VIP Trip May 2009 January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008 |
Geographic Data Elevations Physical Features Climate Natural Resources Land Use Environmental Issues |
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One of the most valuable possessions of the islands are the pristine white sandy beaches, which in total cover 230 miles and are complemented with crystal clear turquoise waters. The islands are relatively flat but vary from sand dunes to lush green vegetation. There are eight inhabited islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales, Parrot Cay and Pine Cay. East Caicos and West Caicos along with several other fascinating cays are uninhabited. People on the islands known as "Belongers" are known for their friendly spirit, which helps ensure this is a destination that helps people de-stress, feel comfortable and truly relax. The Tourism industry gives Turks and Caicos its main revenue. In addition to this the country is also a major offshore financial center. There is a small traditional fishing industry that continues throughout the Turks and Caicos islands on South Caicos in particular. The popular island of Providenciales is our main tourist island, you will find International style hotel accommodations and luxury villas, each one has its own unique set up and surroundings with most of them being located on the beach as well as world class spas and cuisine. Native dishes such as fresh fish and peas and rice are served along with international cuisine with tropical twists, you will find this at most of the restaurants. More casual, rustic and intimate accommodations can be found on the other islands and smaller cays. It is estimated that the Turks and Caicos Islands population has between 20,000 and 25,000 residents. Find out more about the history and geography of the Turks and Caicos Islands. |
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Though Columbus may or may not have landed here in 1492 – and there are plenty of locals here who will argue both sides of the legend – the view hasn't changed much in over 500 years. Only a fifth of the 40 Turks and Caicos islands are inhabited, meaning that those who have always dreamed of having an island all too themselves may finally see that wish come true. The beaches Turks and Caicos call home are lily-white and deserted, untouched by the passing of time. Sure, you may have to rent or charter a boat from Provo (the de-facto center of the island chain), but from there it's a quick sail to the luxurious privacy that the Turks and Caicos islands offers. For those that want to relax in a more urban setting, the island of Provo (Providenciales) is probably where you'll end up. Approximately 80% of Turks and Caicos hotels are found on the main island, primarily along the stretch of sand known as Grace Bay. Even though much of the city seems to be in a permanent state of construction, the Turks and Caicos hotels here still provide some of the finest views and solitude in the whole of the Caribbean sea. If you have a car or taxi and the necessary desire, the beaches found on the southern coast of Provo are closer is resemblance to the deserted coves scattered across the island chain. Here you can find plenty of Turks and Caicos hotels to suit your every need – from high-amenity resorts to tiny discount villas. The unpretentiousness of these hotels and resorts stand in contrast to much of the rest of the island, and are probably some of the most effortlessly elegant places to stay in the entire Caribbean. If you choose to ditch the island of Provo and seek out some of the other Turks and Caicos islands, you will probably need to charter a sailboat. Widely regarded as one of the best sailing destinations in the Caribbean, you can find a willing captain at nearly any large harbor in the area. The most efficient way to see the majority of the island chain, you will be able to explore as many deserted islands and forgotten coves as you can stand. |
