Tobago's best beaches, and which one is for you

Tobago's coastline runs from the easy, facility-rich south-west to wild, near-empty bays up the north coast. You could spend a week on beaches alone. Here are the ones worth your time, and what each is best for.

The further up the leeward coast you drive, the emptier and more beautiful the bays become.

The island's most recognisable beach: a long, calm stretch of pale sand with a famous thatched jetty, shallow turquoise water and full facilities. It is busy by Tobago standards, which is to say still gentle. Best for the classic Caribbean swim and an easy day with everything to hand.

Pigeon Point, calm shallow water and the thatched jetty.

Right by the airport, Store Bay pairs easy swimming with the island's best-known food huts and is where the glass-bottom boats leave for Buccoo Reef and the Nylon Pool. Best for convenience, people-watching and a plate of curry crab between dips.

On the leeward coast, a near-perfect crescent of forest-backed sand that locals will tell you is the quintessential Caribbean beach. Often near-empty, with good swimming and snorkelling and a single rustic spot for lunch. Best for unspoilt beauty and the feeling of having found something.

The leeward coast, where forest meets near-empty sand.

Further up the same coast, Castara and Parlatuvier are working fishing villages with lovely bays, where you can still watch the seine fishermen haul in the catch. Best for a taste of local life alongside the swim.

At the island's far north, beyond the village of Charlotteville, Pirate's Bay is reached on foot down a path through the trees. The reward is clear water, good snorkelling and near-total seclusion. Best for getting away from everyone.

Tobago's wild north, where the bays empty out.