North America

Montserrat

A living volcano, black-sand coves and a buried former capital.

Montserrat is a small, mountainous British territory reached by a short flight or ferry from Antigua. Since the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted in the 1990s, the south of the island, including the old capital Plymouth, has been an exclusion zone; views of the ash-covered town from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and nearby lookouts are unforgettable. The north is green, with trails and dark-sand beaches.

It is quiet and friendly, with very few visitors, simple guesthouses and local dishes such as goat water. Rendezvous Bay is the island's only white-sand beach. St Patrick's Day is a real festival here, reflecting early Irish settlement. January to April is the driest time; September carries the highest hurricane risk.

Best time to visit Montserrat

January, February, March, April, December.

Places to visit in Montserrat

• Montserrat: A small, green British island with Irish heritage, where an active volcano buried the old capital of Plymouth.

Essentials

• Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Language: English
• Plugs: Type A / B, 230 V
• Driving: Left side
• Time zone: UTC−4
• Tipping: 10% is appreciated where no service charge is added
• Getting around: Hire a car or use local taxis; access to the south depends on volcano zoning
• Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking

Plan a trip to Montserrat