The tiny island of Saba is part of a group of islands that used to be called the Netherlands Antilles, before this grouping was dissolved in 2010. The island remains a “special municipality” of the Netherlands, meaning Dutch is the official language, though many locals speak English too. Covering only 13 square kilometres and home to just 1,500 permanent inhabitants, Saba nevertheless manages to attract over 20,000 tourists every year, The tourist industry here is still in its infancy, so there are no huge five-star resorts. Accommodation is mainly private rentals, while restaurants too are small affairs, mainly offering Saba specialities.
The highest point on the island, and also in the Netherlands, is the semi-active volcano Mount Scenery which stands at nearly 900 metres in height. Climbing Mount Scenery has been made easier by the construction of over 1,000 stone steps taking you almost to the summit to enjoy the amazing view over the whole of Saba and as far as the neighbouring islands of St Maarten and St Eustace. The island is home to only four villages, all of which have changed little since the island was first settled by the Dutch in the 17th century. The quaint cottages in Winwardside, The Bottom, Hell's Gate and St. Johns are sometimes used as holiday accommodation, while each village is surrounded by lush, green foliage. Hiking is popular in the island, and there are 18 different trails that either take you around the shore along the black volcanic sand beach or over the slopes of Mount Scenery. All these trails feature informative signs about the local flora and fauna.
Saba is marketing itself as an ecotourist destination, with many of the hotels and inns joining in with the theme and providing environmentally friendly services. The main reason that Saba has become popular as an ecotourist resort is because of the unspoilt natural scenery both on and offshore the island. Diving is incredibly popular here, thanks to the clarity of the clean ocean water and the thousands of unique marine species that can be seen in the Caribbean Sea. There are several diving centres on the island, with lessons available for beginners.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Saba? Then below is a selection of apartments in Saba and villas in Saba that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
