By far the most popular hiking on St Eustatius is up the slopes and into the crater of the Quill , a dormant volcano that dominates the landscape of the southern end of the island, rising 2000ft to a crater that is itself nearly 1000ft across. You can follow good and well-signposted trails up and around the slopes of the volcano and into the crater itself, where a spectacular rainforest teems with wild orchids and anthuriums, hummingbirds and lizards.

To reach the Quill, take the road southeast out of Oranjestad and follow the signs leading to the trailhead. The footpath begins in low-level scrub, climbing through dry woodland and taller vegetation to the crater, a 45-minute walk away. From the crater rim, you can climb down into the crater itself, though you'll need to take a little care as the path is not always easy to follow. Walking through the thick vegetation to the crater bottom, you may spot coffee, cocoa and cinnamon trees, remains of the once-cultivated crops, as well as masses of bananas. Look out, too, for the huge silk cotton or kapok trees that can grow up to 150ft tall.

Alternatively, turn right along the crater rim, following the often slippery Mazinga track which offers fabulous views into the crater and across to neighbouring islands as you make your way through dense and humid rainforest and elfin woodland forest to the highest point on the island, often shrouded in clouds.

Besides the Quill, the island has a number of other trails worth exploring. At the northern end of the island are a couple of walks that lead to isolated bays and remote dry areas (once farmed, but now abandoned to the goats) dotted with Turk's-head cacti, century plants and sea grapes. Follow the dirt track that starts to the west of Zeelandia's only hotel and drop down through thorny scrub to a rocky area at Venus Bay, or turn right at the highest point and follow the path to the cliffside for fine views across the island and its neighbours.

A brochure detailing the island's hikes is available from the tourist office