St Croix Travel Guide
Less developed than St Thomas, St Croix is the largest and most remote of the three inhabited Virgin Islands. Covered in forested hills and fertile lowlands, it's also surrounded by coral reefs providing excellent diving opportunities, particularly along the north coast.
Located 40 miles (64km) south of St Thomas, the island has two main towns, Christiansted on the northeast coast and Frederiksted on the west coast. Both prospered as commercial ports during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Christiansted is a lively town offering trips to the tiny Buck Island as a popular excursion. Frederiksted is smaller and a sleepy destination, apart from the occasional cruise ship arrival and passengers indulging in a spree of duty-free shopping.
Both towns contain numerous examples of fine Danish colonial architecture. The surrounding landscape is scattered with remnants of sugar plantations, stone windmill towers and ruined houses from the island's sugarcane heyday.
Along with its picturesque beaches and superb diving, St Croix has a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including hiking, historic sights and attractions, golf and horse riding. There are fine hotels, excellent dining spots and casinos.