10 Places worth visiting in Haiti.
1-Citadelle Laferrière/ Cap-Haitian
A view of the Citadelle by @Christtravel100 via instagram
If you are visiting Haiti for the first time, This mountain fortress is the place to be. It is a testament to the history of Haiti itself. It is proof of the accomplishment of the former slaves who fought and gained their freedom. It shows how far they went to protect this freedom. It is as close as you can get to human dignity. Also, the Citadelle is an architectural marvel that took around 15 years to complete. It is the largest fortress in the Americas. This should be on your radar when you visit Haiti.
2-Île à Vache
If you are into beaches but prefer uncrowded ones, this secluded island is the place for you. It is just 6 miles away from the mainland. You can enjoy a short boat trip to the island from the city of Les Cayes. The island offers adventurous traveling from flamingo sightings to Hiking, and diving. It’s a must if you are looking to connect to nature.
Abaka Bay by things_of_my_life509 via instagram
The island consists of multiple beaches with any shades of blue you can think of. Abaka Bay, seen in the picture above, was ranked 52nd among the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world by CNN.
3-Marie Jeanne Cave
While Southern Haiti does not lack beautiful beaches, it also has plenty of natural sites worth visiting. Among them is the Marie-Jeanne cave. It is about an hour drive from the city of Les Cayes. It is located in the town of Port-à-Piment. It is the largest cave system in the Caribbean. It is just amazing inside. I have been there myself. I enjoyed hiking up the hill. I also learned some new things. For instance, the pointy thing inside the cave is called a stalactite. The stalactites can make beautiful musical sounds when you hit them gently with something like a ruler or a small piece of wood. You can also experience the greatest silence of your life inside this cave. An experience I can not even find words for.
4- Jacmel’s old town/ Bassin Bleu
Jacmel by @bellevuetours via Instagram
Jacmel lies on the Southeastern coast of Haiti. It is known as the cultural center of Haiti. The city is full of artists. Art is the soul of the city. The annual carnival is vivid proof of that. Besides Voodoo, the Jacmelians’ aspiration for beauty comes from their architectural heritage. Jacmel is a French-Créole cross-cultural center. It still has some beautiful French-Creole architecture worth admiring. In addition to this, there are many beautiful beaches nearby. Also, you can immerse yourself in an hiking trip to an amazing waterfall.
5- Aquin/Port-Salut
The beaches in Aquin and Port-Salut are part of a series of long stretches of sandy beaches lying on the Southern coast of Haiti. The beaches are large and are perfect for parties. You can also enjoy some good Haitian food by the beach. It’s perfect for interaction with locals.
6- Boutilliers
A view of Port-au-Prince from above by @JeanMarcTribié via instagram
If you wanna enjoy the extraordinary view above the bay of Port-au-Prince, Boutillier is the spot to be. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset over the bay. There are many restaurants and hotels in the hills of The Port-au-Prince area where you can find that view. Among them is L’observatoire de Boutilliers, a well-known restaurant worth visiting.
7- Môle Saint Nicolas
A beach in St-Nicolas by @bellevuetours via instagram
History has it that Christopher Columbus landed in this place at some point during his stay in Hispanola. The place is a paradise. The beautiful sandy beaches offer a stunning view of the nearby mountains. Also, it can be very windy sometimes making it perfect for wave kitesurfing. There are some amazing sea caves you can enjoy. Then, you could go visit some old fortress dating back centuries while you are at it. This place has everything included; it is a most if you plan on visiting Haiti.
8-Anse à Pirogue
This place is a little-known secret. It is just about an hour drive from Port-au-Prince. It is hidden behind the mountains. It’s a combination of beautiful cliffs and crystal clear waters. It is perfect for diving and snorkeling. Some private resorts around the area provide exclusive tours to the place. If you are looking for some uncrowded paradise just for yourself, this place is a must.
9-Côte des Arcadins
Not far away from Port-au-Prince is a series of beautiful beaches named “Cotes des Arcadins”. The name came from the Acadins Islands situated near the coast which are equally beautiful. There are plenty of resorts with private beaches where you can enjoy your stay. Airbnb is also available around the area. It is also preferable for family vacations.
10- La Gonâve
La Gonave by @richardsondorvil via instagram
La Gonave is the largest satellite island in Haiti. By far, it is one of the most beautiful places in Haiti. It is the perfect place for nature lovers. It is the site of multiple mangroves. It has plenty of natural pools like the one in the picture above. In addition to this, La Gonave is very mountainous and is the perfect spot for hiking.
