With palm-lined beaches and crystalline waters, it's no wonder that San Andrés Island is a local secret. This little bit of Colombia sits just off the coast of Nicaragua in a Caribbean archipelago, surrounded by colourful coral reefs. Here, you can spend your days relaxing on white sands or snorkelling through warm shallows in search of manta rays. There are plenty of in-land attractions too – head into the island's capital (also San Andrés but casually called El Centro) for tax-free shopping, or to experience the island's lively reggae music scene.
To make the most of the island's natural beauty, many San Andrés hostels have terraces with sweeping views. Wake up in the morning to breakfast served over the Sea of Seven Colours, then return later to watch the sunset. There are even hostels in bustling El Centro built into cliffs of fossilised coral. For a quiet retreat, head for a San Andrés hostel nestled in the countryside. You can book rooms complete with double four-poster beds, private bathrooms and handy air con.
The busiest neighbourhood on San Andrés is El Centro, where the island's cultural mix comes into full swing. In the evenings, bars and terraces reverberate with the sounds of salsa and modern Colombian music. This is the place to try some of the island's varied foods too, from arepas (a Venezuelan white corn cake) to patacones (a fried snack made from green plantains). To the southeast you'll find the quieter coast-hugging region of San Luis, with a long white sand beach and traditional wooden architecture.
San Andrés is loved by water sport enthusiasts, and for good reason. The island is surrounded by kilometres of coral reefs for divers and snorkelers to explore, and travellers can hire kayaks, paddle boards and jet skis at local centres. To reach Johnny Cay – another island in the archipelago with coconut palms and pristine beaches – just hop on a boat tour. You can also take a service going south to the Acuario: a shallow reef area dubbed The Aquarium for its diverse range of fish species.
There's only one airport on San Andrés – Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International – which runs right through El Centro. This makes getting to your accommodation easy: either walk 10 minutes into the centre, or jump in a taxi. You can hire a scooter or buggy to explore the island during your stay, or there's a bus service running from San Andrés town all the way down to El Cove and other coastal areas.
