These 11 best Caribbean Islands with mountains give you such a satisfying experience if you’re in search of an exotic beach with amazing mountain views.
For some people, it’s all about the views, but others could be looking for a challenging hike as well.
This post guides you to some of the must-visit Caribbean Islands with mountains whether you’re just looking for a chill beach experience with spectacular mountain views, or if you’re planning a week-long vacation where you’d hike some days and then go scuba-diving on other days.
11 Best Caribbean Islands with Mountains to Visit at least Once in Your Life
There are many more gorgeous spots around the Caribbean, but these 11 top it for me:
1. Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Number of mountains: 31 mountains
- Most famous mountain: Mount Liamuiga
Saint Kitts and Nevis is known for many volcano hikes.
Mount Liamuiga, formerly called Mount Misery, is a 3,792-foot stratovolcano.
It is the highest point on the island of Saint Kitts, in the federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It ranks #8 tallest peak in the entire Caribbean archipelago.
Mount Liamuiga last erupted 1,800 years ago. Tours and guided hikes are available so you can reach the summit that gives you views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring Caribbean islands like Antigua, St. Barths, Statia, and more.
Nevis Peak is a bucket list material for many thrill-seekers. Nevis Island’s 3,232ft volcano shrinks to that of Mount Liamuiga, but the trek up Nevis Peak is definitely not for beginners.
2. Guadeloupe
- Number of mountains: There are 246 named mountains in Guadeloupe
- Most famous mountain: La Découverte
If you’re up for a challenging hike, La Grande Soufrière is the highest mountain peak in the Lesser Antilles, rising 1,467 m high.
It’s an active stratovolcano on the French island of Basse-Terre, in Guadeloupe.
Guadeloupe has two main islands that form the shape of a butterfly. The La Grande Soufrière is found in the western “wing” of this butterfly and is the main attraction of the National Park of Guadeloupe (Parc Nationale de la Guadeloupe).
Even though La Grande Soufrière is an active volcano (it erupted last on August 30, 1976), it is still open for public hikes.
3. The Dominican Republic
- Number of mountains: 2,415 named mountains
- Most famous mountain: Pico Duarte
The Dominican Republic is home to numerous famous mountains.
It’s also a favorite destination for Caribbean travelers.
Those on the lookout for a hiking adventure have plenty of options to choose from, starting with the monstrous Pico Duarte (the highest peak not only in the Dominican Republic but also in the ENTIRE Caribbean.
Located on the island of Hispaniola, Pico Duarte stands at 3,000 meters above sea level (that’s 10,164 feet!).
Hiking this mountain requires at least two days (if you’re an experienced hiker) or longer if you’re on the novice side.
Other notable mountains in the Dominican Republic include Loma Gajo en Medio and Loma Alto de la Bandera (both located in the country’s most mountainous area, on the Island of Hispaniola).
4. Jamaica
- Number of mountains: 345 mountains
- Most famous mountain: Blue Mountain Peak
Jamaica is one of the largest islands in the region and one of the most famous Caribbean islands.
For beginner and intermediate climbers, Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Peak is a doable trail that offers a unique experience.
Yes, it boasts of an impressive elevation (at 7,402 feet), but this mountain is also home to the famous Blue Mountain Coffee.
As an incredibly mountainous island, Jamaica also has other alternatives to Blue Mountain Peak. There are also the John Crow, Don Figuero, and Cockpit Country mountain ranges you can explore.
5. Puerto Rico
- Number of mountains: 329 named mountains in Puerto Rico
- Most famous mountain: Cerro de Punta
Cerro de Punta (also called simply as Cerro Punta) is the highest peak in Puerto Rico.
Rising to 1,338 meters (4,390 ft) above sea level, Cerro de Punta isn’t a volcano. It does, however, offer the best view of all of Puerto Rico (yup, you can see the entire island from here on a clear day).
Hikers from all over the world also visit Monte Jayuya, Cerro Rosa, Cerro Maravilla, and Los Tres Picachos.
These Puerto Rico mountains don’t have a bunch of cell towers (like Cerro de Punta) and have a more rugged pathway than Cerro de Punta’s paved pathway near the peak.
6. Cuba
- Number of mountains: 842 named mountains
- Most famous mountain: Pico Turquino
As the highest point on the island of Cuba, the 6,476 feet-tall Pico Torquino is also one of the most visited.
You can find it in the southeast part of the island, in the Sierra Maestra mountain range in the Guama municipality.
The Turquino National Park was established on a 229.38 km2 area around the peak. The trek up Pico Torquino is deemed difficult and dangerous to novice hikers, so local hiking guides are advisable.
Other major peaks in Cuba include Pico La Bayamesa, Pico Máximo Gómez, Pico San Juan, Gran Piedra, and Pico Cristal.
7. Haiti
- Number of mountains: 922 named mountains
- Most famous mountain: Pic la Selle and Pic Macaya
Because Haiti shares borders with the Dominican Republic and is also located on Hispaniola island, Haiti boasts many mountainous areas.
Two of the most popular ones are Pic la Selle and Pic Macaya.
Pic la Selle has the highest peak in Haiti with 8,773 feet elevation, followed by Pic Macaya’s 7,700 feet elevation. Both offer spectacular views of Hispaniola island and the Caribbean sea.
Other major peaks in Haiti include Morne La Visite, La Grande Colline, Station Bonhomme, Morne Eloi, and Morne Tonnerre.
8. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Number of mountains: 40 named mountains
- Most famous mountain: Soufrière Saint Vincent
La Soufrière (also known as Soufrière Saint Vincent) is an active stratovolcano located on the Caribbean country Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
This massive mountain takes up a huge piece of the island.
As the highest peak in the island of Saint Vincent (at 4,049 feet tall), La Soufrière isn’t for the faint of heart.
It’s a difficult trek (not recommended for inexperienced or novice hikers). But reaching the top and taking a peek into the mile-wide crater will definitely be a memorable experience.
Other major mountains on St. Vincent are Richmond Peak, Mount Brisbane, Colonarie Mountain, Grand Bonhomme, Petit Bonhomme, and Mount St Andrew.
9. Trinidad and Tobago
- Number of mountains: 97 named mountains
- Most famous mountain: El Cerro del Aripo
Trinidad has three mountain ranges — the Northern Range, the Central Range, and the Southern Range. The highest point, El Cerro del Aripo (Aripo Peak) is 3,084 feet above sea level.
El Cerro del Aripo is open for hikers, but it is more popular with bird-watchers because of its diverse species of over 400 native birds.
The mountain is also home to the elusive golden treefrog, which survives only in the foggiest and highest peaks in Trinidad and the Paria Peninsula, Venezuela.
10. Saint Lucia
- Number of mountains: 75 named mountains
- Most famous mountain: Mount Gimie
The island of St. Lucia is famed for its twin peaks, known as the Pitons.
The first one, called Gros Piton, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is highly recommended for beginners. The other (smaller) piton is called Petit Piton – this isn’t as popular as Gros Piton but it’s definitely less crowded.
When it comes to the tallest peak in Saint Lucia, Mount Gimie (at 3,120 feet above water level) is a challenging trail to explore. The hike is covered by lush tropical rainforest and takes 7 to 10 hours for most advanced hikers.
If you decide to visit Saint Lucia, make sure to check out my post about the 10 best snorkeling beaches in St. Lucia.
11. Martinique
- Number of mountains: 264 named mountains in Martinique
- Most famous mountain: Mount Pelée
Mount Pelée, a dormant volcano, is the highest point on the island (4,577 feet) and one of the most popular hiking options on the Island of Martinique.
It ranks 15th-highest of the best Caribbean islands with mountains.
Mount Pelee (also called bald/peeled mountain) is infamous for its 1902 eruption that killed over 30,000 people. It was called the worst volcanic disaster of the 20th century.
Aside from Pelee, the island of Martinique also has a plethora of lush trails and undiscovered paths designed for all hiking levels.
Your Turn: Which Are YOUR Best Caribbean Islands with Mountains?
Do you agree with my list?
Have you been to any of these Caribbean islands? Which do you consider are the best of the best?