Montserrat guide

The long sweep of Woodland Beach
Montserrat fisherman at night
Turtle coming into shore
Soufrière Hills Volcano
Sugar mill shell

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Montserrat at a glance

About MONTSERRAT...

Montserrat is small, quiet and delightful, undeveloped (held back recently because of volcanic activity), though never that well known as a destination. Access quite hard (usually via Antigua), English speaking. Traditional island character now gone (the old town is closed), though the islanders are very friendly and lead an older, gentler West Indian life. Few beaches (mainly in the north-west), some good natural life, particularly for vulcanology, though much of the area is denied. Just a couple of hotels and inexpensive guest houses working, only a few restaurants, bars and a couple of beach bars, all very low key. Can be visited from Antigua for the day.

Montserrat has had considerable problems with its volcano since the mid 1990s. Eruptions devastated the island infrastructure, destroying the capital Plymouth and two-thirds of the island, to which access is still denied because of the danger from further volcanic activity. It is advised to pick up the leaflet “a guide to volcanic hazards” upon arrival. The part of the population that chose to remain on the island now lives in the north where new homes have been built. While the island certainly encourages visitors, Montserrat does not have the infrastructure for a ‘normal’ Caribbean beach holiday yet. It is still a lovely island however and you can expect to be welcomed graciously if you decide to visit.

Read our guide about Montserrat - with independent reviews, listings, and information from top travel journalists and Caribbean specialists.

Best for:: A taste of the 'old' Caribbean, escaping the crowds, beholding the power of volcanoes
What for:: Culture & Heritage, Eco/Nature, Scuba Diving, Carnivals & Festivals
Not for:: All-inclusive, Luxury Hotels, Cruises, Beaches, Golf, Spas and Wellbeing
How to get there:: Via Antigua
Top tip:: It makes perfect sense to combine with a stay on Antigua