travel tips | caribbean (eng.)

CARIBBEAN

TRAVEL TIPS

VISÃO GERAL ATRAÇÕESTRANSPORTE COMPRAS ONDE FICAR ONDE COMEROVERVIEW ATTRACTIONSTRANSPORTATION SHOPPINGWHERE TO STAY WHERE TO EAT

OVERVIEW

Antigua: An island of 280 square kilometres, Antigua is located in the Caribbean Sea. The largest city on the island, Saint John’s, is also Antigua’s capital and is located in the north eastern part of the island, close to the airport. Its port is able to receive large cruise ships. The island has around 68,000 inhabitants. The largest towns are Saint John’s, Falmouth and Parham.

Barbados: Located 480 kilometres from the Venezuelan coastline, with its 60 beaches, Barbados is an island of boundless beauty. A former colony of the United Kingdom, having been “invaded” by British and Americans over a period of some years during its past, today it offers ideal accommodations for tourists. The official language of the island is English.

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPSCARIBBEAN

casinos or noisy nightlife and no brightly lit streets teeming with people. It is a destination for those seeking tranquillity.

Saint Kitts: The Caribbean island of Saint Kitts is also the smallest sovereign State in the Americas in terms of its territorial reach and number of inhabitants. The capital city is Basseterre where the Government has its headquarters. Saint Kitts was one of the first Caribbean archipelagos to be populated by Europeans. The official language of the island is English.

Martinique: Like Guadeloupe, Martinique is a French overseas department in the Caribbean, whose capital city is Fort-de-France. It consists of 1,774 square kilometres located in the Lesser Antilles. Even though it is just 80 kilometres in length and 39 kilometres in width it offers an abundance of varied landscapes. The official language is French but Creole is also spoken.

Saint Lucia: This island is known for its stunning natural beauty, with idyllic landscapes

Guadeloupe: The island of Guadeloupe comprises two main islands, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, and several other smaller nearby isles. Its capital city is Basse-Terre, while the economic capital is Pointe-à-Pitre, where most shops and businesses are located as well as Guadeloupe’s Autonomous Port. The music of Guadeloupe traces its origins from the archipelago’s slave-owning past. It is a simple kind of music, played with a percussion instrument known as the “Gwo-Ka”. Although there is a significant mixture of cultures on the archipelago, the population is predominantly Roman Catholic. The official language of the island is French.

Grenada: A Caribbean island comprising the island of Grenada and smaller islands, Grenada sits at the southern end of the Grenadines. The country’s capital city - Saint George’s - is the seat of the Government’s headquarters and is also the country’s main commercial centre. The official language is English. There are no

and the incredible turquoise hue of the Caribbean Sea. The setting of the capital city, Castries, and the volcanic mountains covered in lush green forests, make Saint Lucia one of the most beautiful islands of the Caribbean. It was named by Christopher Columbus, who landed there in 1502. English and French are both spoken on the island.

Saint Thomas: As the bustling centre of the Virgin Islands, a United States territory since 1917, Saint Thomas boasts the only airport on the archipelago and is the region’s busiest port. The island is just 13 kilometres in length and four kilometres in width. Charlotte Amalie is its capital city. Although English is the main language spoken on the island, Spanish and Creole may also be heard.

The tropical location helps to keep the seawater at a moderately high temperature, fluctuating between 21°C and 32°C over the year. The land temperature does not vary much throughout the year, reaching a maximum of 30 degrees in the summer and a minimum of 22 or 23 degrees in the winter.

The Caribbean islands are located in a region of the western hemisphere that can be prone to hurricanes. The hurricane season lasts from July to December, with peak intensity between August and September.

WHEN TO VISITThe Caribbean islands may be visited at any time of the year. However, they are more popular in the dry season, during the winter months, between mid-December and mid-April.

Antigua: Every year, a great Carnival takes place in August. Historically, this Carnival is celebrated to commemorate the abolition of slavery in 1834. Today, the annual Carnival includes parades, shows, competitions and festivities and is a big tourist attraction.

Barbados: There are many festivals that take place throughout the year. The most famous is the Crop Over, the island’s carnival, which takes place from May to August. The biggest day of the festival is Kadooment Day, when a street parade takes place, complete with mobile sound systems and parade groups decked out in fancy dress.

Grenada: On the little island of Carriacou, there is a festival celebrating the island’s traditions, rituals, music and dance. Taking place over three days from 26-28 April, the Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival is ideal for those seeking a unique and unforgettable cultural experience!

Martinique: The Carnival takes place in February and there are also various jazz concerts on the island. Another important event is All Saints Day(“Toussaint”) which takes place on 1 and 2 November, when the dead are honoured by cleaning their tombs and placing flowers and candles on them. In December the island hosts an International Jazz Festival, as well as the Rum Festival and the Capital City Festivities (on New Year’s Eve).

Saint Kitts: The Saint Kitts Carnival takes place during the 10 days following Christmas, with dancing, parades, talent shows and the crowning of the Carnival Queen. The Saint Kitts Music Festival, the island’s biggest event, is held in the third week of June.


Saint Lucia: The jazz and art festival takes place in the month of May. The island’s lively Carnival takes place at the end of June and continues until the end of the first fortnight of July.

Guadeloupe: The island’s Carnival takes place in January and lasts until the beginning of February. Many processions and street parties are held in the capital city.

Saint Thomas: Carnival is celebrated in April and lasts practically the entire month. It is the most hotly anticipated event of the year and, of course, the time of the year when most tourists visit.

TRANSPORT

BY CAR

Hiring a car is always a great option for those who enjoy having the freedom to take trips as they please. It should be remembered that, on some of the islands, cars are driven on the left and some roads may be in quite poor condition.

BY TAXIIn some places taxis do not have meters but there are standard prices for certain destinations. We recommend that you clarify the price with the taxi driver before commencing a trip.

BY BUSThose who do not mind spending a bit longer travelling, and who wish to save money and experience the local culture first-hand, may prefer to opt for the bus systems available on the islands for getting around.

ATTRACTIONS

Antigua: The range of leisure options includes all things related to sea and aquatics, from extreme water sports to fabulous diving into crystal waters. The island offers outings for families, couples and groups. A variety of leisure options await you in St. John’s.

Barbados: The island offers some rather unusual outings, such as theAtlantis Submarine. This is a real submarine that descends 45 metres below the water’s surface and gives a tour of the seabed. On the eastern side of the island there are some enormous waves, worthy of surfing competitions. To the west, you will find calm waters and ideal spots for swimming. Popular among tourists, Harbour Lights, a supper club set right on the beach, offers dinner and a show featuring folkloric events and entertainment.

Grenada: The three main islands (Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique) offer wonderful beaches and unforgettable diving. Take a plunge alongside sea creatures and the remains of a shipwreck close to the coastline. Visit the Grenada National Museum (a former French prison that now houses archaeological discoveries on the indigenous peoples of the Americas).

Guadeloupe: Music plays an important part in the island’s culture. In particular, “Gwo Ka” is a musical style passed down from the days of slavery and is played on drums. Zouk and reggae also provide the soundtrack for local festivities. Soufrière National Park and volcano

should not to be missed. The volcano is still active and is located toward the south of Basse-Terre Island.

Martinique: Be sure to visit the tropical park, where you can feel the thrill of flying from tree to tree on a tour of the forest canopy. Spend a day on horseback, cycling or riding quad bikes on the beach. Take a walk, with more than 30 trails to choose from! For those who enjoy golf, the Empress Josephine golf course, with its sea views, cannot be beaten.

Saint Kitts: Visit sites such as Independence Square, St. George’s Anglican Church, the Brimstone Hill Fortress constructed from black stone and the orthogonal “Circus”. The heavenly beaches must certainly not be left off the agenda.

Saint Lucia: Besides the beaches, explore the rich local history, such as the 18th century tourist sites, the remains of old forts, the old cathedrals

and the Marquis Estate, a famous property on the island that has great historical value.

Saint Thomas: There are a variety of leisure activities on Sapphire beach, including sailing, fishing and diving. Red Hook offers a bustling nightlife and some lively festivities.

WHERE TO STAY

Antigua: Top class luxury resorts predominate although it is possible to find modest accommodations at more reasonable prices. The capital city has the best lodging options.

Barbados: There are countless accommodation options available on the island, which range from elegant resorts to simple homespun places.


Grenada: Hotels and hostels are located in Saint George’s, in the centre of the island. Prices vary according to the type of accommodation sought.

Guadeloupe: Hotels are classified as luxury hotels. Rooms in private houses and hostels are also available.

Martinique: From charming 18th century farmhouses to luxury beach resorts with relaxing spas, you will find a wide variety of pleasing accommodations.

Saint Kitts: The island of Saint Kitts has varied lodging options in different categories. Try looking in the centre where the best hotels are located.

Saint Lucia: This island is full of resorts that are world renowned for their lively atmosphere and quality of service. A resort can be found to suit all tastes, desires and budgets.

Saint Thomas: The majority of hotels are close to the beach, away from the large towns. The most attractive options are usually quarters located in the vicinity of Sapphire Beach and Red Hook. Swim with sea lions atCoral World.

DINING OUT

As in any destination that has unspoilt beaches, the gastronomic fare is based on fish and seafood, which are prepared in a variety of ways.

Antigua: Cou cou is a typical national dish of Antigua. Made mainly from corn flour and okra, Cou cou is of African origin and in past times it was the typical meal of slaves imported from Africa to work in Barbados. Cou cou is often served with fried fish.

Barbados: Enjoy the fusion of traditional and Creole cuisine here, all washed down with rum of the finest pedigree in the world! Gastronomic symbols of the country including flying fish and rum.

Grenada: Irresistible restaurants serve a unique gastronomic offering with Caribbean and


Creole flavours. Most notable among the more traditional dishes is “lambi”, sea snails prepared in a variety of ways. Callaloo soup, which is made from a leafy green vegetable similar to spinach, is also very popular.

Guadeloupe: The island of Guadeloupe lays claim to a variety of spices thanks to its local resources. Menus feature delicious fried dumplings known as “accras”, Creole blood sausage and “colombo” curry dishes. Lastly, the unforgettable rum is not to be missed.

Martinique: From the Creole dish “accras” to French “foie gras”, the island offers a rich and unique Caribbean culinary experience. Shellfish, oysters, pork, red meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, are all served with elegant French wines and champagnes.

Saint Kitts: Goat stew is one of the island’s most popular dishes, made with tomato, goat meat, breadfruit, green papaya and dumplings (also known as “conta-gotas” or droppers).

Saint Lucia: The local cuisine is based on Creole gastronomy. Two typical dishes of the island are grilled prawns with marinated peppers and cocoa-seasoned lamb in a coconut sauce.

Saint Thomas: Specialities of the island include: fish and mushrooms,preguari (sea snails) in butter sauce, Virgin Islands Vienna Cake, a cake made with vanilla and layers of jelly, and its famous banana daiquiris.

SHOPPING

Antigua: The best shopping areas are at Heritage Quay and at Redcliffe Quay, facing the sea. The main shopping area is St. Mary’s Street in the centre.

Barbados: Imported goods are tax-free for foreigners on presentation of a passport. This works like Duty Free shopping. Stores range from simple souvenir shops to upmarket shopping centres, such as Limegrove, which features many famous brand names among its retailers.

Grenada: The Esplanade Mall in St. George’s is a great place for those who enjoy shopping. There you will find clothes, jewellery and souvenirs.

Martinique: You can find 18-carat gold Creole jewellery, clothing stores and French perfumes. The Martinican fabric made on the island and known as “Madras” is very famous.

Saint Kitts: Go shopping at the Port Zante shopping centre in Basseterre. There you will find various brand name stores and souvenir shops.

Saint Lucia: Pay a visit to Pointe Seraphine and La PlaceCarenage. There is a good variety of shopping facilities offering assorted stores and restaurants.

Saint Thomas: You will discover beautiful diamonds and rare gems at excellent prices in Charlotte Amalie along with other high

quality goods atYacht Haven Grande. The US Virgin Islands allow a tax-free purchase limit of $1,600, the highest in the Caribbean.

Guadeloupe: Most of the products in stores on the island are French, from clothing to perfume and jewellery. Some stores may offer a discount if payment is made by travellers cheques or with certain credit cards.

STREET MARKETSAlways make a point of looking in busy neighbourhoods to find handicrafts made by local island inhabitants. It is common to find craft fairs and typical regional souvenirs close to the ports.

There are markets selling fish, seafood and exotic fruit.


CURRENCYAntigua, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Saint Lucia: The national currency is the East Caribbean dollar. However, most prices are based on US dollars.

Barbados: The currency is the Barbadian dollar but US dollars are accepted everywhere on the island and most stores and restaurants accept credit cards and travellers cheques.

Guadeloupe and Martinique: As these are French territories, the official currency of these islands is the Euro. You may use credit cards to make payments on the island.

Saint Thomas: The official currency of the island is the US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in many establishments.

ANTIGUA

POLICE

+268 462 01 25EMERGENCY SERVICES

999 / 911BARBADOS

POLICE

211AMBULANCE SERVICE

511FIRE SERVICE

311GRENADA

HOSPITAL IN ST. GEORGE’S

(+473) 440.20.51HOSPITAL IN CARRIACOU

(+473) 443.74.00AMBULANCE SERVICE

434 (ST. GEORGE’S)774 (CARRIACOU)

MARTINIQUE

MARTINIQUE TOURISM AUTHORITY

(+596) 596 61 61 77

IMPORTANT NUMBERS


IMPORTANT NUMBERS

SAINT KITTS

POLICE/AMBULANCE SERVICE

911FIRE SERVICE

333SAINT LUCIA

POLICE AND FIRE SERVICE

911EMERGENCY SERVICE

999SAINT THOMAS

POLICE AND FIRE SERVICE

911ROY L. SCHNEIDER HOSPITAL

776.8311

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