There are small Caribbean islands and there are small Caribbean islands. The latter are the places with that extra degree of tranquility (for a region that has some of the most tranquil places in the world as it is). They are the tiny jewels of Caribbean tourism. We thought we’d suggest some of our favourites for you to check out this summer, with one primary criterion: each island has around 2,000 people or less, with the idea being smallness in terms of population, not geography (although these are mostly very small in that regard, too).

Terre de Haut

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of this tiny, hilly green island in the Les Saintes archipelago of the Guadeloupe Islands, home to beautiful, secluded beaches, mountain views and some outstanding small restaurants. It may be small, but the town’s main street actually has quite a bit to do. Try the tiny LoBleu Hotel near downtown for an experience right out of a novel; for a more refined boutique stay,head to Les Petits Saints. The best way to get there is via ferry from either Grand-Terre or Basse-Terre.