As you set out from John A. Osborne Airport, the island’s verdant beauty envelops you immediately. Driving through the lush countryside, fields of sugarcane, groves of banana trees, and the characteristic green hills create a vibrant backdrop. Montserrat’s roads are winding and sometimes narrow, offering glimpses of the Caribbean Sea as you make your way to the island’s villages, nature trails, and historical sites. One of the first destinations you may encounter is Little Bay, Montserrat’s growing centre of tourism and commerce. Here, painted wooden boats dot the harbour and locals greet you with a warm, welcoming smile. Nearby, a small beach framed by palms invites you to dip your toes in the warm, clear waters, while local restaurants serve up Montserratian dishes like goat water stew, a hearty mix of goat meat, breadfruit, and fresh herbs. Driving along Little Bay, you’ll feel the community spirit that defines this resilient island. A visit to Plymouth, Montserrat’s former capital, is essential to understanding the island’s unique history. Known as the “Pompeii of the Caribbean,” Plymouth was buried under ash and lava when the Soufrière Hills Volcano erupted in the 1990s, leading to the evacuation of nearly half of Montserrat’s population. Driving into the Exclusion Zone, you’ll witness the haunting ruins of Plymouth, with partially buried buildings and silent streets that evoke a powerful sense of Montserrat’s resilience. Guided tours are available, providing insight into the impact of the eruption and the remarkable strength of the island’s people. It’s one of the most remarkable, and poignant sights, in the whole of the Caribbean region. As you continue along Montserrat’s winding roads, you’ll reach the charming village of Salem, nestled in a valley surrounded by towering greenery. This area is known for its quaint houses painted in bright Caribbean hues, along with small shops where locals sell crafts, fruit, and Montserrat’s iconic black pineapple. The scent of fresh coconut fills the air as you pass roadside vendors, while chickens and goats wander along the roadside, lending a relaxed, pastoral charm to Salem. A short drive from Salem brings you to Old Town, a historical area with colonial-era ruins and small, brightly-painted houses overlooking the sea. From Old Town, you can spot the island of Redonda in the distance, a stark contrast to the green hills and turquoise waters of Montserrat. Nearby, secluded beaches like Lime Kiln Beach provide perfect spots for a quiet afternoon of swimming or snorkelling.

Driving further inland, you’ll enter Montserrat’s lush interior, where rainforests and dense vegetation cover the landscape. The island’s flora is incredibly diverse, with towering mahogany trees, swaying bamboo, and vibrant bursts of hibiscus and bougainvillea adding vivid splashes of colour to the roadside. Montserrat’s national bird, the Montserrat Oriole, can often be seen flitting through the trees, its black and orange plumage standing out against the verdant backdrop. You might also spot the island’s endemic mountain chicken, a large frog that is native to Montserrat. Montserrat’s Centre Hills are a must-visit for nature lovers, with several hiking trails that wind through dense rainforest, home to a rich variety of plants, trees, and wildlife.