Why You Should Explore The Least-Visited Caribbean Island Of Montserrat

Little Bay, Montserrat
Little Bay
Montserrat is a great choice for those travelers seeking a true Caribbean experience. The island is a British Territory, listed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as one of the least-visited countries in the world. Meanwhile, by its very definition, this makes it the least-visited island in the Caribbean. Are you seeking an exotic Caribbean experience without the hordes of tourists? Read on to find out more about Montserrat and what it offers to travelers.

Montserrat, Lesser Antilles, Caribbean

Soufrière Hills Volcano, Plymouth, Montserrat
Soufrière Hills Volcano
Montserrat is part of the Lesser Antilles chain and is a British Overseas Territory. In the south of the island, the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted in the 1990s, causing significant damage to the capital, Plymouth. In fact, that area continues to be an exclusion zone.

However, the north of this mountainous island is known for its golden and black-sand beaches, rugged cliffs, shoreline caves and coral reefs.

Beach in Montserrat
Beach
The beautiful landscapes alone make Montserrat worth visiting. Moreover, its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, surrounded by lush and green landscapes are perfect for beach lovers.

Meanwhile, a full range of water sports is available to visitors, including scuba diving, snorkeling and more.

Scuba diving
Scuba diving
With its gray to black volcanic sand, Woodlands Beach is among the best beaches for sun lovers on Montserrat. Meanwhile, for those wishing to explore the marine environment, Lime Kiln is a perfect choice, with its crystal clear waters. Moreover, hikers can explore the lush and beautiful tropical forests on the island, where old banana plantations are tucked away.

Visit the ruined capital of Plymouth

Plymouth, Montserrat
Ruins of Plymouth
In 1989, Hurricane Hugo devastated Montserrat, with around 90 percent of its infrastructures destroyed. Meanwhile, the Soufrière Hills volcano in the 1990s destroyed the Georgian architecture of the capital, Plymouth.

Today the remains of the city stand like a ghost town, just waiting to be explored. Here, visitors can see the ruins of local people’s homes and commercial centers. However, for those wishing to visit, it can only be explored during the day while accompanied by a police escort. In fact, the city has been described as a contemporary Pompeii which does make it worthwhile.

Villa in Montserrat
Villa in Montserrat
Meanwhile, a new town and port are undergoing development at Little Bay on the northwest coast of the island. Here, visitors can explore the shops, look for souvenirs and enjoy the local cuisine in the local restaurants.

More about Montserrat

Located southeast of Puerto Rico, Montserrat is one of the Lesser Antilles’ Windward Islands. It was first discovered by Columbus but was eventually occupied by the British and Irish in 1632.

In fact, the island is nicknamed “The Emerald Isle,” partly due to its resemblance to coastal Ireland, but also for the Irish ancestry of many local residents. Like many countries in the world, Montserrat celebrates St. Patrick’s Day each year.

Montserrat from the air
Montserrat from the air
The official language in Montserrat is English and the currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. Meanwhile, travelers can access the island by air or by ferry from Antigua. Find out more information about this lovely island from Montserrat’s official tourism website.

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Anne Sewell

Freelance writer and travel writer who has lived in Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa, now living happily on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.

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