Explore the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. Gathered under their umbrella are some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Together with the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands create the backbone of the Caribbean Sea and graciously lure on their shores travelers in search of paradise, as well as a myriad of cruise ships and charter yachts.
Their name has a simple explanation – the Windward Islands are exposed to the wind of the northeast trade winds. They are the southern group of the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies, beautiful patches of land blessed with a perfect climate and home to a stunning variety of cultures, cuisines, and customs. Moreover, come and explore the Windward Islands where they welcome travelers with a plethora of beautiful attractions and create the perfect setting for practicing all the watersports you can imagine. So, what are the Windward Islands?
Dominica
A diverse and spectacular land, Dominica is adorned with majestic volcanic peaks, lush forests, sleepy lakes, and eager geysers. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, especially for trekkers and hikers who will find a captivating playground awaiting amid the tropical rainforest. The island is virgin and untouched by mass-tourism, Mother Nature revealing itself in all its splendor, raw and untamed, with thundering waterfalls and healing hot springs, mesmerizing coral reefs, and sandy shores.
Whether you choose to hike in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or relax in the sun on the beach of Pointe Baptiste, one of the most beautiful black beaches in Dominica, you’ll feel the magic of Dominica. If you’re curious to learn more about the island, interact with the last remaining indigenous community in the Caribbean on the Carib Territory, and visit Roseau, the island’s pretty capital, home to colorful streets and an impressive collection of bars and restaurants.
St. Lucia
If most Caribbean islands compete for supremacy when it comes to beautiful beaches, St. Lucia convinces visitors to leave their sun loungers behind and dive into its magnificent underwater world. The island houses one of the most spectacular underwater universes, home to breathtaking coral reefs and fascinating marine life. Moreover, the island is considered to be one of the best windsurfing destinations in the world.
Its beauty hypnotizes from the first glance, a splendid mass of turquoise water fringed by ribbons of powdery sand, swaying palm trees and the grandiose presence of the Piton Mountains. While places like Anse Chastanet, Anse Le Raye, and Coral Gardens keep snorkelers and divers on their toes with their crystalline waters and impressive population of nurse sharks and turtles, hikers and adrenaline junkies have a blast zip-lining over forest canopies or hiking through the rainforest for a chance to witness beautiful vistas.
Martinique
A magical exotic destination decorated with volcanic peaks, dense rainforests, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, Martinique captivates visitors with its mixed ancestry and a French and Creole heritage easily noticed in its local customs, language, and cuisine. Inhabited by descendants of 17th-century French settlers and slaves from Africa who worked on the plantations, Martinique is not only a beach destination, but also a captivating island.
Learn more about the island’s past at the Musee Departemental where you’ll find an impressive collection of artifacts that tell stories about Arawak and Carib Indian cultures and discover the Martinique before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. Set your base in Pointe du Bout, the main resort area of the island, to have access to the lovely beaches of Sainte-Anne, Le Diamant, and Les Anses d’Arlets. Dive to see the shipwrecks doomed following the Montagne Pelee’s eruption, saddle up to discover the countryside, and spend a few hours or more on the picturesque streets of Fort-de-France, the island’s capital. Read more on this amazing island by clicking here or simply continue to Explore the Windward Islands below.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
A surreal archipelago where time seems to be a foreign concept, St Vincent & the Grenadines is scattered across the sea. The archipelago has greedily gathered on its territory all that’s beautiful in the world. From breathtaking volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests to sandy beaches and dazzling coral reefs, St Vincent & the Grenadines has everything an adventurous traveler might wish for. Ideal for hiking, sailing, and just lounging in the sun, the archipelago promises unforgettable holidays and never disappoints.
St Vincent is the largest island of the archipelago, a gorgeous destination that gravitates around its relaxed capital city, Kingstown. The city abounds in colonial architecture and botanical gardens and is a great place to try the local food. The raw beauty of the smaller islands of Grenadines has remained intact. These islands are even quieter than St Vincent and create a secluded oasis of serenity, home to surreal places like Bequia and Mustique. Read more on these incredible islands by clicking here.
Grenada
Grenada can be easily mistaken for paradise, especially if paradise for you is a land blessed with breathtaking beaches, luxuriant rainforests, crater lakes, coastal mangrove plantations, and towering volcanic peaks. It’s the Caribbean at its best, a superb island known for its abundance of spices, like nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and vanilla that often find their way into the flavorful cuisine of the island. Many come to Grenada for its beaches and are not wrong to do so. Dozens of flawless stretches of white sand fringe the island’s shores.
Among the best beaches in Grenada, you’ll discover Grand Anse, Levera Bay, and Morne Rouge, but if you want to hide away from the crowds, you should explore the deserted beaches on the southern coast. Grand Anse awaits in St George, the island’s lively capital and a beautiful base for day trips to the neighboring islands. For those who have had enough of basking in the sun (if this is even possible!), the Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve provides the perfect getaway. The park is home to numerous marked trails and welcomes hikers with treks for all fitness levels. Find out more on Grenada by clicking here.
Hope you enjoyed this article on Explore the Windward Islands and if you would like another great article then click here for the British Virgin Islands.
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