The fact that Dominica is off the beaten tourist trail is no bad thing in the eyes ofreal nature lovers. As a result Dominica is valued more for its interior than for its shoreline, being visited primarily by walkers and tourists who seek simplicity.
It follows that there are no marinas or ports to speak of, so not many cruising yachts. Dominica, with its craggy, junglecovered hills full of fumaroles and waterfalls that feed lakes both cool and hot, demands slow exploration on foot.
But if you’re in a hurry you can capture the essence of the place by car thanks to a road network suitable for all vehicles (although limited and the roads often narrow).

Roseau

The island’s small capital is a grid of old, shingled, stone houses mixed in with more brutal, modern and ordinary buildings. Several older buildings are of rather mixed styles, but nonetheless charming with their verandas, balustrading and garlands of motifs looking almost like wooden lacework. Some have now been renovated and painted in lively colours. Also worth a look are the three churches with their very different architectural styles, amongst them the imposing Our Lady of Fair Haven catholic church. The small shops and workshops give the town quite a bustling air and at the market, most active on Saturdays, the riches of the island’s market gardeners are on display.
Although the botanical gardens are a bit sparse, they do give a foretaste of the island’s luxuriant flora.

Around the island: