As you explore the numerous natural attractions in Dominica, your head will definitely turn when approaching the beautiful small towns and villages that adorn both the inland and the coastline. Be prepared for absolutely heart-stopping landscapes where wondrous nature, profound tranquillity, and sheer splendour prevail to fulfil your soul’s desires for one-of-a-kind island experiences. Below is a small taste of what awaits.
Roseau – Seductive & Colourful
The capital of Dominica is a vibrant town on the island with a playful Rastafarian vibe that’s built on the side of Sairi, the ancient Island Carib village. Besides a beautiful town where dancehall and reggae music swirls in the air non-stop, though, Roseau also impresses with the blend of colonial French and modern architecture.
Feel free to stroll the scenic streets of the oldest urban settlement on the island and watch Dominicans zipping around the narrow alleys on scooters, while enjoying stunning seascapes and captivating views of the mountainous surrounding the spectacular region with the spellbinding terrain.
Apart from jaw-dropping nature featuring lush peaks, Roseau is home to numerous historic attractions, as well as the Old Market, where you can buy from souvenirs and flowers to fresh fruits, and a busy port serving the trade of goods like cocoa, oranges, grapefruit, baby oil, and bananas.
Portsmouth – A Charming Princess
The second-largest town on the island, Portsmouth, is on the northwest coast of Dominica on the Indian River and used to be the capital of the country until 1760, when Roseau took the sceptre, after a malaria outbreak in Portsmouth. Another element that was taken away from Portsmouth is the Ross University School of Medicine, which had to be relocated to Barbados in 2017 after Hurricane Maria struck the island, causing extensive damage.
That being said, though, the idyllic city provides access to the quaint Prince Rupert Bay and is also near a popular local attraction, Cabrits National Park – a picturesque place tucked on the peninsula on the north side of Portsmouth. On top of it all, the town even has its own seaport, a premier sporting venue (aka Benjamin’s Park), where all the first-class cricket games are held, a farmer’s market that runs on Saturdays, Fridays, and Tuesdays, and plans for even more development.
Scott’s Head – A Picturesque Fishing Village
Overlooking Soufriere Bay, Scott’s Head is both where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet and a hugely popular diving and snorkelling destination. Located on the southwest coast of the island, around an hour’s drive from Roseau, it will lock your attention with its inspiring landscape, pristine waters, the magnificent Soldierfish Cave (a great passage leading to a fantastic dive site), the many hiking opportunities, the coral-encrusted rock formations, and the majestic views that stretch all the way to the island of Martinique.
Plus, it also marks the start of the incredible Waitukubuli National Trail, while also being home to underwater volcanic scenery and rich marine life featuring lobsters, grunts, black bar soldiers, and many more. And, if you happen to be around here in the summertime, expect a huge feast in honour of Saint Peter that takes place annually atop the hill near the village.
When it comes to how it got its name, it is owed to a Dominica lieutenant governor of British origins named George Scott that captured the island from the French in 1761 (he served in the British invasion force). The Scott’s Head peninsula’s Carib name, though, is Cachacrou, which means “a hat that is being eaten”, perhaps because the small fishing village is where two different water elements meet and try to “eat” one another. Who knows!
Marigot – Enchanting With Breathtaking Views
Marigot is a small town situated close to the northern coast of Dominica and home to the island’s main airport, as well as a Fisheries Complex. The attractive region is perched on the hills of Dominica and offers some of the most staggering panoramas of the Caribbean Sea and the island. Probably the biggest draw in Marigot is its location, though, as it is close to the popular Sandy Bay Beach and its crystalline waters, where both locals and tourists alike prefer to relax, snorkel, dive, or indulge in other beach-side activities. Within the same area is also the hypnotising Sari-Sari waterfall that provides serene moments away from the bustling crowds. As for Marigot itself, it pampers visitors with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops offering exceptional housing and food.
Calibishie – Nature and Nature Times Ten
Calibishie is hands down, sitting in the most unspoiled and scenic region of Dominica – the Calibishie Coast Travel Area. One of the many exciting and unique things about this charming village is that its coastline is a little over 1.6 kilometres (one mile) away from the rainforest, which is something only a few places in the world can claim. Primarily beloved for the plethora of adorable beaches near it, such as Woodford Hill, Turtle, Point Baptiste, Jampstead Hodhes, and Batidou beaches, the palm-fringed shoreline in Calibishie allows sun loungers and bathers to try anything from scuba diving and snorkelling to cycling, trekking through the lush rainforest with the exotic birds and plants, passing by amazing waterfalls, and swimming in secluded pools.
Soufriere – Relaxed and Laid-Back
The cute village called Soufriere creates strong, everlasting bonds with everyone visiting it, mainly for what it brings to the table. Expect arresting scenery as Soufriere is nestled in a region that’s surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and a tropical forest on the southwestern side of the island, near the equally ravishing Scott’s Head peninsula.
Once here, you will instantly feel an overwhelming calming sensation refuelling your molecules as you are in the lap of such a profound natural landscape. And, while wandering through the village, you will find several reasons to fall in love with it and want to come back – from the Sulphur Spring hot mineral baths to the 18th-century Catholic church that is constructed using volcanic rocks!
Other Must-Visit Dominica Towns and Villages
- Wesley – A northeast coast village situated between two historic estates that once served as centres for early Evangelisation in Dominica.
- Grand Bay – An ocean-facing village in the south of the island, also known as Berricoa or Berekua, or South City, which is considered the cultural capital of Dominica.
- Pointe Michel – A delightful town on the southwest of the island that’s known for being the birthplace of the first female Prime Minister in Dominica (and the only one to date), namely Dame Eugenia Charles.
- The Carib Territory – Although not a town or village per se, it is noteworthy for being a territory established for the descendants of the Kalinago people (the first Caribs living on the island, way before its colonisation by the Europeans). Overall, it encompasses a traditional village that’s home to around 3,000 natives.
As you explore the numerous natural attractions in Dominica, your head will definitely turn when approaching the beautiful small towns and villages that adorn both the inland and the coastline. Be prepared for absolutely heart-stopping landscapes where wondrous nature, profound tranquillity, and sheer splendour prevail to fulfil your soul’s desires for one-of-a-kind island experiences. Below is a small taste of what awaits.
Roseau – Seductive & Colourful
The capital of Dominica is a vibrant town on the island with a playful Rastafarian vibe that’s built on the side of Sairi, the ancient Island Carib village. Besides a beautiful town where dancehall and reggae music swirls in the air non-stop, though, Roseau also impresses with the blend of colonial French and modern architecture.
Feel free to stroll the scenic streets of the oldest urban settlement on the island and watch Dominicans zipping around the narrow alleys on scooters, while enjoying stunning seascapes and captivating views of the mountainous surrounding the spectacular region with the spellbinding terrain.
Apart from jaw-dropping nature featuring lush peaks, Roseau is home to numerous historic attractions, as well as the Old Market, where you can buy from souvenirs and flowers to fresh fruits, and a busy port serving the trade of goods like cocoa, oranges, grapefruit, baby oil, and bananas.
Portsmouth – A Charming Princess
The second-largest town on the island, Portsmouth, is on the northwest coast of Dominica on the Indian River and used to be the capital of the country until 1760, when Roseau took the sceptre, after a malaria outbreak in Portsmouth. Another element that was taken away from Portsmouth is the Ross University School of Medicine, which had to be relocated to Barbados in 2017 after Hurricane Maria struck the island, causing extensive damage.
That being said, though, the idyllic city provides access to the quaint Prince Rupert Bay and is also near a popular local attraction, Cabrits National Park – a picturesque place tucked on the peninsula on the north side of Portsmouth. On top of it all, the town even has its own seaport, a premier sporting venue (aka Benjamin’s Park), where all the first-class cricket games are held, a farmer’s market that runs on Saturdays, Fridays, and Tuesdays, and plans for even more development.
Scott’s Head – A Picturesque Fishing Village
Overlooking Soufriere Bay, Scott’s Head is both where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet and a hugely popular diving and snorkelling destination. Located on the southwest coast of the island, around an hour’s drive from Roseau, it will lock your attention with its inspiring landscape, pristine waters, the magnificent Soldierfish Cave (a great passage leading to a fantastic dive site), the many hiking opportunities, the coral-encrusted rock formations, and the majestic views that stretch all the way to the island of Martinique.
Plus, it also marks the start of the incredible Waitukubuli National Trail, while also being home to underwater volcanic scenery and rich marine life featuring lobsters, grunts, black bar soldiers, and many more. And, if you happen to be around here in the summertime, expect a huge feast in honour of Saint Peter that takes place annually atop the hill near the village.
When it comes to how it got its name, it is owed to a Dominica lieutenant governor of British origins named George Scott that captured the island from the French in 1761 (he served in the British invasion force). The Scott’s Head peninsula’s Carib name, though, is Cachacrou, which means “a hat that is being eaten”, perhaps because the small fishing village is where two different water elements meet and try to “eat” one another. Who knows!
Marigot – Enchanting With Breathtaking Views
Marigot is a small town situated close to the northern coast of Dominica and home to the island’s main airport, as well as a Fisheries Complex. The attractive region is perched on the hills of Dominica and offers some of the most staggering panoramas of the Caribbean Sea and the island. Probably the biggest draw in Marigot is its location, though, as it is close to the popular Sandy Bay Beach and its crystalline waters, where both locals and tourists alike prefer to relax, snorkel, dive, or indulge in other beach-side activities. Within the same area is also the hypnotising Sari-Sari waterfall that provides serene moments away from the bustling crowds. As for Marigot itself, it pampers visitors with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops offering exceptional housing and food.
Calibishie – Nature and Nature Times Ten
Calibishie is hands down, sitting in the most unspoiled and scenic region of Dominica – the Calibishie Coast Travel Area. One of the many exciting and unique things about this charming village is that its coastline is a little over 1.6 kilometres (one mile) away from the rainforest, which is something only a few places in the world can claim. Primarily beloved for the plethora of adorable beaches near it, such as Woodford Hill, Turtle, Point Baptiste, Jampstead Hodhes, and Batidou beaches, the palm-fringed shoreline in Calibishie allows sun loungers and bathers to try anything from scuba diving and snorkelling to cycling, trekking through the lush rainforest with the exotic birds and plants, passing by amazing waterfalls, and swimming in secluded pools.
Soufriere – Relaxed and Laid-Back
The cute village called Soufriere creates strong, everlasting bonds with everyone visiting it, mainly for what it brings to the table. Expect arresting scenery as Soufriere is nestled in a region that’s surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and a tropical forest on the southwestern side of the island, near the equally ravishing Scott’s Head peninsula.
Once here, you will instantly feel an overwhelming calming sensation refuelling your molecules as you are in the lap of such a profound natural landscape. And, while wandering through the village, you will find several reasons to fall in love with it and want to come back – from the Sulphur Spring hot mineral baths to the 18th-century Catholic church that is constructed using volcanic rocks!
Other Must-Visit Dominica Towns and Villages
- Wesley – A northeast coast village situated between two historic estates that once served as centres for early Evangelisation in Dominica.
- Grand Bay – An ocean-facing village in the south of the island, also known as Berricoa or Berekua, or South City, which is considered the cultural capital of Dominica.
- Pointe Michel – A delightful town on the southwest of the island that’s known for being the birthplace of the first female Prime Minister in Dominica (and the only one to date), namely Dame Eugenia Charles.
- The Carib Territory – Although not a town or village per se, it is noteworthy for being a territory established for the descendants of the Kalinago people (the first Caribs living on the island, way before its colonisation by the Europeans). Overall, it encompasses a traditional village that’s home to around 3,000 natives.