The Greater Antilles are the four largest islands in the Caribbean, forming the backbone of the region’s culture and landscape. Here you’ll find radiant beaches, lush mountains, historic towns and a music scene that moves your feet before you even realise it. If you’re after varied experiences in one sun-filled arc, the Greater Antilles are hard to beat.
Why the Greater Antilles are a fantastic Caribbean base
These islands offer a combination of classic Caribbean vibes with real variety. Culture, cuisine and colonial history sit alongside rainforests, caves, coffee routes and some of the best beach scenery on the planet. You can easily mix beach lounging with city exploring or nature treks, all in a single trip.
Island highlights
Cuba
Cuba blends vintage charm with vivid music. Old Havana’s restored squares and classic American cars feel like stepping back in time, yet the street life and lively clubs keep things modern. Don’t miss a walk along Malecón, mojitos in a rooftop bar, and a day trip to Viñales Valley for tobacco fields and dramatic limestone mogotes. For beach time, Varadero and the south coast offer long sands and calm seas.
- Old Havana and the Historic Centre
- Classic cars and vibrant music scenes
- Viñales Valley and tobacco landscapes
- Varadero or the southern coast beaches
Jamaica
Jamaica invites you to slow down, feel the rhythm and explore lush corners. Ride the famous Dunn’s River Falls, sip Blue Mountain coffee and ride the rainforest canopy. Kingston offers roots music, while Negril’s Seven Mile Beach and Montego Bay give easy beach days. Don’t overlook the island’s spicy jerk cuisine and breezy seaside towns.
- Dunn’s River Falls and tropical waterfalls
- Blue Mountains coffee routes
- Kingston’s music and museums
- Negril and Montego Bay beaches
Hispaniola – Dominican Republic and Haiti
Hispaniola is one island with two very different experiences. In the Dominican Republic you’ll find long, white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts and dramatic ranges like the Cordillera Central. Samaná’s whale watching and the historic Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo add heritage and adventure. In Haiti, art, history and rising culinary scenes offer a different Caribbean flavour, with colourful markets and hillside views.
- Dominican Republic: Punta Cana beaches, Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, Samaná
- Haiti: art markets, hill towns and historic sites
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico packs culture, rainforest and city life into one island. San Juan’s colourful streets and forts sit beside El Yunque rainforest gives you jungle trails and waterfalls. Add bioluminescent bays, rum distilleries and tasty local cuisine for a complete island experience.
- Old San Juan and Forts
- El Yunque rainforest and waterfalls
- Bioluminescent bays and beaches
- Crucial culinary stops and local markets
Practical travel tips
The Greater Antilles enjoy a warm tropical climate, with a dry season in the winter months and a wetter period in late summer. If you’re planning a multi-island itinerary, fly between the larger hubs or consider a short cruise where available. From the UK, you’ll usually connect via Europe or the United States, depending on the carrier.
- Best time to visit: November to April for pleasant weather
- Language: Spanish is dominant, English is widely spoken in Puerto Rico
- Currency: local currencies vary by island; credit cards are widely accepted in towns
- Health and safety: travel with standard precautions and check local guidance
Plan your trip with confidence
The Greater Antilles offer a dynamic mix of beaches, history, culture and nature. Each island has its own rhythm, making it easy to tailor a trip to your interests. Whether you want a relaxed beach break or an active exploration, you’ll find it here.
If you’d like more information or help planning a holiday to the Greater Antilles, our live chat box at the bottom of this page is available day or night. We’re here to help you craft the perfect Caribbean getaway.