Saba : "The authentic carribean island"

 Climb through unspoiled tropical foliage to the top of the Mount Scenery, dive on exotic underwater reef, or admire quaint cottages and locally made handicrafts.

 Saba is a volcanic island measuring 13 km2, inhabited by 1600 residents who are known for their hospitality.

 Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, the island has changed its nationality 12 times (Spanish, English, French!) before becoming Dutch in 1896, since then Saba has been part of the Dutch Antilles.
The residents are descendants of adventurers who came from Holland, Scotland and Great Britain, as well as slaves from Africa. They worked together to become fishermen, farmers (growing cotton, sugar cane, bananas and coffee), animal breeders and boat builders.
In the last century, the men began emigrating to the USA and the women discovered embroidery (we can still admire the delicacy of their work).

 Flowers in rain forest

 Since there are no beaches, the island’s tourism is primarily oriented around its natural resources. The luxuriant vegetation (sparse and arid on the coast transforming into a tropical forest as it rises) and the luxuriance underwater are internationally renowned. Saba is a paradise for hikers and divers!

 The road of SabaUntil the beginning of the 20th century, the only access to the village was a series of 800 steps and everything was transported manually by man . . .
By taking turns, the entire population participated in building a road by hand, stone by stone. It was completed after years of effort.

Typical houses of Saba

After a new stop at the foot of the volcano, the hikers can either begin the trek towards the volcano, or descend the path and the steps to Winwardside (about 20 min). The taxi can also take you to Winwardside. This village, where the Tourist office is located, is filled with lovely little white and red houses trimmed with gingerbread, and minuscule picturesque alleyways.

 Path to the volcano

 Hiking to the volcano Culminating at 887meters, the ascension of Mont Scenery (whose last eruption dates back 5,000 years) is a beautiful hike surrounded by ferns and giant bamboo where you will pass several species of orchids and birds. . . A path leading from Winwardside takes you to the summit (1,064 steps) in about one hour, where weather permitting, you will have an exceptional view of the neighboring islands of St. Martin, St. Barth, St Eustache, St Kitts and Nevis.

 Diving
Certified divers can take advantage of this marine reserve (Saba Marine Park), well known for the diversity and extreme beauty below the sea the plant life, the marine life, turtles, grouper and barracudas. The Saba Deep Club can show you the best places (1 or 2 dives per day)

 Restaurants

 Queen’s garden (bottom) : the top! Lunch around the pool in a tropical garden… Rock lobster at a modest price. 
 Scout’s place or Tropic’s cafe (vegetarian): ideally located in Winwardside.