Visiting Montserrat

Montserrat is a small, lush, mountainous island in the Caribbean Sea. It belongs to the Leeward Islands, situated between Guadeloupe in the southeast and Antigua in the northeast. The charming island is covered in tropical trees and unique habitats, making it a hot stop for avid hikers and nature enthusiasts.  

But, the island has far more to offer than just its natural landscape. The culture is rich here in Montserrat. Its history makes the island a melting pot of cultures. Arts, talents, music, and more are showcased in annual festivals and events. 

Montserrat has a tragic recent history. In 1995, the island’s resident volcano erupted, leaving over half of the island inhabitable. Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop people from all over the world from visiting year after year, season after season.  

There’s just something about this humble Caribbean Island that people adore. Read on to discover the wonders of this tropical vacation destination. 

What to Do in Montserrat 

Montserrat is just under 10 miles long and 7 miles wide. However, don’t let its size fool you. Montserrat has something for everyone, from hiking along unique and diverse trails to relaxing along the peaceful coastline. In this tropical paradise, the possibilities are endless.  

Hike Along Stunning Trails 

Montserrat is called the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean because of its breathtaking green landscape. And with plenty of lush habitats, you can expect to glimpse the island’s diverse wildlife. The best way to take in the island and its beauty is to hike along some of the most remarkable nature trails. 

To hike Montserrat’s many paths is one of the most popular reasons people visit. Many of the trails have been used for centuries by people who inhabited the land long ago. The nature trails in Montserrat vary in difficulty, views, and miles. Below are some of the most notable Montserrat hiking trails: 

• Big River: 0.7 miles of ascending and descending pathways towards Katy Hill. 
• Dry Waterfall: 1.2-mile trail leading to a 100-feet tall waterfall. 
• Hope Ridge Trail: A 5-hour trail for experienced hikers, running through Elfin Forest and ascending to elevations of 2,300 feet in the cloud forest. 

Explore the Coast 

Because Montserrat’s coastline is narrow, vast and sandy beaches are sparse. However, the coast of this island has alternatives to offer. The beaches may not be covered in fluffy white sand but, instead, hold the history of Montserrat.  

Beaches 

The beaches are made up of brown or gray sand showing its volcanic origin. Each grain of sand is a glimpse into the island’s unique history and place of birth. It is thought that the island was formed years ago upon the first eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano. Nevertheless, the coastline remains a tranquil get-away from our modern world.  

Coral Reefs 

Montserrat is one of the Caribbean’s most unique diving spots, perfect for beginners and seasoned divers. Just off the quiet shore are the island’s colorful and lively coral reefs. There is a variety of spots to choose from. All 50 locations offer a different experience of connecting with Montserrat’s fish, corals, and marine life. 

Montserrat’s Events and Festivals 

By far, the best way to immerse yourself in Montserrat’s vibrant culture is to plan a trip around one of their various cultural events or festivals. The following are just some of the most celebrated festivals and events in Montserrat: 

• St. Patrick’s Festival: The island takes two weeks in March to honor St. Patrick’s Day due to its Irish origins. Highlights of the festival include reggae concerts, pub crawls, and a road race. 
• Calabash Festival: In July, celebrate the island’s African heritage through the symbol of the calabash fruit. The fruit has been used for many things throughout the island’s history and modern-day, such as musical instruments, eating utensils, and fashion. The festival is a day of family fun, hikes, fashion shows, food and craft fairs, and even a trip out to Montserrat’s former and abandoned capital of Plymouth. 
• Montserrat Carnival: This year-end festival lights up the island from December to January first. The year past is honored, and the year to come is welcomed by a showcase of Montserrat’s culture through music, dance, and more. 

CITED:  Visitmontserrat.com, Wikipedia.com