The next Caribbean island we will travel to is Montserrat, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Sea. But where is Montserrat exactly? As we have already mentioned, the island is one of the many overseas territories of Great Britain. Part of the Lesser Antilles chain, the pear-shaped island, is known as the "Emerald Isle of the Caribbean," mainly because of its once immense majority of individuals from Ireland. Montserrat is situated about 43 km southwest of Antigua and about 50 km northwest of Guadeloupe. An ominous lunar scape of abandoned villages and blackened valleys scarred by a string of destructive volcanic eruptions that started in 1995 lies on the north side of the island's puckers of green peaks to the south. An ominous lunar scape of abandoned villages and blackened valleys scarred by a string of destructive volcanic eruptions that started in 1995 lies on the north side of the island's puckers of green peaks to the south. So, suppose someone asks you, "Where is Montserrat?". In that case, we can easily conclude our opinion that Montserrat, administered by a locally elected Premier and Parliament, is one of 14 UK Overseas Territories and is located in the West Indies group of islands. The United Kingdom government is collaborating with the government of Montserrat to improve the economic planning, emergency response, and defense of the island.
How to get to Montserrat?
Finding the best way to visit Montserrat might be seen a little bit challenging, but let me break it down for you. If we are talking about a plane option, then there is only one way to reach the island through Antigua, and this choice is seen as the best way to visit Montserrat. On your road to Montserrat, the first stop in the Caribbean is in Antigua, the Bird International Airport. And then you will be only a 20-minute flight away from the island. But how to get to Montserrat by sea? In case shipping is your favorite choice, in just 90 minutes, the ferry will have you in Montserrat!
What is the best time to visit Montserrat?
The island has a tropical, warm and humid climate all year round, from January to mid-April with a generally cold and dry season, and from mid-June to mid-November with a hot, humid, and rainy season. Average temperatures vary between 75° and 90° F in both the winter and summer months. Montserrat is also blessed with a gentle breeze between the mountains and the sea that is constant. In conclusion, we can say that it is always the best time to visit Montserrat. I also think that Montserrat flag worth visitor's attention. Since the Leeward Islands colony, which consisted of numerous islands ruled by the British in the area, was abolished in 1958, the Montserrat flag is the arms put on the British Blue Ensign's fly. The Blue Ensign with the Union flag in the canton and the Montserrat coat of arms in the country's flight. Now that we have learned some basic information about the island, we will be talking about the most interesting places to visit in Montserrat, places to eat in Montserrat, and top places in the city.
1. Montserrat volcano
The SoufriEre Hills are a complex active volcano on Montserrat's Caribbean island with several lava domes forming its summit. The Soufrière Hills volcanoes started actively erupting in 1995, after a long time of drought conditions, and has persisted to its consecutive eruption since then. More than half of Montserrat was made inhospitable by its eruptions, devastating the capital, Plymouth, and triggering mass evacuations: more than half of the total population had to flee the island. Currently, the volcano is part of a restricted area. Still, via Sun's Montserrat Island Tours, you can arrange a guided tour but do not forget that the subject to seismic activity, to regions of that zone. You will also witness a sobering vision of the volcano and its direction of devastation from many vantage points while you are driving across the island on your own. A trip to the Montserrat Volcano's Observatory offers an outstanding description of the volcanic activity and its impacts on this island. So, no wonder why the volcano is one of the most interesting places to visit in Montserrat. The best way to enjoy a visit here is to schedule a tour with an expert guide, preferably someone who has been directly influenced by the volcano's eruption. Also worth to mention that there are also seminars and field trips given by the observatory.
2. Places to visit in Montserrat
Little Bay Beach on Montserrat's west coast is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Montserrat island's most famous beaches among both locals and visitors. For diving and swimming, the island's calm waters are perfect, and you can chill along the greyish shore and watch boats bob in port at the north end of the bay. The safest spot here for swimming is near to the beach's mountain end. Another one of the most fascinating.
The Centre Hills are covered in tropical rainforest and known for their ecological diversity and diverse biodiversity. Most Montserrat's 34 land bird species and vast numbers of migrant songbirds, including the endangered Montserrat oriole, the uncommon forest thrush, the bridled quail dove, and the mangrove cuckoo, call this place their home.
Near the villages at the southwestern end of the Northern Region lies Quiet Woodlands Bay. This tiny beach of black sand is perfect for recreation, but the waters here are always harsh, and it can be risky to swim. If you are braving the swells, watch out for riptides.
But what are some of the other places of interest in Montserrat? It would be unfair not to mention Montserrat's main sightseeing, the only settlement in the Americas buried by a volcano known as Plymouth's abandoned town. The impression of a ghost city is due to its eerie silence, the lack of animals and birds, the gradual usurpation of the city's volcanic ash, and its resting period. The objects left behind are the most significant. Several internationally endangered species of birds, reptiles and plants are found in the Centre Hills area. In certain cases, only inside this limited biological system will the whole population be found. The Montserrat Oriole and Montserrat Galliwasp are animals close to extinction.
While speaking of places of interest in Montserrat, we cannot exclude Bat caves. You can either kayak or take a 40-minute hill walk from Little Bay to find the only sand beach on the island. There is a wealth of coral and sea life that makes snorkeling nice. From here, you can get an opportunity to see a colony of bats in the Antilles with, however, of course, with a tour guide. Thousands of bats, split into two caves, are on display. The Salem-based Montserrat National Trust is committed to protecting and maintaining the island's heritage places and natural environment. It houses a cafe, a gift store, a history center, a library, and the island's botanical garden is devoted to protecting indigenous plants and trees.
3. Places to eat in Montserrat
Montserrat is also very famous among tourists for its culinary offers. We would not be mistaken if we said that the food here is bright and as flavourful as it can get. Some food experiences, hidden away in small, unassuming corners in odd locations, can only be found off the tourist trail. The cuisine of Montserrat is a fusion of numerous culinary styles that vary from local to foreign. But what are some of the best places to eat in Montserrat? Our first destination is based in St John's. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available upon reservation. Famous for its cheesecake, and on Thursdays, pies, and coffee mornings for girls. Meanwhile, this is one of the island's hidden treasures, known for its exclusive dining experience. In a magical, cozy, and romantic atmosphere, a diverse menu is offered. Located in Olveston, Watermelon is open by reservation only for dinner on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Seating is limited, so to prevent any potential problems, please book early. At this point, the restaurant has become a must-visit place during your travel to Montserrat.