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St Croix Travel Guide

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Less developed than St Thomas, St Croix is the largest and most remote of the three inhabited Virgin Islands, covered in forested hills, fertile lowlands and surrounded by coral reefs with excellent diving, particularly along the north coast.

Located 40 miles (64km) south of St Thomas, the island has two main towns, Christiansted on the north east coast and Frederiksted to the west. Both prospered as commercial ports during the 18th and 19th centuries. Christiansted is a lively town offering trips to the tiny Buck Island as a popular excursion. Frederiksted is smaller and a sleepy place until the occasional cruise ship arrives for a spree of duty-free shopping. Both towns contain numerous examples of fine Danish colonial architecture. The surrounding landscape is scattered with remnants of sugar plantations, stone windmill towers and ruined houses from the island's commercial heyday in the sugarcane industry. Whim Greathouse is an impressive planter's mansion, restored to reflect its glory days in the 1700s, and is one of the main historical sights on St Croix. Rum production was another of the island's primary industries and visitors can visit the Cruzan Rum Distillery for guided tours and free tastings. The Heritage Trail is a self-guided trip that links the main sights of interest on the island.

Along with its picturesque beaches and superb diving, St Croix has a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including hiking, historic sights and attractions, golf and horse riding. There are fine hotels, excellent dining and casinos.