Located in the Caribbean, about 700 miles south of Florida, Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. Because of turmoil in the country, Haiti is usually not the first place many think of for a Caribbean island getaway. But, there is a lot of potential for tourism in Haiti, since it is a tropical locale with wonderful people, mountainous landscapes, historical sites, and calm, picturesque beaches.
Most people arrive in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, by flight from Miami. If you don’t have a vehicle of your own, you can take a tap-tap, which is the Haitian equivalent of a taxi. This is usually a small, colorful truck with rows of seats in the back and a roof overhead. Along the way, you will see street vendors selling food and almost everything imaginable. Along other streets, there will be artists displaying their wonderful paintings on canvas. Things to see in town include churches, museums, and statues of political figures. In a large park called Champs de Mars, you’ll see the Presidential Palace and the Statue of the Unknown Slave, who is blowing a conch shell as a call to freedom.
Heading up Highway 1, north of Port-au-Prince, you will find more things to do and see. A few of these include:
Moulin Sur Mer
The town of Montrouis is located forty-five miles north of Port-au-Prince. Montrouis is situated where the mountains meet the sea on Highway 1. The seaside resort of Moulin Sur Mer can be found there. It was an 18th century sugar plantation from the colonial times. A museum sits on the grounds, containing history from when Haitians were fighting for independence from the French. Enjoy the warmth of the tropical sun while you lie on the beach, or take a dip in the warm, calm water. Recreational activities include snorkeling, basketball courts, volleyball courts and a pool. The restaurant offers lobster and a view of the sunset while you dine.
The Citadelle
Approximately five hours north of Moulin Sur Mer, you can visit a fortress called the Citadelle. It sits on top of a mountain overlooking the city of Cap-Haitien. The views are breathtaking. The Citadelle was built in the early 1800’s by King Henri Christophe. It is a three mile walk up to the fortress itself. The Citadelle is truly an impressive site, and some have called it the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Also, you can enjoy a walk through the Christophe’s Sans Souci Palace below the Citadelle.
Labadie
Also in the north, Labadie (or Labadee) is a popular Caribbean destination for cruise ships and visitors from all over the world. Popular activities at this beautiful, blue-water beach are jet skiing, swimming, snorkeling, and parasailing. Or, just enjoy the calm Atlantic Ocean and lush mountains while lying in the shade. Visiting the marketplace is a must for unique souvenirs of every kind.
While Haiti has been plagued by poverty and political unrest, it contains breathtaking natural beauty in its landscape, and in the Haitians who are a resilient and friendly people. If you visit Haiti, you won’t soon forget it.
