Castles in the Caribbean

Aura Castle is located in St. Croix. It is a Moorish-style fortress that was designed by Bulgarian Contessa Nadia Farber. She was a philanthropist living in NYC who wanted a Caribbean vacation home. There is an awesome view of the sea. The contessa has passed away, and now you can purchase your own castle for $15 million.

Azzurra Castle is a Moorish-style fortress in Grenada. It is owned by international yachtsman and philanthropist Peter de Savary. The complex includes 7 bedrooms and 2 dining areas and has all the amenities you would expect in a castle. It is for rent at a price.

Blackbeard’s Castle/Skytsborg Tower in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, is a 40 ft. tower that was built by the Danes in 1679. It offers 360-degree views of the harbor and was used as a watchtower to protect the island of St. Thomas from invaders. Legend has it that one of the invaders was the notorious pirate known as Blackbeard, who ruled the seas in the 1700s. Originally it was known as Skytsborg Tower but was then named Blackbeard’s Castle and is one of the five historic landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visitors can walk up 99 steps to get awesome views from the top and hear tales of Blackbeard and other pirates.

The castle in Las Galeras, Samana, is located in the Dominican Republic. It is a small, seaside castle that is a private home made to look like a 15th-century fortress. It has rooftop gardens, sparkling pools, and white sand beaches. The castle is for sale at 2.5 million.

Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, or El Morro, is a Puerto Rican fortress perched on rocky cliffs that jut out into the Caribbean Sea. It was built by the Spanish in the 16th century to guard the entrance to the San Juan Bay. Along with the historic district of San Juan, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress is also home to a museum.

Citadel Laferrière is a mountaintop fortress that has become a symbol of freedom in Haiti. The fortress was built in 1820, designed to protect the country from French invaders. It once included large storehouses for food and an elaborate water system. Citadel Laferrière sits in the middle of a national park. It is featured on posters, stamps, and currency and has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fort Christian in St. Thomas is an impressive red structure. It was built by the Danes in the 1600s overlooking the harbor. It is open for tours.

Morro Castle in Havana, Cuba, is a fortress built in 1589 and among the oldest castles in the Caribbean. It stands prominently on rocky cliffs guarding the coast of Old Havana. The British captured the fortress in 1762 and returned it to the Spanish the following year. Morro Castle offers amazing views, particularly at sunset. Every night at 9 PM a reenactment takes place where men dressed as Spanish soldiers fire cannons.

Pattoo Castle is a luxury villa rental property in the town of Negril on the west coast of Jamaica. It is situated perched on a cliff with amazing views of the Caribbean Sea. It is a venue for couples, families, and small groups.

Sam Lord’s Castle in Barbados is an impressive Georgian mansion. It was built by a seafaring buccaneer named Sam Lord, who was known for plundering ships. He lured ships into hazardous coastal reefs by hanging lanterns on his palm trees. The deceived seamen thought they had arrived in Bridgetown, and after the ship was wrecked, the Lord plundered it. Sam Lord’s Castle is a luxury all-inclusive Barbados resort with beachfront suites, gourmet dining, family fun, and a wedding venue.