Turks and Caicos Holidays
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a geographical extension of the Bahamas. They comprise 40 islands and cays, with only 8 that are inhabited. The Turks and Caicos Islands attract beach lovers for their seemingly endless, powder soft, white sandy beaches and their perfectly clear turquoise waters, acknowledged by many as some of the best beaches in the world. You can even escape on a boat trip and visit one of the remote islands where you can find yourself basking in the sun with a beach all to yourself.

If you like a little more action then the snorkelling and diving are as good as it gets with the world’s third largest coral reef system. Each of the islands has at least one national park, sanctuary or natural reserve so there’s lot to see, including many exotic plants and birds. You could go sailing or do a spot of deep sea fishing.

To put it simply, if you’re a nature lover, enjoy your water sports or want somewhere to relax that’s peaceful and undeveloped then the Turks and Caicos Islands are just what you’re looking for, truly one of the last undiscovered tropical treasures of the Caribbean.

Weather
The temperature averages between 29 C and 32 C from June to October, sometimes reaching 35 C. Outside of these months the temperatures average between 27 C and 29 C. The constant easterly trade winds keep it cool and comfortable. Humidity is low and the winter is usually dry. By Day
the Turks and Caicos Islands offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in the word and with the worlds third largest coral reef system there, you have to go and explore. There are a range of water sports available including windsurfing and sailing. There are enchanting caves to explore, heritage tours and if you’re there after the full moon you have to witness the mating of the Glow Worms. Most hotels have tennis facilities and there are a couple of golf courses one located on Providenciales and one on Grand By Night
There are many restaurants throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, but apart from dining the nightlife is primarily resort based. There are a few bars with live bands playing traditional island music, Providenciales has a casino – or why not relax on the beach with a drink gazing up at the stars.Top Attractions
• Private Island get-a-way – take the opportunity and have a beach all to yourself
• Whale, dolphin and turtle watching – between Jan and March watch the entire Atlantic herd of hump back whales pass the Turks and Caicos and also see their national treasure, JoJo the Dolphin.
• Coral Reef – discover the world’s third largest coral reef.
• Turks & Caicos National Museum – many displays including the complete history of the islands.
• Cheshire Hall (Provo) – an old cotton plantation, 200 years old, now a ruin set against a modern back drop.
• Grace Bay Beach – voted best beach by Condé Nast Magazine
• Wades Green Plantation – an old plantation on North Caicos, an interesting historical site.
• The Hole – located in Provo is a naturally formed limestone hole; the brave can be lowered 80ft down in to the hole.
• The Lighthouse of Grand Turk – located at the northern tip, was constructed in Britain in 1852 and was transported in pieces.
• Conch Farm – explore the only conch farm in the world.
Events
Golf Championship (Jan), Whale Watching (Feb-April), Fools Regatta (June), Summer Festival & Music Festival (July).Local Flavours
Over 70 restaurants throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, with cuisine ranging from lobster, local conch and other island specialties to Asian, British, Cuban, Italian, Mediterranean, and American influenced dishes. Locally made crafts include baskets, bags, hats and wood carvings.History
The Taino Indians where the first to settle on the Turks and Caicos Islands followed by the Lucayans who were living on the islands when Columbus discovered them in 1492. By the middle of the 16th century the Lucayans had all disappeared, either forced into slavery or killed off by disease brought to the islands by the Spanish. Settlers from Bermuda moved to the islands during the 17th Century and brought with them slaves to rake salt for the British Colonies based in America. However these Brits later joined them on the Turks and Caicos Islands to escape the American Revolution. The economy was based around the cotton and sisal plantations, but cotton harvests diminished due to thin soil and in 1813 a hurricane ruined what was left of the cotton trade leaving the islands solely reliant on salt. In 1766 after being controlled by the British, French and Spanish the islands became part of the Bahamas, but this was abandoned in 1848. The Turks and Caicos Islands remain a British overseas territory.Size & Location
The Turks & Caicos Islands are situated 575 miles southeast of Miami, 30 miles south of the Bahamas and 90 miles north of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic). The Turks group of islands include Grand Turk and Salt Cay; the Caicos group includes West Caicos, Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos and South Caicos and in total cover 193 square miles. They are all relatively flat with the highest point being 49m about sea level. Population 25,000