The Grenadines are an archipelago of more than 600 islands, many of them uninhabited, resulting in a paradise for sailing enthusiasts. Crystal clear blue seas and constant trade winds make the area ideal for fun and enjoyable sailing.

Among the gems not to be missed are Bequia, with its enchanting Princess Margaret Beach, and tiny Mayreau and Union Island, which offer charming anchorages overlooking the high green hills. However, the real highlight for sailors is the Tobago Cays Marine Park, a collection of five islets protected by coral reefs. Here, amid waters that fade from green to deep blue, you can dive in long snorkeling sessions or go kite or windsurfing.

Guadeloupe is one of the richest islands in the Lesser Antilles, offering a combination of rugged coastlines to circumnavigate, crystal-clear bays to stop in, and hiking trails to discover on foot. Stop at anchor in the Baie de Malendure, circumnavigate the tiny Ilet Pigeon, or sail to Les Saintes for a closer look at the coral reefs and the myriad marine species that inhabit them-either way, you will be captivated by the abundance of these places. 

Don't forget your sneakers to walk the many trails within the island's lush tropical rainforest or to discover Creole traditions in the capital city of Pointe-à-Pitre, in a fascinating mix of nature and culture. 

Placed closely on top of each other, these two islands are characterized by a strong French influence and lush nature that is shown at its finest in Dominica's rainforest, also called "nature's island," and in Martinique's manicured botanical gardens.

Hiking trails, waterfalls and rich vegetation make up only part of the islands' heritage, however. On a sailing itinerary, you can stop in Portsmouth Bay for a vantage point over the island's rolling hills with rich vegetation, or in Soufrière Bay characterized by warm water currents from nearby hot springs. In Martinique, on the other hand, you will discover beaches of golden sand and turquoise water such as Grande Anse d'Arlet but also those of volcanic black sand such as Anse Noire and Anse Dufour.

Split down the middle between northern French and southern Dutch, Saint Martin features white sandy beaches, chic restaurants and clubs, and a lively atmosphere. Due to its conformation, the bays are often sheltered and the sea is calm, offering countless opportunities for anchoring such as at Baie Longue or Anse Marcel.

On land, enjoy hiking trails through the tropical rainforest, discover the island's colonial history by visiting Fort Louis and the island's old sugar mill, get lost among the market stalls in Grand Case. 

Saint Martin also lends itself perfectly as a base for island hopping: from here, you can sail south around the small but paradisiacal Saint Barth, or north by stopping in Anguilla and then reaching the British Virgin Islands.

In the heart of the Caribbean, the BVIs are a group of islands with rugged coastlines that offer exciting sailing, protected bays in turquoise and blue tones, and hiking trails through lush hills and valleys.

Among the must-visit sites to visit by sailboat is definitely The Baths on Virgin Gorda Island, with its landscape of monolithic rocks and granite caves to be visited by swimming, but also White Bay Beach and Bubbly Pool on Jost Van Dyke Island with their expanses of white sand surrounded by coconut palms. For diving enthusiasts, don't miss the wreck of the famous RMS Rhone, wrecked off Salt Island. Visible even while snorkeling in optimal weather conditions, it lies at a maximum depth of 30 meters and is home to a riot of marine flora and fauna.

Just a few miles away from Miami, the Bahamas is an archipelago of about 700 islands, some larger and densely populated, such as the capital city of Nassau, others uninhabited and wild, such as many of the Exumas or Abaco Islands. Here the wind blows steadily throughout the year, making them a paradise for sailing or catamaran trips that will allow you to roam freely to discover the most beautiful and inaccessible bays. For example, visit Thunderball Cave in Exuma Cays, drop by to admire Dean's Blue Hole on Long Island, or stop along the shores of Conception Island to dive the coral reef.

If marine adventures are not enough for you, head down to Waderick Wells Cay to climb to the top of the hills and enjoy the spectacle of the archipelago from above. 

The quintessential Caribbean island, vibrant and with a long history to tell that can be felt in every corner of its calle and in every bay of its islands. Few people know that the archipelago around Cuba consists of more than 4,000 rocky islets and caves, and is considered an extraordinary sailing area. 

Departing from Cienfuegos, whose perfectly preserved colonial old town is really not to be missed, you can reach the island of Cayo Largo and stop near Punta Mal Tiempo, a long tongue of fine white sand overlooking a turquoise sea. Sail to Cayo Capo and Cayo Divisa to enjoy the virgin territories of these islands, and then arrive at Cayo Rosario: its waters rich in marine flora and fauna will leave you speechless.