The Most Beautiful Towns to Visit While Sailing in St Vincent and the Grenadines

The country’s capital, Kingstown, is a bustling port city backed by the lush volcanic peaks that St Vincent island is known for. Historic stone buildings are interspersed with colorful market umbrellas and streetside vendors. Drivers honk freely at each other, many stopping in the middle of the road to buy bags of freshly-picked fruit through their car windows. Those on foot navigate the winding side streets to back-alley cafes and cobblestone courtyards.

A quiet rural town, you may never guess that this whaling village was once the capital city and first European colony on the island. Along the beach, dark whale meat is spread across tin roofs to dry in the hot Caribbean sun. Further ashore, goats graze in schoolyard fields while chickens trot along the streets. The main road winds its way up the hill to the south, providing a spectacular view of the town and bay below – where small fishing boats sit scattered around a long jetty.

Restaurants line the broad waterfront, while sailboats bob gently in the large, shallow bay of this coastal town, an easy day trip from St Vincent. Along the main road, market vendors selling local handicrafts set up tables opposite cute boutiques and local cafes. The narrow streets and charming old architecture of Port Elizabeth are unmistakable; bougainvillea and palm trees frame brightly colored storefronts and well-trodden footpaths weave between wooden rum shops and church spires.

This tranquil beachside village is all but a single sandy road tracing a wide stretch of white sand beach. Casual restaurant verandahs and unpretentious guest houses sit opposite beach almond and sea grape trees, their broad leaves casting patches of shade on the sandy shore. Painted wooden signs tell you exactly how far you are from London, Paris and New York – and where to find the closest bar. Hint: it’s not far.

Although Clifton is the largest town on Union Island, it’s far from a busy city. Like the rest of the Grenadines’ islands, things move slowly here. The center of town is a small green surrounded by brightly painted stalls overflowing with local produce, filling the air with the sweet aroma of fresh fruit. Above, second-story balconies overlook the main road on one side, while the reef-strewn bay sits on the other.

Known for its luxurious vacation homes, Mustique has a cute village square surrounded by manicured gardens and elegant boutiques. Charming pastel buildings trimmed in delicate white gingerbread fascia face the azure bay – where local fishing boats are pulled up on the small sandy beach. Nearby, Basil’s Bar sits gracefully on stilts over the turquoise water; its palm-thatched roofs and wraparound balcony beckoning you in for a sunset cocktail.

What Mayreau lacks in size, it makes up for in personality. Spread along a winding hillside road, this lovely local village consists of colorful rum shops run by equally colorful locals, a few restaurants and a handful of variety stores. Admire the intricate stonework of the old church at the top of the hill and the unforgettable view of the Tobago Cays and barrier reef below.