Turks and Caicos

I recently visited the Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean. The beaches around here are among the best in the world.

And, I was so ready for some quality vacation time. Get out from cold winter in Europe, lie in the sun and swim in crystal clear turquoise water instead.

My expectations were nothing compared to what I found on the ground.

Where exactly are the Turks and Caicos

But let me take this step by step. The first question I get when I say I have just been to the Turks and Caicos Islands is “Where exactly are they?”. Therefore, I thought of starting off with a bit of information on the islands. By the way, insiders call these Caribbean islands simply TCI.

Technical speaking the Turks and Caicos are in the Atlantic Ocean

Technically speaking, the TCI are in the Atlantic Ocean however still belong to the Caribbean islands. They are located East of Cuba and North of Haiti. With just under 1000 km from Miami they are a bit over an hour flight from Florida.

Facts on the Turks and Caicos Islands

TCI consists of two main groups of islands, Grand Turk (Turks Islands) and Providenciales (Caicos Islands which also include North, Middle, East, South Caicos). There is a total of 40 smaller islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited.

Permanent residents

According to the 2012 census, there are some 31,000 residents. Some 450,000 air travellers and 650,000 cruise ship travellers visit each year.

A bit of history

Going back in history, TCI was inhabited by the Taino Indians and later by the Lucayans. Christopher Columbus shortly stopped by in 1492. During the eighteenth century, TCI was captured by the French, the Spanish, by Bermuda before being restored to Britain.

Independent colony

After Queen Victoria granted a royal charter, TCI became an independent colony. Albeit, it was annexed to Jamaica that provided medical and technical assistance following hurricanes together with substantial grants.

British Crown Colony

In 1962, Jamaica gained its independence. TCI chose to remain a British Crown Colony and is, up to today, a self-governing British Overseas Territory.

My visit to Providenciales on Turks and Caicos

My visit to the TCI was limited to the most populated of the islands i.e. Providenciales (or Provo for locals). I knew that the beaches of the Turks and Caicos are at their best here. Hence, this contribution is mainly about Provo.

Caicias Villas

I stayed at beautiful Caicias Villas on Long Bay Beach. This complex of five luxury villas lies directly on the beach. It has a pool, a gym, patting green and is in the perfect spot for some great kiteboarding. Not to forget the chilling on the beach and soaking in crystalline water.

Spectacular beaches of the Turks and Caicos – Providenciales – they are among the best in the world

The main attraction of this part of the world are the outstanding beaches. To be enjoyed in an exclusive and secluded atmosphere, getting blown away by the pristine water.