13 Caribbean Islands With Gorgeous Mountains

How does that Beach Boys song go again? Something about Aruba, right? It means a few Caribbean islands. And when you think of the Caribbean, you think of paradise, the beach, and stunning views! It will make you want to stay in the Caribbean forever and quit that 9-5 job. How about if we dived into several Caribbean islands with gorgeous mountains? If you turn around, there’s a whole island to explore and some hills and mountains worth looking at. 

We’ll take a look at 13 Caribbean islands with gorgeous mountains and a few facts about them. And afterward, you can hike, take a leisurely walk, enjoy bird watching, or whatever tickles your fancy when you visit.

St. Lucia

You know you have arrived in St. Lucia when you see two mountain peaks. They are called the Pitons and they are volcanic mountains located on the southwest coast of St. Lucia. The twin peaks have become popular with hikers, so they can explore the natural habitats of animals while hiking up the mountain. When you reach the top (after four hours!), you will have a stunning view of the sea and the island of Martinique.

Hispaniola

Pico Duarte is the highest peak on the island of Hispaniola, which consists of two countries — the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Located toward the middle of the island in the Dominican Republic, Pico Duarte is accessible through several trails leading up the mountain. It is one of the busiest mountains for hikers in the Caribbean, with more than 1,000 hikers a year. 

St. Kitts

The island of St. Kitts has much to offer, from sandy beaches to jungle walks and hiking trails. Volcano hikes are people’s favorites when they go to St. Kitts and it won’t disappoint. Mount Liamuiga is located in the northwestern part of the island. Take pictures during the two-hour hike because you’ll likely pass through beautiful scenery, including mango orchards. The top of the mountain, known as the Devil’s Tooth, offers incredible views of the island.

Nevis

Nevis is the other island that makes up the country of St. Kitts and Nevis. You know you’ve arrived in Nevis when you see a cloudy ring surrounding the top of Nevis Peak. The volcano is green and lush and you can go trekking up that mountain through various trails. The views at the top are worthwhile, as you can see stunning views of the island and the Caribbean Sea.

Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the most famous countries in the world. It’s the birthplace of Bob Marley, reggae music, and the famous Blue Mountain coffee. The coffee beans come from the eponymous mountain in Jamaica. When you finish the trek up the mountain, you will be rewarded with some coffee. There are other hiking trails you can explore in Jamaica that can be as impressive.

Cuba

When you think of Cuba, you don’t think about its gorgeous mountains. But Cuba has amazing mountains and two worth your time to explore — Pico Turquino and Pico San Juan. You will trek through forests, rivers, and lots of biodiversity before you reach the summit of Pico San Juan, but the views of the sea and surrounding lush, green areas will be worth your while. Treat yourself to a Cuba Libre that evening!

Dominica

It is known as “Nature Island” because of its diverse natural habitats. There are nine active volcanoes, more than 300 rivers, lots of waterfalls, the second-largest boiling lake in the world, and varied biodiversity. The highest mountain in Dominica is Mount Diablotins and you go on nature hikes there or many others on the island. So, explore, get stunned by the views, and take in the beautiful nature of Dominica.

Aruba

One of the islands mentioned in the Beach Boys’ song, “Kokomo,” Aruba is synonymous with beach relaxation and stunning sea views. Hooiberg is a mountain on the island that has attracted hikers from all over. The top of the mountain will offer stunning views of the sea and island.

Saba

Saba is an island that belongs to the Netherlands, part of the Netherlands Antilles. The island is mostly jungle and rainforests, which is a nature lover’s dream. You can explore inhabited places as if you were an adventurer in Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World. You can hike up Mount Scenery, which oddly enough, happens to be the tallest mountain in the Netherlands.

Puerto Rico

The island of Puerto Rico is one of the most famous islands in the Caribbean. Although it’s been hit hard by hurricanes in recent years, Puerto Ricans can be proud to be from a diverse island with lots of biodiversity. The highest peak in Puerto Rico is Cerro de Punta, which is not a volcanic mountain like others in the Caribbean islands. The trails filled with lush greenery lead you to the top where you can see some of the best views of the island territory.

Martinique

Like all the other islands in the Caribbean, Martinique is filled with lush vegetation, jungles and rainforests, and all the biodiversity you can imagine. You can explore the island with hundreds of trails, known as traces, ensuring you can have the adventure of a lifetime. Mount Pelée is the highest mountain on the island and it’s also an active volcano.

Antigua

When you arrive at Antigua, you’ll be blown away by the picturesque views that are reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The green landscapes will offer you great picture memories, too. You can climb up Boggy Peak, which used to be called Mount Obama from 2009-2016. You can also do a coastal trek that can take you to views of the English Harbor and Mermaid Gardens. 

St. Vincent

Walking on the beaches of St. Vincent are magical moments you will never forget. But you can also hike La Soufrière volcano for something more challenging. Be aware that St. Vincent is a volcano and it recently erupted in 2021. During the trek, be on the lookout for a St. Vincent parrot.

Conclusion

There are many Caribbean islands located in the eponymous sea — more than 700 to be somewhat exact. You can visit each one or focus on a few. But now you have a packed itinerary of what to do in some of these Caribbean islands. Besides relaxing on white, sandy beaches, you can also explore the gorgeous mountains that make these Caribbean islands amazingly beautiful.

Summary of 13 Caribbean Islands With Gorgeous Mountains

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Steve Photography/Shutterstock.com

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