HIT THE ROAD
Beach life tends to dominate popular perceptions of the Caribbean but, if you fancy getting off your sun-lounger, the region boasts an incredible variety of natural wonders and historic landmarks, while the compact size of many islands means that headline attractions are often clustered within short distances of one another. There are plenty of trips and tours out there, of course, but if you really want to get a first-hand feel for island life, nothing beats getting behind the wheel yourself and heading off into some of the Caribbean's less touristed corners, exploring winding coastal highways or tackling switchback roads across dramatic, jungle-swathed mountains.
1 BARBADOS: COAST, CAVES AND COLONIAL LANDMARKS
The following drive takes in a big swathe of Barbados's spectacular coastline as well as offering a glimpse of its tranquil, crowd-free interior. Start in Bridgetown and head north, taking Highway 1 up the island's leeward Platinum Coast with its string of white-powder beachesFolkestone Marine Park's artificial reef offers great snorkelling and plentiful marine life, as well as rewarding trips to the wreck of the Savronikita for experienced divers.
