The U.S Virgin Islands comprise over 60 islands and cays, most of them uninhabited. The three main islands are St Thomas (with the capital, Charlotte Amalie); St John; and St Croix (pronounced Saint Croy). They have been part of the United States since 1917 when Uncle Sam bought them from Denmark for $25 million; but Danish influences can still be seen.
St Thomas is a very popular stop for cruise ships, and probably the busiest port in the Caribbean, where the big attraction is shopping. All three U.S Virgin Islands are dutyfree havens.
St John is perhaps the most scenic of the Virgins, and over two-thirds of the island is protected by national park status. Hiking trails allow you to see the forest and its flowers and birds close up, while swimmers and snorkellers have a trail too - underwater! St Croix, the largest island and the most Caribbean in feel, has two main towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted, both with an 18th Century fort, attractive Danish architecture and a picturebook harbour. The island was once a major producer of sugar and rum and you can tour the remains of an old plantation distillery, with its slave quarters.