Overview
Country Overview
Saba is one of three Windward Islands in the Netherlands Antilles, although geographically it is part of the Leeward Group of the Lesser Antilles, lying 265km (165 miles) east of Puerto Rico, 44km (27 miles) south of St Maarten and 21km (13 miles) west of St Eustatius. Saba is the peak of a submerged extinct volcano. Mount Scenery is thick with forest and rises to almost 900m (3000ft) in less than 2km (1.2 miles). There are four villages, until recently connected only by thousands of steps cut from the rock. A road now links the airport with the island’s capital, The Bottom. The Bottom is situated 250m (820ft) above the ocean on a plateau surrounded by volcanic domes. Here, the Artisan Foundation exhibits early examples of Saba Lace, intricate embroidery on linen that resembles lace. Local specialities include calaloo soup, curried goat and an abundance of exotic fruit. Restaurants and bars are usually closed by midnight. On Friday and Saturday nights there is dancing at some restaurants, and numerous guest-houses have lively bars.
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