The Caribbean is known around the world for its incredible beauty, both natural and cultural. From gorgeous beaches to historic sites and glittering casinos, there are plenty of places travelers enjoy stopping at during their vacations.
One aspect of the Caribbean that cannot be overlooked is the gorgeous beachfront scenery it offers. From the pristine white sands of Aruba and many other islands to the colorful pink and black sands found throughout the region, you may never feel as though you've seen it all. And, of course, it's hard to ignore the crystalline waters that edge these sandy stretches of heaven. However, this is just the beginning of what the Caribbean has to offer, which is why so many vacationers choose to spend time inland as well.
Nature in the Caribbean can mean everything from volcanic peaks to deep valleys, natural springs, rainforests, and even deserts. The islands each offer their own unique wildlife and beautiful plants for travelers who spend a bit of time inland. Natural beauty is the selling point for many of the Caribbean islands, especially those popular with eco-tourists. Eco-tourism is environmentally friendly and responsible tourism, in which the travelers strive to explore the natural beauty of a location while leaving as little of a carbon footprint as possible. One such island that embraces the idea of eco-tourism is Saba. Despite encompassing only five square miles in area, the island has some of the Caribbean's best hiking and diving locales, and has begun marketing itself to eco-tourists more and more in recent years. Mount Scenery is a particularly popular attraction, featuring a 1,064 step carved staircase up the Windward side of the mountain. Some other natural attractions in the Caribbean include the Blue Mountains in Jamaica and the Hato Caves in Curaçao.
European squabbles over these beautiful islands resulted in an incredible mix of architecture and history. With sites ranging from British naval yards to Spanish cathedrals, and forts on many of the islands, those interested in colonial history will certainly find something fascinating. The oldest building in the Virgin Islands fits this bill: Fort Christian. The fort was built between 1666 and 1680, but now stands as a history museum that visitors can tour for $3 (USD). Even before the Europeans found the islands, however, native tribes made their homes on the islands, and their influences can be found in everything from island names to important ruins, like the Mayan ruins in Mexico.
Meanwhile, risk-takers can try their hands in many island casinos. Most islands have at least one casino, usually found at resorts like the Allegro Resort and Casino in Turks and Caicos, and the Royal Antigua Resort and Casino in Antigua. These casinos range from small rooms with just a few slot machines, to larger, extravagant facilities comparable to those in Las Vegas.
Of course, this is just the beginning of the sites you'll find throughout the islands. A look into the attractions of individual islands will provide an endless listing of things to keep you busy on your vacation. Regardless of where you choose to go, Caribbean attractions are more than enough to take your breath away.
