They’re far from the crowds, far from the cruise ships, home to empty beaches and full glasses. These islands in the Caribbean are the way it all used to be, places where there is still the charm of discovery and the unadulterated quirk and character of small island living.

On the Caribbean’s tiny islands, you’ll find big personality in a small package, and the kind of authentic Caribbean experience that isn’t always easy to come by anymore.

Here are five tiny islands for your next Caribbean journey (And when we say small, we mean really small — think less than 10 square miles.)

Bequia This funky seven-square-mile island in the Grenadines is a throwback to the Old Caribbean, with largely unpopulated white-sand beaches, spectacular vistas and a nautical vibe that makes it feel like New England meets the West Indies, in part due to its fishing, boatbuilding and history as a onetime whaling hub. Where to stay? The Bequia Beach Resort, above, is a solid option (its beach bar is fantastic), as are the boutique Sugar Reef and Spring House hotels.