Lying off the coast of Cartagena is the little island of Tierra Bomba. Known for its white sand beaches, laid-back atmosphere, blaring reggaeton and seafood restaurants, it is a great place to escape for a few nights after a hectic holiday of exploring the mainland. While it doesn't boast a great many tourist attractions, it does have some lovely beaches, great restaurants and beautiful views of Cartagena's city skyline, particularly from the town of Punta Arena. The best places to stay in Tierra Bomba tend to be set nearby the island's beautiful beaches.

A popular destination for the locals of Cartagena hoping to escape the tourist-swarmed beaches of their home city, it is only a 15 minute boat ride from Cartagena's port, the Casillogrande. While the water isn't crystal-clear as is the case in islands like Providencia - which is in many respects a tropical paradise - the beaches aren't as crowded as they are on the mainland and make for a nice change. If you're far away from the restaurants and bars, which blast out reggaeton - a mix of hip-hop and reggae - you can find a quiet spot and read a book beneath the shade of a parasol. The prettiest beaches are in Punta Arena, which is lucky because the charming little town faces Cartagena and the views of the city's skyline at sundown are magical.

There are four small towns on the island, each with a handful of bars, cafes and restaurants, serving local specialities like fried fish with plantain. Be warned: there are few actual shops on the island, so remember to buy bottles of water and snacks at Cartagena before you go. One of the bonuses of Tierra Bomba is the seriously laid-back atmosphere to the place, a far cry from the loud and pushy beach vendors of Cartagena or Santa Marta.

What not to miss

• Beaches: the sand in Tierra Bomba is as white as sugar and is perfect for sunbathing or reading a book beneath the shade of a parasol. For the best beaches, check out those in Punta Arena - for they are the prettiest and most well maintained - and boast beautiful views of Cartagena.
• Restaurants: there are clutches of restaurants and bars on the island. Expect simply-cooked and wholesome food, like the island's speciality of grilled fish and plantain.
• Historic sites: the Castillo San Fernando de Bocachica is probably the only historic site worth exploring on the island. It lies on the southern side of the island and is a perfect example of a colonial-era fortress.

A charming spot for a short beach break; start browsing through our collection of the best places to stay in Tierra Bomba to start planning your trip.

The best places to stay in Tierra Bomba

Local exploring

• Blue Apple Beach House: a charming beachfront hotel with chic rooms that have private terraces. There is a swimming pool, bikes can be hired from the hotel and the hotel can organise guided tours of the island's historic sites.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments.

Travel information

• To get there, fly to Cartagena and then take the 15-minute boat ride to the island.
• The temperature remains stable throughout the year, between 27 and 30 degrees. The rainy seasons are between May and June and October and November, which are best avoided if you are looking for a beach break.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Cartagena.
• If you want the island beach life, include the best places to stay in Providencia.
• Or the best places to stay in Colombia.
• Or contact one of our Gurus for advice.