The Black Rocks of Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Black Rocks in Saddlers, Saint Kitts

photography by: NoTalkMan/ Wikimedia Commons

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The smallest nation throughout the western hemisphere in both population and land size, Saint Kitts and Nevis boasts a series of pristine beaches, world-class resorts and several old forts. Away from the country’s popular tourist spots, the island’s Atlantic coast is blessed with a glut of sweeping views, including a scenic point where visitors can marvel at ancient volcanic formations, known locally as the Black Rocks.

Despite its miniscule size, the Caribbean island-nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis abounds with gobs of interesting places to explore. With most visitors flocking to either the capital city, Basseterre, Brimstone Hill Fortress, or one of the country’s beautiful coves, the western coast of Saint Kitts Island largely remains off the beaten path.

 

Tucked away near the townlet of Saddlers, a cluster of oddly shaped igneous structures serves as one of the highlights along the rugged shore. Named the Black Rocks for their ebony hue, the volcanic formations were first formed when the nearby Mount Liamuiga erupted almost 1,800 years ago. The hardened lava was then sculpted by the battering breakers for over a millennium, ultimately creating all sorts of peculiar shapes.

 

Visitors who wish to awe at the craggy coastline can gaze on the Black Rocks from the verdant lawn atop an adjacent promontory. Apart from the guaranteed spectacular vistas, the site is also home to a couple of souvenir stalls and eateries.