In Italian
Visit St. Croix to enjoy the first, unforgettable sunset on the States.
To swim into one among the most suggestive coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea.
To relive – by the most faithful Cruzan Style – the colonial period and the harmony of its constructions, to enjoy tastes and smells of an irresistible cultures and traditions mix.
To listen to stories from the past, walk on very white sand beaches (second berth point of Christopher Columbus), and take part into the Cruzan Christmas Festival, one of the most suggestive Carnivals animating the whole island from Christmas to the Epiphany.
A unique and special experience. And the discover of a separate, different, unexpected world.
That of the (American) Caribbean that you just don’t expect.
Unlike the other two main islands of the US Virgin Islands – St. Thomas and St. John – which are near each other and overlook the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Ocean on the other one, St. Croix is 80km more southwards, completely neighbored by the Caribbean Sea.
You can arrive there from several American cities, first of all Miami (it takes a bare two hours) and Atlanta, and with a direct flight from Copenhagen, too (the island is a former Danish colony).
However, if you are going to plan an itinerant journey throughout the US Virgin Islands I couldn’t help recommending to move from St. Thomas (the main island) to St. Croix on board a Seaborn Airlines hydroplane.
A unique experience that will allow you to take off directly from the Charlotte Amalie Gulf, fly for 25 minutes about at a few meters high from the sea level and have the chance over the travel to admire on the background the coral reef, the little islands of the archipelago (among these there’s the rock which inspired the Treasure Island) and the profiles of the ships (pirate and not) sunk in this area over centuries.
And what about if I tell you once it’s not enough?
Try to imagine hot and sunny days spent between sea and exploration, alternating with the tepid breeze and with a series of discoveries and activities that make them full, intense, rich and endless.
From the uncontaminated nature of the Buck Island Reef National Monument – an islet offshore Christiansted given by John Fitzgerald Kennedy to the Virgin Islands, then turned into National Monument aimed to keep its beauty – to the turquoise of its sea, from its dream beaches to snorkelling and scuba diving in one of the most wonderful seabed in the world.
From the tour to Salt River Bay National Historical Park & Ecological Preserve to find oneself, as if by magic, to walk on the same beach where Columbus landed in 1493.
Discovering Christiansted, one of the most charming historical districts of the Caribbean, with its wonderful Danish colonial architecture, the arcades, the colored houses, the fortress where the slaves arriving from Africa were stored and even the market (perfectly preserved) where they were exhibited and sold.
Passing through the history, the savors and the traditions of the cane plantations through the Heritage Trail – a tsop not to miss with “taste” of typical cakes at the Whim Plantation – and tasting of one among the best Caribbean rum, the Cruzan Rum Distillery’s one.
As far as arrive to Fredricksted, a wonderful Danish colonial small town with the typical Caribbean colors, rhythms and savors.
The local market on Saturdays morning, the Farmers & Fish Market of the Christiansted district.
An explosion of colors and savors, among very fresh fruit and vegetables, cakes, round loaves, cane munchies and catch of the day.
And the wildest area of the island, which leads to the Point Udall promontory, the easternmost point in the USA, where to stop and admire the first amazing dawn on the whole States.
St. Croix guarantees a variegate offer – and within everyone’s reach – both for the stay and for the delicious and rich gastronomy.
From the extra luxury resorts to the B&B set in the historical small towns or in the tropical forest, to the family restaurants following the most typical culinary tradition of the island, as far as the gourmet ones “playing” to mix with a masterly skill the savors of the past with “modern” trials.
Here down there’s some useful address.
Duggan’s Reef – directly on the Teague Bay, on the road to Point Udall.
Typical restaurant with a variegate choice of catch of the day, rice, beans and vegetable local dishes. A valid alternative to the Christiansted and Frederiksted places. Medium prices.
Lunch’s at Harvey’s Restaurant – Christiansted, old downtown.
Absolutely to try, very local cuisine, fresh seafood, mollusks, chicken and goat stew in an extremely simple and peculiar atmosphere. Low cost prices.
Balter – Christiansted, old downtown.
The top among the tops for people who love starred cuisine and high level gastronomic trials. Traditional local dishes re-elaborated in a masterly manner by the mythical chef Digby Stidiron.
Roses’s dream Cuisine – Frederiksted, old downtown
Chicken, goat, seafood, rice and cooked vegetables dishes of the mythical Rose are simply fabulous and prices are quite affordable.
Chicken Shack – Christiansted district
The best on the spit chicken in the island in a sort of local fast food which serves also seafood and side dishes. The right choice if you want to eat plentifully, with taste and spending very little.
The Buccaneer – Christiansted district
One of the most suggestive, famous and refined resort of the island with access to the wonderful Buccaneer Beach. Golf courses and a series of activities included in the private area make it very requested by the rich American and Danish customers. Medium-high prices.
The Arawak Bay, The Inn at Salt River – St. Croix, North Shore.
A family B&B swallowed by the tropical forest: peace and relax guaranteed. Very good breakfast (sweet/salty) prepared at the moment by the very kind owner. Medium-low cost prices.