Windwardside
Saba
Windwardside is a picturesque town located on the Dutch Caribbean island of Saba, perched at about 1,400 feet above sea level between Mount Scenery and Booby Hill. It serves as the island's second largest settlement and main commercial center, offering shops, banks, restaurants, and accommodations primarily catering to tourists. The town is renowned for its traditional Saban cottages, which are annually painted white with red roofs and green shutters, creating a vibrant and charming atmosphere. Windwardside is also the starting point for the popular Mt. Scenery Trail, a challenging hike leading to the summit of the island's dormant volcano. The town historically thrived on farming, fishing, and local crafts such as Saba Lace. Visitors could formerly explore the Harry L. Johnson Museum, housed in a 19th-century cottage exhibiting local artifacts and heritage, though it closed permanently in 2020. Windwardside features notable churches including the 1860 St. Paul's Conversion Church and the 1877 Holy Trinity Church. The surrounding area includes scenic viewpoints like Mas Cojones Hill and the English Quarter, where early British settlers established themselves. Windwardside combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a welcoming village atmosphere, making it a key destination on Saba.
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Tip: The best time to visit Windwardside is during the dry season for hiking Mount Scenery and enjoying outdoor activities. Visitors should consider purchasing hiking permits and arranging accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. While the Harry L. Johnson Museum is permanently closed, exploring the town's traditional architecture and local shops offers a rich cultural experience. The town’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. Visitors can benefit from local guides for hiking trails and diving excursions. Discounts may be available for group tours or combined activities on the island.
Interesting facts
- •Windwardside is situated on a saddle between Mount Scenery and Booby Hill at about 1,400 feet elevation.
- •The town’s cottages are traditionally painted white with red roofs and green shutters every year, preserving a distinctive local aesthetic.
- •The Mt. Scenery Trail, starting just outside Windwardside, leads to the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- •Windwardside once had a quarantine station, the site of which became St. Paul's Conversion Church in 1860.
- •The Harry L. Johnson Museum housed a 100-year-old organ harmonium and Amerindian archaeological artifacts before its closure in 2020.
History
Windwardside's permanent European settlement began in the 1640s, developing into one of Saba's main districts by the 1860s with its own elected head.
The St.
Paul's Conversion Church was built in 1860 on the site of a former quarantine station.
Through the 18th to early 20th centuries, the local economy centered on farming, fishing, and domestic crafts such as Saba Lace.
The early 1900s saw significant emigration, reducing the population.
By the late 20th century, Windwardside expanded to include tourism infrastructure such as hotels, restaurants, and the Tourism Office.
The Harry L.
Johnson Museum was established to preserve the island's heritage but closed in 2020.
Place Guide
Mt. Scenery Trailhead
The starting point of the strenuous hike to the summit of Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, offering breathtaking views.
St. Paul's Conversion Church1860
A historic Roman Catholic church built in 1860 on the grounds of a former quarantine station, serving as a spiritual and cultural landmark.
Holy Trinity Church1877
An Anglican church dating from 1877, representing the religious diversity of the community.
English Quarter
Historic neighborhood where the first British settlers established themselves, known for brightly colored traditional cottages and agricultural center.
