will undoubtedly add bright colors to your holiday.

Unlike the countries located higher in the ranking, a trip to Mexico is cheaper, but not much. Since this state, in fact, is located on the other side of the world, it is also not close to fly to it: about 14 hours, but it is worth noting that there is a direct flight connection between Moscow and Mexico City - you do not need to make a transfer.

Another significant plus is that a single entry into the country in 2018 for Russians does not require a visa, it is enough to fill out a form on the website of the Mexican Embassy.

Puerto Rico

An island state located in the Caribbean Sea, under the control of the United States, this resort has a well-thought-out infrastructure, clean and refined beaches, as well as many luxury hotels.

The name of the country is translated from Spanish as "rich port", which is reflected in picturesque bays and beaches, clear water and opportunities for travelers to spend their holidays in a variety of ways: diving, surfing, rich architectural and cultural heritage- everyone will find something interesting for themselves here. Moreover, in Puerto Rico you can do profitable shopping - this is facilitated by an impressive number of shopping centers.

The resort is divided into zones, and they are organized in such a way that in Puerto Rico you can rest and get unforgettable experience absolutely everything: both newlyweds, and elderly tourists, and young people who want to spend an extreme and fun vacation, full of drive, in a large company.

Prices for tours to Puerto Rico are quite high, however, when compared with the Bahamas, this tourist destination, of course, is cheaper. You can relax in the island state throughout the year, regardless of the season: average temperature air is 28-33 degrees Celsius.

To visit the resort, Russians need to apply for a visa at the US Embassy, ​​which is a rather laborious task, given the current degree of relations between countries. There are no direct flights - a transfer is required. The flight time without stopping will be about 14 hours.

Jamaica

Jamaica is a very sunny and hospitable resort offering various forms of recreation, as they say, "for every budget." Russians do not need a visa to relax on an island rich in excellent beaches and hotels with a high level of service.

The most developed and popular resort area Jamaica is Negril, on the territory of which there are snow-white beaches with a length of more than 11 km. All buildings, including hotels, are low-rise (no higher than palm trees), which adds a special flavor to the location. Negril is also famous for its diving facilities - tourists from all over the world come here for this activity.

The best and most popular beach, which hosts daily entertainment performances, is Seven Mile Beach, and Bloody Bay Beach is worth highlighting among the wild beaches - there is practically no infrastructure - only virgin nature in its original form.

As in other Caribbean states, Jamaica is warm all year round, and the flight will take you 17 hours with one or even two transfers - there are no direct flights.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, a paradise resort located in the east of the island of Haiti, receives silver in today's rating of the National Tourist Union. The Dominican Republic is good for everyone: excellent beaches, a lot of entertainment for vacationers, including a rich night infrastructure, a wide range of hotels, among which there are options for both all-inclusive lovers and those who prefer to explore. local cuisine on your own, exploring nearby restaurants and bars.

A Russian tourist is not burdened with a visa application procedure if he wants to visit the country, moreover, direct flights are organized to this tourist destination. The flight time will be 12 hours.

The Dominican Republic is a great option for those who want to experience the whole exotic atmosphere of the Caribbean fairy tale and not pay fabulous sums for it: the resort offers travelers options at fairly affordable prices and even all-inclusive options.

Cuba

The winner of today's rating is the birthplace of Fidel Castro - sunny Cuba... The price-quality ratio for this tourist destination is at the proper level: great hotels, wonderful service, beautiful beaches, a lot of entertainment and picturesque views - everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.

No visas are needed, the flight is direct (from Moscow) and takes about 12-13 hours. The weather all year round is simply created in order to sunbathe and swim, and the climate is very mild, due to which even the smallest travelers will not languish from the heat.

Cuba has long been a Spanish overseas possession, so many examples of colonial architecture have been preserved on the Island of Liberty. Old Havana has a special charm. In that amazing city time has stopped: American cars of the 50s drive on the roads; here you will not find McDonald's or other attributes of globalization. Cuba looks like a huge one, only here everything is real. At the same time, the island has a very low crime rate and an excellent attitude towards Russians.

Revolutionary spirit, tangible color, colorful carnivals, as if painted with watercolors, famous rum and cigars - you won't be bored in Cuba, we promise.

The Caribbean countries are island states that are located in the Caribbean Sea between the North and South America... They include Bahamas and Large and Small Antilles, the total area of ​​which is almost 245 thousand km².

Second official name This region - the West Indies - arose after Christopher Columbus, who sailed from Europe to India across the Atlantic Ocean, accidentally discovered new lands, confusing them with India. This happened in 1492 and since then the Spaniards began to actively develop new territories. The indigenous tribes of the Caribs and Arawaks who lived here were eventually partially exported to work on plantations in South America, and the rest became extinct.

Along with Spain, other European states began to claim new lands, among which were Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark. In addition to the colonies they founded here, the pirate brotherhood also flourished, the settlements of which were not inferior in power and wealth to the large European colonies. The fact is that the unfolding between the colonies and European states trade attracted not only landowners and merchants, but also filibusters who lived off easy prey.

The trade items most often consisted of cocoa beans, fruits of coconut trees, cotton, agave, vanilla, tobacco, corn, indigo growing here in large quantities, as well as sugar cane and coffee tree that have perfectly taken root in the local tropical climate. Large areas of plantations were developed, to which slaves from Africa were brought in, known for being good at heat and being extremely hardy.

Centuries later, when the colonies outlived themselves as a form of controlled overseas territories, and the islands gained independence and became independent states, the population was a wild mixture of different peoples, religions, traditions and customs that assimilated over many centuries and brought out a new distinctive culture.

Today, for the whole world, the Caribbean countries are a cluster of exotic paradise islands who can give unforgettable vacation at the end of the earth. Almost all states focus on tourism industry because they do not own a large industry.

Made up of volcanic rocks or coral reefs, the islands are covered with lush tropical vegetation and are inhabited by amazing animals and birds, including monkeys, bakers, possums, agouti, crocodiles and turtles, as well as parrots, hummingbirds and other birds with quite bright plumage. The coastal waters of the islands are teeming with a variety of fish species, including variegated coral fish and several species of sharks.

A whole developed tourist infrastructure consisting of large hotel complexes and uninhabited islands with separate bungalows, entertainment complexes and water parks, restaurants and discos. Vacationers can enjoy all types of sea and outdoor activities: surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, yachting, kayaking, fishing, diving with sharks or just diving, as well as other equally interesting activities.

Caribbean islands is the dazzling sun of endless beaches and its own unique nature on each island: green tropical forests alternate with volcanic landscapes, green coffee plantations are replaced by thickets of sugar cane and bananas. And all this is surrounded by the beautiful, warm Caribbean Sea all year round. The Caribbean has a rich and very turbulent history in the past, and the culture of these states at one time had a noticeable UK influence, Holland, Spain, France and even Denmark. This region offers a great variety of leisure options, from the well-known Cuba and the Dominican Republic to such little-known places as the Turks and Caicos or Grenada.

Each of the Caribbean islands is very distinctive. There are islands for the quiet and secluded relaxation, there are places where life is in full swing. Many resorts here have excellent conditions for water sports - diving, snorkeling or different types surfing. The most popular are visa-free states for Russian citizens: Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, Turks and Caicos.
Barbados is often called "Little England" - many English traditions are firmly rooted in his life and are still clearly felt. There is a large selection of hotels, and not all of them accept small children: the rest here is mostly calm and relaxed.
Grenada is known as "the island of spices", there are many botanical gardens, museums, attractions, and beaches with soft white sand.
Turks and Caicos, "new" Russian market, has been visa-free for Russians for over a year now and has attracted the attention of a respectable public with its magnificent five-star hotels, as well as good diving conditions and high-level SPA centers.
The most popular islands, "visa" for Russians: Saint Lucia - a garden island, one of the most beautiful islands The Caribbean. Aruba is a desert island, with great hotels and rugged nightlife... Isle of Saint-Martin, divided into two states with a formal border and many hotels different levels... The Bahamas has a huge selection of accommodation options for all types of recreation, from secluded hotels to bustling urban complexes. A little less often, but still they ask for the rest of Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao and Bonaire.

Caribbean islands

ANGUILLA Is a special, small, serene secluded island. Sixteen miles long and three miles wide, the island is full of white soft sand beaches washed by crystal blue waters.

There are thirty-three beaches and bays on the island. Anguilla renowned for its atmosphere of seclusion and serenity, the island is ideal for those looking for an antidote to stress. In quiet villages around the island, banks and shops, boutiques and shops await you.

Lovers aquatic species sports will be delighted with the water sports center located on the beach in Road Bay... Regardless of your culinary tastes, dinner in Anguilla is something everyone will delight in. Enjoy the peace and quiet, excitement and fun Anguilla and ANTIGUA (Antigua)

Antigua It is considered to be the heart of the Caribbean due to the location of the island: it is full of beautiful white sandy beaches. They say that relaxing on the beach in Antigua is possible every day of the year. Here you will see beautiful old buildings with interesting architectural features such as the Old Court House and museums. The island's main attraction is the restored Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbor. There are special excursions to the island of Barbuda, which is located just 28 miles north of Antigua. Flights are carried out regularly and very short in time. Enjoy one of the most welcoming and beautiful islands in the Caribbean.
Antigua is an island of beaches, there are more than 350 of them. The country has a well-developed tourist infrastructure: there are many luxury hotels, nightclubs, casinos and entertainment complexes.
The hotel base of Antigua is quite similar to other countries of the Caribbean (the only exceptions are Cuba and the Dominican Republic). There are no large hotels on the island: all of them are medium-sized (about two hundred rooms), most of them are all-inclusive. " Service is invariably at a very high level, although, like all residents Caribbean countries, the natives of Antigua have a certain innate slowness.
Another plus of the destination is that there is no need for Russian tourists to apply for visas. They only need to have with them a passport valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry into the country, a hotel voucher and a return ticket.

ARUBA (Aruba)

Topography Aruba resembles the southwestern United States. The difference is the numerous beaches. The vegetation is represented by a wide variety of cacti. A seven-mile stretch of white sand beach fringed with palm trees is located on the southwest coast. The northeastern part of the coast is rough and inhospitable with high rumbling waves. Official language the island is Dutch, the local Papiamento dialect is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch. However, English and Spanish are spoken by many. These languages ​​are understood here. Aruba attracts many holidaymakers. Here you can enjoy an active, full of fun, as well as a quiet and relaxing holiday. Here you can do water sports, boating, visit Archaeological Museum, Indian Rock Garden, and see caves and natural wonders rock formations with panoramic views. Adventure lovers are encouraged to take a walking tour of the trails in the Aruba Nature Reserve.

BARBADOS (Barbados)

Barbados is known as the pearl of the Caribbean and is composed mainly of coral limestone deposits. Sandstone and clay cover one-sixth of the island's territory. Coral formations explain the many underground currents, waterfalls and streams that you will see when you visit Harrison's Cave. Barbados is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide. The most high point the island is Mount Hillaby - 1,100 feet. Despite the small size of the island, the island has many things to see and do. It has Great Houses, planter-style homes, botanical gardens, rainforests, and a national park. You will be curious to visit the sugarcane factory and the place where rum is produced. There are beautiful beaches offering great swimming and all kinds of water sports. Boating and windsurfing is very popular here. They did not forget about golf lovers who can choose any of the four courses.

Bahamas, or as they are also called Bahamas, are an archipelago of 700 islands located about 90 km from the coast of Florida.
The appearance of the Bahamas differs depending on the location: here is the charm of the era of colonialism in historic Nassau on New Providence Island, and modern Freeport on the Big Bahama Island, and the idyll of Out Azlands.

As if strung on a string of beads, the Bahamas stretch out in the Atlantic Ocean, washed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

Before the discovery of the Bahamas by Columbus in 1492, the Caribbean tribes of the Arawaks settled there.

The original inhabitants of the Bahamas were taken by the Spaniards to work in the mines of South America, where they eked out a miserable existence and soon became extinct.

The history of today's Bahamas begins with adventure lovers who have found on about. Eleuthera a new homeland and freedom of religion.

They were followed by the notorious pirates who could not even dream of a better refuge for themselves.

Together with American war for independence and then the civil war came the royalists with their slaves.

CURACAO (Curacao)

Curacao- with an area of ​​444 square kilometers, it is the largest of the Netherlands Antilles in the Southern Caribbean. The island is flat, with extraordinary nature and lizards staring in surprise at the scuba diving eccentrics diving into the water. The shores of Curacaos are coral or stone-trimmed. A high level of service, security guarantees and friendliness - surround the guests of the island.

On famous picturesque resorts Martinique, with its embossed shores incredible beauty covered with tropical forests and volcanic massifs, thrills and discoveries await you. Admire the magnificent Bay of Fort-de-France, the coves of Dufour, Noir and Trabaud. On excursions to lakes, hills, plantations and the slopes of Mount Pele, you will see nature in all its splendor. Follow the Flower Road to Red Hill. If you go fishing, stay away from swordfish and barracuda. Relax on Saline Beach under the shade of coconut trees ...

Santa lucia- a mountainous island, shaped like an avocado and located in the center of the eastern Caribbean chain - one of the most attractive islands for tourism. Nature has endowed this island with many of its most spectacular sights. The majestic twin peaks of the Pitons of Santa Lucia rise straight out of the sea for nearly half a mile. Beyond them, over 19,000 acres of mountains and valleys stretch into rainforest, home to many exotic wildlife, giant ferns, wild orchids and rare native parrot species. There are waterfalls and mineral springs, you can even take a trip to the volcano - the road leads to the remains of a volcanic crater, where pools of muddy, bubbling water send pillars of spray 50 feet high. The coastal strip of mountains covered with tropical forests is often interrupted by natural harbors and bays. Reduit Beach is a center for many water sports.

The Caribbean Islands, or simply the Caribbean, is the land of island micro-states, whose main source of income is tourism. It is not surprising that a lot of attention is paid to the recreational industry here. The climate and nature of the islands is more than conducive to recreation and tourism, however, due to the geographical remoteness of the islands of the Caribbean, they are not yet so popular as a vacation spot among Russian tourists. The pluses of a vacation in the Caribbean include the fact that most states do not require an entry visa, but there are also some nuances here. Today we will talk about these and other features of rest in the Caribbean in our review.

1.Cuba

Holidays in Cuba are most popular among tourists from Russia. Judge for yourself, the most big Island The Caribbean offers its tourists a wonderful climate and beaches, colorful culture and natural attractions, no need to apply for a visa, in addition, the price in Cuba will also pleasantly surprise our compatriots. The coastline of the island is characterized by the presence of a large number of bays and coves; for divers, the island is also of interest due to the presence of coral formations near the coast. Cuba is washed Atlantic Ocean, The Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. There are several mountain ranges, as well as numerous karst caves, where it will be interesting to go on excursions.

The climate of Cuba is typical tropical, so if you don't want to get into the rainy season, then it is better to come here on vacation from October to April. Varadero is considered the main resort in Cuba. By the way, the beaches of Varadero are among the five most clean beaches the world. The resort has a large hotel base and numerous diving centers, tourists have the opportunity to visit various excursions, incl. to caves and rainforests, as well as to experience a water safari, so a vacation in Cuba is more of a mixture beach holiday and an exciting excursion, since the nature of Cuba is inexhaustible in this regard.

An advantage for Russian tourists is the ability to fly to Cuba without additional transfers from Moscow. In addition, there are various connecting flights across Europe. Probably, ticket purchases will be the biggest expense item, because prices in Cuba are quite reasonable even in tourist areas.

Romtomtom / flickr

2.Dominican Republic

When choosing a resort in the Dominican Republic, you should rely on your own desires. Most Russian tourists go to the famous resort of Punta Cana, and this is not surprising, because there is a gentle white sandy coast, convenient logistics to the main attractions, and Punta Cana hotels are famous for their diversity and hospitality. However, if you come on vacation to the Dominican Republic for the purpose of diving or other water sports, then it is better to go to the south of the country, where there are all opportunities for exploring the coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea. These resorts include Catalina Island or the townships of Juan Dolio and Boca Chica. Windsurfing is possible in Puerto Plata. Among the sights of the Dominican Republic, the island of Saona, which is at the same time a reserve, will be especially curious, its views are truly paradise, as in the Bounty advertisement. In the vicinity of the city of Jarabokoa there are cascading waterfalls, which in turn are popular place visits by tourists.

Rest in the Dominican Republic is mainly beach, good coastline here it is spacious and stretches for many kilometers, but if you, in addition to a beach holiday, are interested in the history of this Caribbean state, then in the capital of the Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo, many cultural, architectural and historical monuments which have a stylistic variety and will be of interest to many. It is here that you can feel the Spanish influence on the culture and life of the islanders.

For Russian tourists, there are direct flights from Moscow to the Punta Cana resort, in addition, a visa to enter the Dominican Republic is not needed if you do not plan to stay there for more than 30 days.

Antonio Castagna / flickr

3.Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a mixture of mountains and vast coastal areas, add to this the mild maritime climate, and you have a great vacation spot. The main contingent of vacationers here are Americans, and this is not surprising, because Puerto Rico is a country freely associated with the United States. On the one hand, on the island, the order and infrastructure, as in the United States, on the other hand, the population has Spanish roots, which can be traced in culture and medieval architecture, and on the third, tropical flora and fauna reign here, all together this makes the country unique and unique of a kind.

The number of beaches on the island is overwhelming, here everyone can choose a shore to suit their interests, for example, surfers are better off heading to the western part of the island to beaches such as Punta Higuero and Spanish Wall Beach; for lovers of secluded relaxation, Mar Chiquita or Resaka Beach are perfect; divers and snorkelers usually flock to Blue Beach and Playa Esperanza. Of the sights of the island, the Rio Camai National Cave Park can be noted - this is a whole network of karst caves stretching for many kilometers of the island.

For lovers mountain tourism you should definitely go to the Central Cordillera mountain range, the highest on the island. For cultural values ​​it is worth going to the capital of Puerto Rico - the city of San Juan. The city is considered one of the oldest founded by Europeans in America. Among the attractions of San Juan are the forts of San Felipe del Morre and San Cristobal and many old colonial-style buildings.

Russian tourists need a visa to enter Puerto Rico, which is issued at the US consulates. The flight, most likely, will also be carried out through one of the US cities, although there is an option - to take a ferry from the Dominican Republic (about 14 hours on the way). There are no direct flights from Moscow to Puerto Rico.

Breezy Baldwin / flickr

4.Bahamas

The geography of the Bahamas is extremely interesting - the country consists of more than 700 islands, and only 30 of them are inhabited, and also coastal zone The Bahamas is rich in coral reefs, making it one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. The best time Years for visiting the islands are considered November-April, when precipitation (or rather, monsoon showers) is unlikely. The most visited islands in the Bahamas are New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros, Eleuthera. They are absolutely tailored to the needs of tourists: hotels, restaurants, night bars and discos, walking promenades, shopping, the opportunity to visit a lot of excursions - all this forms the basis of the economy. island nation, so tourists are always welcome here.

For diving, go to the islands of Abacos and Eleuthera, to the island of Inagua for exotic entertainment such as swimming with dolphins, to the island of Andros for fishing, and for quality shopping in New Providence. The real gem of your visit to the Bahamas will be a trip to Harbor Island, where the mysterious pink beach is located. The color of the sand on the beach and in the water is really pink. The explanation is simple - the presence of pink mollusks is high in the water, giving such an amazing color to the water.

There are several national parks in the Bahamas, each of which is famous for its natural conditions... For example, Lucayan Park is a mixture of underwater caves and mangrove swamps. And in the Retreat Park you can admire and explore the unique and diverse flora and fauna of the island, rare species of palms and cedars, plants and birds. Russian tourists do not need a visa to enter this piece of paradise, unless you plan to stay here for more than 90 days.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Moscow, so you will need to transfer in London or one of the US cities (do not forget about the need to apply for a transit visa). If you plan to stay in the Bahamas for more than 90 days, then you need to apply to the British embassies for paperwork.

Trish Hartmann / flickr

5 Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is 2 large islands located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Trinidad is of continental origin, while Tobago is volcanic. Both islands have mountain ranges in their relief, which are a natural continuation of the mountain ranges of Venezuela. The dry seasons of the islands are considered to be the period from January to May, but Trinidad and Tobago are away from tropical cyclones, so there are no heavy rainfalls here even during the "rainy season". The islands are covered with evergreen plants and trees; it is not uncommon to find cypress or sandalwood forests here.

The tourism industry is a priority here, so the level of service is good enough, while the prices, in comparison with other Caribbean islands, do not bite. Among water sports, literally everyone is popular here, well, or very many. You can go windsurfing, diving, water skiing, paragliding, fishing. Many tourists choose February and March as the time to visit the islands, because it is at this time of the year that the carnival is held in Trinidad and Tobago. The most the best beaches The islands are considered Tyrico Bay and Maracas Bay, which resemble a picture from a Bounty advertisement. To contemplate the rich nature of the islands in all its glory, go to National parks Caroni and Asa Wright, where special observation platforms for better observation of the wildlife of the place. For breathtaking natural attractions, also head to the Sombasson Falls and the Guanapo Gorge.

Russian citizens do not need a visa to Trinidad and Tobago (if your stay does not exceed 90 days). However, a transit visa is required as there are no direct flights from Russia. Transfers are possible in Amsterdam and London.

6 Martinique

You will be surprised, but Martinique is a part of France, more precisely, its overseas territory. The island itself is of volcanic origin, and there are many coral reefs around it. On the island, in addition to extinct volcanoes, there is one active one - Mont Pele. It is better to come to Martinique from November to June, when the rainfall becomes much less. During your trip around the island, you should definitely walk the so-called hiking trail... This is a good opportunity to admire the tropical forests of the island, unusual plants such as giant ferns, mountain and volcanic peaks, a waterfall on the Alma River, as well as go to Botanical Garden Jardin-Balata.

The best place for a beach holiday is considered to be the southern tip of the island - the region of Le Saline. The beaches here are truly endless. The hotel facilities are also well developed in Le Saline. Surprisingly, Martinique is the birthplace of the very Josephine who became Napoleon's wife. Now, in the house where her childhood years passed, a museum has been organized with interesting exhibitions and genuine household items of the French empress. You should definitely visit the museum.

Martinique is often part of numerous cruise routes, so many tourists explore the island on cruises, but the island is so distinctive that it undoubtedly deserves more attention. To visit the island Russian tourists you must apply for a special visa at the French embassies. You can get to Martinique from Moscow with one change in Paris.

Antoine Hubert / flickr

7 Grenada

Another island of volcanic origin - Grenada - covers an area of ​​only 350 square meters. km, most of which are mountains and hills. Numerous bays and secluded beaches are valuable features of the island; here, without exaggeration, you can feel like at the end of the world. Grand Anse is the main thing tourist place Grenada. All the benefits of civilization are concentrated here - hotels, bars, restaurants and other entertainments. For privacy it is worth going to northern part islands. Grenada is surrounded by coral reefs, so the water is always calm here, and divers have the opportunity to explore the unique ecosystems of the Caribbean Sea, almost untouched by people.

The best dive sites are Bose Reef, Jenny Island and the Grand Anse Beach. There are several national parks on the island that deserve special attention. For example, Etang Park, located by the eponymous crater lake, is interesting for its waterfalls and hot springs. Levera Park is popular for its lagoon, home to rare bird species.

Visa for citizens Russian Federation not needed to visit Grenada. You will have to fly from Moscow with a transfer in London or Frankfurt am Main (do not forget about transit visas).

Lloyd Morgan / flickr

8 Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest state in the Western Hemisphere (261 sq. Km). Both islands are of volcanic origin. Most mountains occupy the islands, dormant volcano, salt lakes and numerous sandy bays that Saint Kitts and Nevis are famous for. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs, which makes the stay here especially interesting for divers. It is better to come to the islands from November to June, because quite strong hurricanes are possible in August-October. Visa-free entry is valid for Russian citizens. However, the flight is possible only with a transfer in one of the visa countries for Russia, which makes necessary clearance transit visa. The flight is possible with a connection in London, New York or Miami.

tiarescott / flickr

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The legendary Antilia, and later the colonial West Indies, the Caribbean nestled comfortably in the geographic "hollow" between North and South America. Big and small, windward and leeward, touristy and uninhabited, the Caribbean is a paradise for downshifters and drug lords, and in combination one of the most popular destinations beach exotic. On more than fifty islands of the Caribbean Sea, there is a real and, moreover, a well-balanced paradise, an ideal combination of natural and man-made: rich heritage The colonial past in the form of a mass of museum houses and pompous mansions perfectly complements the exotic nature, where the greenery of the tropical forests alternates with volcanic landscapes, and the expanses of coffee plantations are replaced by thickets of sugarcane and bananas.

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Leaving aside sentiment and turning to dry facts, we learn that the Caribbean includes the Greater and Lesser Antilles. The first include 4 large islands "stretching" to the mainland: Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico; to the second - a round dance of every little thing, in turn divided into the leeward and windward islands: the bustling Bahamas and the authentic Turks and Caicos Islands, divided between the USA and Great Britain Virgin Islands, outlandish Antigua and Barbuda, discovered by Columbus Guadeloupe and the birthplace of Josephine Beauharnais Martinique, Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, finally - the famous saga of Jack Sparrow Dominica. By the way, the island of Curacao (the one that gave the name to the popular liqueur) is also located here.

Diving in Curacao

The reasons for the popularity of the Caribbean in the tourist market are obvious: all year round warm sea, amazingly beautiful nature, a large selection of hotels and a whole bunch of entertainment - water and "dry" sports, nightclubs, discos, restaurants, interesting excursions... Take Cuba or the Dominican Republic for example. Here you can not only enjoy the sea and the sun, but also wander around old Havana, walk through coffee and tobacco plantations, listen to the singing of street singers, “burn” at a disco and in general breathe the air of freedom in every possible way.

A distinctive feature of the Caribbean region is a wide variety of leisure options, because each state has its own "specialization" here.

In Barbados, for example, many English traditions are firmly rooted in life. There is a large selection of hotels, and not all of them accept small children: the rest here is mostly calm and relaxed.

15 days in the Dominican Republic

Grenada is known as "the island of spices", there are many botanical gardens, museums, attractions, and magnificent beaches so they invite you to lie down on the soft White sand... The Turks and Caicos Islands attract the attention of a respectable public with their magnificent five-star hotels, as well as good diving facilities and high-quality spa centers.

Saint Lucia bears the proud title of "Garden Island" and is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. In contrast, Aruba is a desert island with great hotels and a vibrant nightlife. Saint Martin is home to a wide variety of hotels of varying levels, and the Bahamas offers a huge range of accommodation options, from secluded hotels to bustling urban complexes.

Finally, in Curacao, you just need to go to one of the bars and order a glass of a wonderful blue drink!