Sint Eustatius: Fort Oranje

Sint Eustatius was for a very long time one of the largest ports and trade centers in the Caribbean. All European seafaring nations fought for it and it changed hands 22 times. Oranjestad is the capital and the location of a large 17th century fort in a perfect condition high above the sea cliffs with the town below and around. Cannons, thick walls, observation towers – it’s all here – with panoramic views along the coast. The fort is located in the upper town while the lower town is below the cliffs along the black sand beach – more ruins, more views, insane sunsets. Interestingly, Sint Eustatius was the first country to recognize the 13 colonies vying for independence in the USA.