5 cities in Haïti to explore
In the heart of the Caribbean, Haïti shines with its natural beauty and rich historical past. Among its pearls are Les Cayes, a diverse destination with its caves and beaches; Les Irois, bordered by the Caribbean Sea; Lascahobas, charming with its natural caves; L’Estère, a shopping center with a picturesque setting; and Môle-Saint-Nicolas, steeped in history with its colonial sites. Immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of Haiti, where each commune reveals its hidden treasures.
Haiti, a Caribbean republic with a rich historical past, is divided into ten departments comprising 140 communes. Its history dates back to pre-Columbian times with the Tainos, followed by European colonization and a historic rebellion against slavery and colonial rule, culminating in its independence in 1804. Despite its current challenges, Haïti offers remarkable natural beauty with its beaches, its mountains and its cultural diversity. Among its municipalities, some stand out for their charm and history. Here is a selection of five of the most remarkable communes in Haiti, inviting you to discover its hidden treasures.
Les Cayes, Haiti1) Cayes
The town of Les Cayes was founded in 1726 according to a plan drawn up by Mr. de la Lance on the site of Salvatierra de la Zabana (Land saved from the waters), a Spanish town created during the government of Nicolás de Ovando in 1503. Now is the third city of Haiti, capital of the Sud department. It is a diverse destination that will delight travelers in search of nature, history and authentic discoveries. In addition to the famous Grotte Marie-Jeanne and the Bergeau botanical garden , visitors can enjoy the magnificent beaches of Gelée and Île à Vache for water activities and moments of relaxation. This city steeped in history, recalls the struggles for Haiti’s independence. The bustling Les Cayes market offers local produce and crafts, while colonial architecture and Haitian cuisine enrich the cultural experience. In summary, the city of Les Cayes is a diverse destination which will delight travelers in search of nature, history and authentic discoveries.
Les irois, Haïti2) Les irois
Les Irois is a commune in Haiti, located in the department of Grand’Anse, district of Anse-d’Ainault. Founded in 1625 by two Irishmen, it was elevated to the rank of municipality in 1952. The municipality is bordered by the Caribbean Sea. Its relief is mainly composed of plains, and its climate is hot until November, becoming a little cooler from November to February.
Les Irois benefits from a magnificent coastal location, with Tikwann beach and the surrounding mountains. It thus offers a natural balance between maritime beauty and mountainous landscapes, inviting the discovery and exploration of its geographical and historical riches. .
Lascahobas3) Lascahobas
Lascahobas is a commune and the capital of the district of the same name, located in the Center department, 51 km northwest of Port-au-Prince. Formerly known as Acajoux, Lascahobas was founded in 1760 and elevated to the rank of commune in 1814. From a tourist point of view, it offers a particular attraction thanks to its caves, notably the Nan Remi, Nan Frechè, Nan Kafe and La Peigne, which are just five minutes from the city center. These natural formations add to the beauty of Lascahobas, making it a charming destination to discover in Haiti.
Discover Cap-Haitien: The 2nd city of Haiti
Cap-Haïtien, is a coastal city in the northern department of Haiti, formerly known under the names of Cap-Français or Cap-Henri. Dominated by the Morne Jean mountain, this destination offers an immersion in the French colonial past and the Haitian revolution. Nestled by picturesque bays and bordered by the Haut-du-Cap river, Cap-Haitien appeals to travelers looking for authenticity and seaside adventure. The city, rich in history and culture, has seen the birth of renowned artists like Philomé Obin and hosts a vibrant music scene with the groups Septentrional and Tropicana from Haiti. Its hidden treasures, including the Citadelle La Ferrière and the historic site of Vertières, as well as its magnificent natural landscapes, make Cap-Haitien an unmissable destination in the Caribbean. Paradise beaches in Labadie and cobbled streets evoking a rich past invite visitors to fully immerse themselves in Haitian history and culture.
Cap-Haïtien, formerly Cap-Français or Cap-Henri, is the second city of Haiti, capital of the Nord department and the district of Cap-Haïtien. Located on the northern coast of the Republic of Haïti , was considered in the 19th century as the safest port. Dominated by the Morne Jean mountain, culminating at 718 meters above sea level, the town is located at the mouth of the Haut-du-Cap river, on the west coast. of the bay of Cap-Haïtien. To the west of the town lies the Acul Bay.
L’Estère, Haïti4) L’Estère
The town of l’Estère, located in the Gonaïves district of the Artibonite department, was established in 1908 and was formerly known as Chicotte. Its landscape mainly consists of a valley in the urban part and mountains (bleak) in other parts of the municipality. Due to its inland location, Estère benefits from a warm climate. It is renowned for its important historical site: La Ravine à Couleuvre de La Croix Périsse. Additionally, the city has natural resources such as the Estère River, lakes, salt marshes and marble quarries, making it a commercial center of national importance. These natural resources contribute greatly to the economic prosperity of Estère and reinforce its importance in the Artibonite region of Haiti.
Mole Saint-Nicolas5) Mole Saint-Nicolas
Môle-Saint-Nicolas, a commune in the North-West department of Haiti, marks the place where Christophe Colomb landed for the first time on December 6, 1492, naming the island "Hispaniola". This bay was considered a "Gibraltar of the Caribbean" after the Seven Years’ War, which led to the founding of the town of Môle-Saint-Nicolas in 1764. On August 31, 1798, the English general Thomas Maitland handed over the keys to the city to Toussaint Louverture, after his victory at Port-au-Prince with an army of ex-slaves.
In terms of tourism, the town of Môle St Nicolas is renowned for its economic potential and the preservation of its heritage. It offers historical sites such as the Poudrière, the Vieux Quartier, Fort Georges, the Vallière battery, and Fort St Charles, representing the French fortifications towards the sea. In addition, vestiges of the English occupation (Fort de Ralliement) and mountainous fortifications from the Haitian period (fort in Cabrit) are also present. The colonial cemetery and the French and English colonial architecture contribute to the historical appeal of the town of Môle.
The selected municipalities illustrate the diversity and splendor of this Caribbean country. From pristine beaches to mysterious caves, historic remains and mountainous landscapes, each destination reveals a unique aspect of Haiti’s cultural and natural wealth. Whether for adventure, relaxation or historical discovery, this country offers authentic experiences that captivate and amaze visitors. Explore these hidden gems and let yourself be seduced by the magic of Haiti.
