12 Famous Landmarks in the Caribbean That Capture the Heart of the Islands
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The Caribbean is a world-famous tourist destination famed for its breathtaking scenery, pristine beaches, beautiful turquoise waters, and vibrant communities. Its 7,000+ islands are dotted with impressive natural and man-made landmarks that tell exciting stories and blow our minds.
Unfortunately, deciding what to see first is a challenge with so many beautiful places to explore. Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of 12 famous landmarks in the Caribbean that you have to see. Whether you’re looking for somewhere picture-perfect to take photos or learn more about the region’s history, we have something for everyone.
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Port Royal’s Underwater City, Jamaica
We’ll kick things off with a fascinating landmark that Pirates of the Caribbean enthusiasts will love. Port Royal, once called the “Wickedest City on Earth,” is a charming fishing village on the Jamaican southeast coast with a dark past. Up until the 17th century, Port Royal was a pirate stronghold.
A haven for pirates, privateers, and smugglers, the port was used to plan raids, split spoils, and escape the law. Unfortunately, most of the pirate city sank underwater following various natural disasters. Luckily, travelers can step back in time and admire pirate history on a surreal diving trip. You’ll spot pirate-era buildings, historic ruins, and shipwrecks during a diving trip. Keep in mind that diving there requires special permission.
Read also: Caribbean Fun Facts
Great Blue Hole, Belize
One of the most famous natural landmarks in the Caribbean is the Great Blue Hole in Belize. The Great Blue Hole is an enormous marine sinkhole in the Lighthouse Reef off the coast of Belize. Best observed from above, it’s almost perfectly circular and has a total surface area of roughly 760,470 feet (70,650 square meters).
Aside from its apparent beauty, the Great Blue Hole is incredibly interesting. Scientists exploring the 407-foot (124-meter) deep hole discovered a cave with stalactites. This unique find suggests the hole was once dry, meaning it may have been home to prehistoric life. We don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty cool.
Read also: Do’s and Don’ts While Visiting the Caribbean
The Pitons, St. Lucia
The Caribbean is home to countless beautiful natural landmarks, but none are more iconic than the Pitons on the island of St. Lucia. St. Lucia is known worldwide for its gorgeous beaches, exotic waters, and lush rainforest, but the Pitons are the island’s highlight.
The Pitons are two volcanic mountains that stand tall above the island, dominating the island’s skyline. Standing at 2,618 feet (798 meters) tall, Gros Piton is the taller of the two peaks. The smaller peak, Petit Piton, stands at 2,437 feet (743 meters). Most travelers prefer to admire the views of the Pitons from the private pool at their luxury villa, but hiking enthusiasts can climb to the top of Gros Piton.
Read also: Surreal Places in the Caribbean
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico
Known more simply as El Morro, Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a 16th-century citadel and fortress in the historic district of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Named in honor of King Philip II of Spain, construction of the citadel began in 1539 but wasn’t completed until 1787.
Unsurprisingly, this famous sight, standing 140 feet (43 meters) tall, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You might recognize the fortress from the 1996 Steven Spielberg film Amistad. Over two million people visit the fort yearly to explore its historic architecture, so arrive early in the morning to avoid the queues.
Read also: Caribbean Destinations Other Than Beaches
Old Town Square (Plaza Vieja), Cuba
If you’re lucky enough to plan a trip to Cuba, make sure you include the Old Town Square in Havana, known locally as Plaza Vieja, in your itinerary. Once referred to as New Square (Plaza Nueva), this charming square was constructed in 1559. It’s home to beautiful baroque and art nouveau architecture and a lovely fountain.
In colonial times, Old Town Square was a residential neighborhood for the Ciollo plutocracy. It has also been the site of processions, fiestas, bullfights, and executions, too. Many wealthy Havana citizens would often watch events unfold from their balconies. Today, the square is a fantastic place to admire traditional architecture, watch street performers, and enjoy Cuban cuisine.
Read also: Amazing Historical Sites To Visit in the Caribbean
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, St Kitts and Nevis
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park in St Kitts and Nevis is the next Caribbean landmark on our list. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brimstone is a military fortress on a large hill on St Kitts Island. The fort was constructed by the British between the 17th and 18th centuries using enslaved Africans.
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However, the earliest military use of the hill was in 1690, when British troops installed a cannon to fight the French. The fortress was then developed over a century and served as a British military base until it was abandoned in 1853. Today, the fort is a significant place to learn about European expansion, the slave trade, and the development of societies in the Caribbean.
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Read also: Visa-Free Caribbean Destinations
St. Nicholas Abbey, Barbados
Located in Saint Peter, Barbados, St. Nicholas Abbey is a stunning plantation house/mansion, rum distillery, and museum. Colonel Benjamin Berringer built the house in 1658, and it’s one of just three authentic Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. Despite its name, St. Nicholas Abbey has no connection to the church. It’s always been a sugarcane plantation house.
The property is reportedly named after George Nicholas, husband to Colonel Benjamin Berringer’s granddaughter, Susanna. You’ll spend time at St. Nicholas Abbey admiring the mansion’s beautiful chimney stacks, Dutch gables, and lovely Chinese Chippendale staircase. You can also ride on the property’s steam train to explore the area’s lush scenery.
Read also: Budget-Friendly Caribbean Islands
The Hermitage, Bahamas
The Hermitage on Cat Island, an island in the central Bahamas, makes our list for several reasons. First, this small stone monastery stands atop Mount Alvernia, which, at 206 feet (63 meters), is the highest point in the Bahamas. Second, the monastery was beautifully built by hand using local stone.
The monastery was designed and built by Monsignor John Hawes, better known on the island as Father Jerome. A talented architect and sculptor, he built the Hermitage on top of Mount Alvernia in 1939 so he could escape everyday life. You can reach the monastery by climbing a stone staircase. Look closely, and you’ll still be able to see Father Jerome’s intricate hand-carved stones. You’ll also be treated to panoramic 360-degree views of the island from the top.
Read also: Seclude Caribbean Islands for Private Vacation
Christiansted National Historic Site, U.S. Virgin Islands
History buffs wanting to learn more about European history in the Caribbean should visit Christiansted National Historic Site in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Christiansted isn’t as famous as other colonial towns in the Virgin Islands, but it holds a stronger historical significance. Located on the island of St. Croix, Christiansted was the capital of the Danish West Indies between the 17th and 20th centuries.
Christiansted National Historic Site, located in the center of the town, is home to 18th and 19th-century structures. The site covers seven acres (three hectares) and has six main sights. These include Fort Christiansværn, the Church of Our Lord Sabaoth Steeple Building, Customs House, and the Government House.
Read also: Best Caribbean Islands for Adventure
The Tulum Ruins, Mexico
Next, we have the Tulum Ruins in Mexico. Tulum is a popular tourist destination famed for its beautiful beaches framed by tall palm trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters. However, the most spectacular sight in the city is the Tulum Ruins. Set on a cliff along the picturesque coastline, Tulum was once a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city that served as a significant port.
One of the last cities built by the Maya, the walled city is more than 800 years old. The highlight is the fascinating 25-foot-tall El Castillo pyramid at the cliff edge. Other impressive buildings at the site include the God of Winds Temple, the Temple of the Descending God, and the Temple of the Frescoes.
Read also: Best Caribbean Islands for Romantic Getaway
Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua
The penultimate landmark on our list is Nelson’s Dockyard on the Southern shore of Antigua. Nestled in English Harbour, this interesting sight gives travelers an insight into 18th-century Caribbean life. It’s named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, who resided in Antigua in the 1780s, and was constructed between 1780 and 1820.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built to accommodate Royal Navy warships, stores, and crews and protect the island during the war against France. It soon became a naval village but was eventually abandoned in 1889. Today, though, it features houses, museums, two hotels, a marina, and restaurants. Don’t miss the Naval Officer’s House, the Dockyard Museum, and the marina during your visit.
Read also: Awesome Virgin Islands in the Caribbean
The Baths, Virgin Gorda
The final landmark on our list is the Baths, a landmark in Virgin Gorda recognized worldwide for its stunning natural beauty. Virgin Gorda is a picture-perfect island featuring white sand beaches, beautiful coves, and vibrant national parks. However, the most attractive landmark on the island is the Baths.
The Baths is a vast collection of enormous granite boulders located at the southwestern tip of the island. Reaching 40-foot (12 meters) wide, these rocks are a sight to behold and a joy to explore. Aside from their sheer size, what makes the rocks so impressive is the saltwater pools and small grottos hidden within. Spend your time at the baths climbing the rocks, swimming in the hidden caves, and jumping in the water.
Read also: Must-Visit Caribbean Islands
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