Montserrat Quick Guide

The beautiful island of Montserrat is also referred to as "paradise on a small budget" by its visitors and holidaymakers. For those who are keen to explore the island of Majorca, it is possible to rent a car and explore at your leisure. The island's main transport system is the Eurobus service that operates a regular service from the island's airport to its major tourist centres. Buses stop at a variety of locations throughout Majorca, each with its own attractions and restaurants. Tourists can spend hours sipping on freshly squeezed lemonade in the charming beach towns or exploring the fascinating cathedrals of the island's heritage.

Montserrat Travel Guide provides a helpful outline of the various attractions on the volcanic island, which are suitable for travellers of all ages. It describes the different districts on the island, the most visited ones, the ones you should avoid, and the ones you should see on a specific day. Each district has its own unique charm, with a range of old buildings and modern establishments, ranging from seafood restaurants to exclusive restaurants and hotels, and art galleries to lively bars and clubs.

One of the main attractions on the island is the enchanting town of Cala San Vicente. It is situated on a narrow strip of land between the sea and the steep hills of the island's eastern coast. Cala San Vicente lies directly on the beach where you can relax with a glass of wine and a book. You can also visit the charming little bay fronted by an exquisite sandstone pier. Here you can Moor a boat, take a walk along the beautiful shoreline or try the local delicacies at the delicious little bay bar.

Another popular activity on the island is cycling. A cycle tour of the island starts from the main road, passing through the picturesque little bay in front of the pier. The path leads you past the shops of Montserrat's most popular shops and restaurants which offer a wide variety of fresh seafood and local produce to tempt your taste buds. At the end of your journey you emerge into the tranquil little village of Cala San Vicente, which boasts of an idyllic view of the bay and the surrounding countryside.

If you are looking for a different kind of activity on your trip to Montserrat then you should definitely try the little bay of Nevis. This secluded bay is ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving and there are a number of fantastic restaurants, hotels and bars to stay in while you are there. The main beach on the island is located just by the entrance to the little bay and is very convenient for visitors as it is directly accessible to the rest of the island. The water in this area is very clean and blue and there are a variety of stunning views to take advantage of.

A visit to one of the main attractions on Montserrat is almost certain to include a stop at the Gingerbread Hill. Gingerbread Hill lies on the south western part of the island and is surrounded by woods, sea and sand dunes. You can walk the short distance to the top of Gingerbread Hill but be warned that it is steep and the path can become slippery if wet. You will need a walking stick to scale the steep slope and gingerbread also tends to burn easily so keep a hand held torch close by. There are also many interesting displays on the way to the top including a range of shells from all over the world, an original saltpans spring and the remains of a village which has been destroyed by a hurricane a few years back.

Moving back down to the main island, you will find yourself near the David Lea hotel that is nestled at the base of the hilltop coffee house. The hotel overlooks the gingerbread hilltop and offers fantastic views over the surrounding area. The hotel also provides accommodation for those who wish to stay away from the main tourist areas but still have a homely feel to them. The gingerbread house itself dates back to the eighteenth century and provides visitors with an insight into the life of the island's earlier inhabitants. The coffee house and grounds also provide a fascinating insight into the life of the local people and the ways in which they have coped with the changing climate on the island.

One of the most important things that you must see when visiting Montserrat are the old churches, which date back to the thirteenth century. These beautiful buildings provide an excellent glimpse into the way in which the island's religious life has evolved through the centuries. In particular the lilac and golden steeples known as Soufri are popular with visitors as they are known as the site where St. John the Baptist received his nailed crown after being nailed to a cross on the mountain peak. Another major site to see while in Montserrat are the two cathedrals known as Fortinet de l'Arguignon and Fortinet du Midi. These stunning cathedrals sit on the slopes of Mount Arguignon and offer tourists an insight into the life of the early Montserrat islanders

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Montserrat are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

March to July would be the best time. Best times or more of a schedule to visit Montserrat, Keep in mind the hours of sunshine for each season to visit Montserrat, since, in winter, the sun sets much earlier.

Do I need a Visa?

You don't need a visa for Montserrat if you are either a British citizen passport holder or a British Overseas Territories citizen passport holder. For other nationalities, there is an on-line visa application service.

See which forms you may need for entry into Montserrat.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of Montserrat is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Montserrat you can grab amazing Eastern Caribbean Dollar deals via Wise.com (GBP to XCD).

What about the wildlife?

There are hawksbill turtles, puffer fish, blennie, golden tail eel, spotted snake eel, sharp tail eel, squid, sea horse, sea turtles, flying gurnard, southern stingray, squid, angelfish, peacock flounder… and more. Dolphins, eagle rays, nurse sharks and pipefish are also seen in the waters.

What is the traditional food?

Creole food? Montserrat's national dish is goat water, a thick goat meat stew served with crusty bread rolls.

What Languages are spoken?

Montserrat Creole is a dialect of Leeward Caribbean Creole English spoken in Montserrat. The number of speakers of Montserrat Creole is below 10,000. Montserrat Creole does not have the status of an official language. You can learn some basic Creole before you travel to Montserrat and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in Montserrat is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (Restaurants: If the service charge is not automatically included in the bill, tip 10%. Taxi: Tips are not generally expected.).

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 999
  • Ambulance: 999
  • Fire: 999
  • UK Embassy: (1) (664) 491 2688/9

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is -5 hours

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