This overlooked island has some of the Caribbeans best beaches | [Video]

(CNN) — When you think Caribbean, you think beaches. When you think Trinidad, though… not so much. This is the land of soca and Carnival, a booming oil sector and Nicki Minaj. Beaches? You travel elsewhere in the Caribbean for that.

But should you?

Trinidad’s beaches are, in actuality, as stunning as any stretches of sand and sea found anywhere throughout the Caribbean. What’s more, each of Trinidad’s 50+ beaches has its own special character, ensuring there’s one to suit almost every type of beachgoer.

Here are some of the best:

Mayaro Beach

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect place to meet or exceed your daily quota of 10,000 steps, then Mayaro Beach is perfect for you. Trinidad’s longest beach, Mayaro stretches nine miles along the island’s southeastern coast.

Strong surf here limits swimming to the most experienced few. Other thrill-seekers test the wind and waves kiteboarding. For the rest of us, though, walking here along unspoiled silver-gray sands far from …