Experience the best of Isla Barú

Barú is a low, flat island south-west of Cartagena de Indias, on Colombia's Caribbean coast. Its southern and western shores have long beaches of pale sand backed by coconut palms, the best known of them Playa Blanca, and mangrove lagoons line the more sheltered coast. Fishing villages such as Santa Ana and Barú keep the island's quieter rhythm.

Offshore lie the Rosario Islands, part of a national park of coral reefs, mangroves and small islands where the water is clear enough for snorkelling and diving. Boats cross the bay from Cartagena, whose walled colonial centre is the main sight of the region, and the shallow, calm sea suits swimming.

The Caribbean coast eats fried whole fish, usually red snapper or mojarra, with coconut rice and patacones, flattened and fried green plantain, and lobster and ceviche are common on beach menus. It is hot all year, and the breezier, drier months run from December to April.