The Essentials Of The Caribbean

Santo Domingo, the most bustling and diverse city in the Caribbean, is the capital of the Dominican Republic, and the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Wander down the cobblestone streets to check out the many examples of 15th and 16th century architecture in the Colonial Zone. These include: the Cathedral that was the first church built in the Americas, the Ozama Fort, and the Italian Renaissance style palace Alcazar de Colon, which were all built during the lifetime of Christopher Columbus. Read more about Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Read more about Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Islands (British)

Îles des Saintes is an archipelago in the French Antilles, a dependency of Guadeloupe, which in turn is an overseas department of France. The large island of Guadeloupe lies 12km to the north. Les Saintes consists of two very mountainous volcanic inhabited islands, Terre-de-Haut Island and Terre-de-Bas Island, with seven other uninhabited islets. Read more about Les Saintes, Guadeloupe

The great waterfront city of Portsmouth is located on Portsea Island on the southern coast of England. It is the UK's only island city. Fast becoming Britain’s favourite waterfront destination, it has an irresistible mix of history and heritage, shopping, lively arts as well as great restaurants and bars. Read more about Portsmouth, Great Britain

Pigeon Island is a 40 acre islet with artificial causeway built in 1972 joining it to Gros Islet commune, on the northern tip of the island-country of Saint Lucia. Saint Lucia is part of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The island as a whole has switched hands between the British and French throughout its existence. Read more about Pigeon Island, Saint Lucia

Soufrière is a town on the SW coast of the British colonial island of Saint Lucia, in the West Indies. Soufrière's backdrop of the Pitons – a World Heritage Site comprising two giant volcanic plugs, the sea and inland rainforest provide a picture-perfect setting for a visit to this laid-back and relatively undeveloped town. Considering that its name is French for "sulfur," it should be no surprise to discover the wealth of hot springs and mineral baths. Read more about Soufrière, Saint Lucia

Read more about Tobago Cays, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines, in the far SE of the Caribbean Sea. It has a population of about 300, centred at the Old Wall village, with its small school, a telecommunications building, and the Mayreau Catholic Church located on a hilltop in the SW of the island. With its picture-postcard beaches, it truly is a secret treasure of peace and tranquillity. Read more about Mayreau, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a country of 32 beautiful Caribbean islands in the idyllic Caribbean, stretching south from Saint Vincent Island to Grenada. Proud of its French and British colonial history, it is now part of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Caribbean Community of 15 nations. Bequia (pronounced "Beck-way”) is blessed with white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and friendly people. Read more about Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Martinique is a Caribbean island that is an overseas department of France. It truly is a ‘little bit of France’, and visitors quickly become aware that very little English is spoken. On the other hand, it is intriguing in that it is one of the few islands where the lush countryside reflects the growth of sugar cane and bananas. Read more about Fort-de-France, Martinique