This fertile and mountainous island was one of the last in the Caribbean to be colonised by Europeans. Volcanic eruptions have deposited ash that acts as a superb fertiliser, making the island a riot of tropical vegetation. There are marvellous botanical gardens near the capital of Kingstown; high on a promontory above the town is Fort Charlotte, the island’s main defence, from which there are wonderful views.
You can glide from island to island in an hour or so in trade winds of 10-25 knots, swimming ashore to a beach bar, watching giant sea turtles and bumping into visitors from all over the world for a drink at sunset. You can take ferries or fly in charter aircraft to see Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, the Tobago Cays, Union Island, Petit St Vincent and Palm Island.
Watersports enthusiasts will find the tropical seas present a challenge to windsurfers and a delight for divers and snorkelers that includes sheer walls and abundant coral.
