DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Clifton

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
town
—°3
Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
ℹ️

Practical info — Clifton

▾

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Clifton is the main transit hub for the Tobago Cays. Arrange boat tours directly at the harbor, but negotiate prices upfront.
  • The consistent trade winds make the area near Clifton excellent for kite surfing, especially around Kite Beach.
  • Many smaller shops and bars only accept cash (XCD). There is an ATM in town, but it occasionally runs out of money.
  • Water taxis are the easiest way to pop over to nearby islands like Palm Island or Mayreau for a day trip.
  • The main street is compact and entirely walkable, offering a colorful mix of Caribbean life and sailor culture.

🍽 Food

🍽
Fresh Lobster

During the open season, enjoy grilled lobster at the waterfront restaurants overlooking the moored yachts.

🍽
Lambi (Conch) Curry

A flavorful and spicy local staple, best tried at the small family-run eateries around the main square.

🍽
Rum Punch

Grab a signature rum punch at the famous offshore bar built entirely out of conch shells in the harbor.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Clifton Open-Air Market

The colorful market stalls near the central green are first-rate for buying fresh tropical fruits and vegetables.

🛍
Nautical Boutiques

Explore the small shops along the main road for beachwear, local crafts, and sailing gear.

🧘
Ashton Lagoon

A short walk or drive from Clifton, this restored mangrove lagoon is a peaceful haven for bird watching.

🧘
Fort Hill Lookout

Take a short, steep walk up to the old French fort ruins for a quiet spot to watch the sunset.

Clifton is the bustling hub of Union Island and the primary port of entry for the southern Grenadines. Located in a protected harbor on the island's southeastern coast, the town is a magnet for the international yachting community traveling between Saint Vincent and Grenada. The heart of Clifton is its lively waterfront market square, where local vendors sell fresh produce and handmade crafts under colorful umbrellas. Strategically located near the island's airport, Clifton serves as the gateway for excursions to the Tobago Cays Marine Park, Petit St. Vincent, and the nearby Palm Island. A unique landmark just offshore is Happy Island, a man-made islet built from discarded conch shells that features a world-famous bar. The town features a mix of essential services like customs and immigration alongside lively cafes and boutiques. Its laid-back Caribbean charm, combined with its role as a transportation and logistics center, makes Clifton the indispensable starting point for any journey through the Grenadine archipelago.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272627272828282829282827
Rain mm44222829599911412311414213172

Geography

Coordinates
12.59580, -61.41830

Facts

  • Clifton serves as the official port of entry and customs for Union Island.
  • Happy Island, an artificial isle made of conch shells, is located in the harbor.
  • Union Island Airport connects the town to Barbados, Grenada, and Saint Vincent.
  • The town is a world-renowned destination for the international kitesurfing scene.
  • Clifton is the primary gateway for tours to the nearby Tobago Cays Marine Park.
  • The settlement contains several specialized marine chandleries for yachtsmen.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

AshtonAshton2 km · SExplore →
Palm Island Bird SanctuaryPalm Island Bird Sanctuary2 km · NExplore →
High NorthHigh North5 km · WExplore →
Petite MartiniquePetite Martinique6 km · NWExplore →
Carriacou IslandCarriacou Island7 km · SWExplore →
Tobago Cays Marine ParkTobago Cays Marine Park7 km · NExplore →
Sandy IslandSandy Island9 km · SWExplore →
Harvey ValeHarvey Vale10 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Clifton (3)

Clifton, Union Island📍 landmark

The main settlement on Union Island, featuring a harbor and local shops.

Union Island📍 landmark

A small island in the Grenadines, with hilly terrain and coral reefs offshore.

Ashton, Union Island📍 landmark

A village on the southern coast of Union Island, with a bay and residential area.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Clifton so popular?
Clifton has a unique blend of exclusive flair and authentic Caribbean life.
Is Clifton expensive?
Prices can be higher due to upscale tourism compared to the rest of the country.
Is there good shopping in Clifton?
There are some chic boutiques offering local crafts and exclusive fashion.
When is the best time to visit Clifton?
The months from January to March offer the best weather for outdoor activities.
Is Clifton family-friendly?
Yes, it is safe and has many opportunities for relaxing days at the beach.
Clifton: where is it located?
Clifton is located in St. Vincent & Grenadines.
Clifton: what is there to see?
Highlights include Clifton, Union Island, Union Island, Ashton, Union Island.
Clifton: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Clifton: why is it worth visiting?
Clifton is the bustling hub of Union Island and the primary port of entry for the southern Grenadines.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Nearby cities

Kingstown — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Kingstown
Kingstown is the capital and chief port of Saint Vincent.
Calliaqua — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Calliaqua
Calliaqua is located on the southern coast of Saint Vincent.
🗺️
Byera Hill
Byera Hill is a settlement on the eastern coast of Saint Vincent.
Biabou — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Biabou
Biabou is a settlement on the eastern coast of Saint Vincent.
Barrouallie — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Barrouallie
Barrouallie is a coastal town on the western side of Saint Vincent.
Barrouallie Fisheries Complex — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Barrouallie Fisheries Complex
A significant coastal hub for the national fishing industry.
Derrick — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Derrick
Derrick is a small settlement in the south of Bequia island.
Port Elizabeth — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is the main settlement on the island of Bequia.
Chateaubelair — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Chateaubelair
Chateaubelair is the northernmost town on the leeward coast of Saint Vincent.
Dovers — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Dovers
Dovers is a small settlement on the exclusive island of Mustique.
Layou — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Layou
Layou is situated north of Kingstown on the western coast.
Ashton — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Ashton
Ashton is the most populous village on Union Island.
Charlestown — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Charlestown
Charlestown is the main settlement on the island of Canouan.

History & landmarks

🗺️
Byahaut Bay
A secluded coastal area accessible only by water, featuring crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
Kingstown Central Market — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Kingstown Central Market
The largest trading hub for local farmers and vendors.
Victoria Park — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Victoria Park
This historic sports ground was named in 1887 in honor of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Indian Bay Beach — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Indian Bay Beach
A popular sandy beach on the southern coast protected by a coral reef.
House of Assembly — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
House of Assembly
This historic building is where the parliament of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines meets.

Nature

Ashton Lagoon — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Ashton Lagoon
The largest mangrove ecosystem in St.
Palm Island Bird Sanctuary — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Palm Island Bird Sanctuary
A private reserve on Palm Island serving as a haven for land and sea birds, as well as land tortoises.
Union Island Gecko Reserve — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Union Island Gecko Reserve
This reserve protects the critically endangered Union Island Gecko, a tiny endemic reptile species.
Tobago Cays Marine Park — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Tobago Cays Marine Park
This marine protected area encompasses five uninhabited islands and is renowned for its coral reefs and sea turtles.
🗺️
Petit Canouan Wildlife Reserve
An uninhabited island designated as a strict wildlife reserve for nesting seabirds.
Mustique Turtle Sanctuary — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Mustique Turtle Sanctuary
A protected area on Mustique Island dedicated to the conservation and monitoring of sea turtles.
Layou River — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Layou River
A major river on the leeward side of the island that creates a large alluvial plain near the coast.

More places

Lowmans Bay Power Plant — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Lowmans Bay Power Plant
The island's largest thermal power plant ensuring electricity supply.
Ottley Hall Shipyard — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Ottley Hall Shipyard
A specialized center for ship repair and maritime maintenance.
Buccament Rock Art — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Buccament Rock Art
The Buccament Rock Art site features petroglyphs carved into a cliff face.
Kingstown Deep Water Harbour — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Kingstown Deep Water Harbour
The primary maritime gateway for Saint Vincent, handling container ships and cargo.
Camden Park Industrial Estate — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Camden Park Industrial Estate
An industrial zone for manufacturing and warehousing west of the capital.
Layou Petroglyphs — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Layou Petroglyphs
The Layou Petroglyphs consist of ancient rock carvings created by pre-Columbian inhabitants.
Fort Duvernette — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Fort Duvernette
Fort Duvernette is a defensive fortification built around 1800 on a massive volcanic rock.
Old Public Library — Clifton (St. Vincent & Grenadines)
Old Public Library
The Old Public Library in Kingstown is a colonial-era building that now serves as the Heritage Hall.