If you are looking for something to spice up you interest in a lovely Caribbean beach holiday, you have only to look no further than the history of the islands to get all the drama and excitement you need. You would never think of it now, when bathed in the glorious sunshine or swimming in the clear blue waters, but this area was once a hotly-contested colonial territory and the scene of some blood-curdling pirate activities and slave revolts.

Caribbean holidays today bear much of the romance and none of the trouble that first attracted settlers and buccaneers to the area. Originally an important route for the treasure ships carrying gold and gems looted from the Incan and Mayan empires of South America, the galleons transporting this booty back to Medieval Spain frequently found themselves under attack from privateers or the weather, and finds of treasure on board sunken ships still happen from time to time, and many popular scuba diving tours exist which will take you through some of the memorable discovery sites.

Barbados holidays are now at the end of an expensive flight or cruise, but a few hundred years ago you could get there for nothing! When it started to dominate the world sugar trade, plantation owners in Barbados couldn’t find enough workers to use on the plantations to cope with the blossoming demand for sugar. In addition to transporting criminals from Europe, many unsuspecting people fell victim to kidnapping by the gangs that supplied labour to the plantation owners, and these “red legs” were forced to work alongside the slaves on the cane plantations.

Residents of Antigua still proudly uphold the maritime tradition that made their island famous as a key stronghold of British naval power in the area, spearheaded by Lord Nelson. Although Nelson wasn’t a particular fan of the island, Antiguans are proud to continue the seafaring tradition and if you are fortunate, Antigua holidays can start at the same time as one of the famous sailing competitions that are regularly held there. An annual fixture in the world yachting agenda, you can see many of the local fisherman demonstrating equally adept skills and you can hire a craft to show off your own abilities.