Emerald waters, remote beaches, white-sand shores, a great escape from the winter cold, innumerable water sports and activities opening up to those with a daring soul, and even private islands to make your visit as exclusive and secluded as you want it to be, are a few of the elements distinguishing the British Virgin Islands that can make you leave the country with a forever infatuation for the beloved Caribbean destination with the colonial flair.
But, apart from all these, the stunning BVI are also dotted with characterful settlements and towns oozing with life, spread across the four main islands of the BVI – Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke. Exuding a unique sense of paradise and authenticity, the following towns are worth investing time and energy and you will soon figure out precisely why!
Road Town – The Most Animated Part of the BVI
Road Town is not only the main town on Tortola island. It is also the bustling capital of the country that provides experiences and opportunities to live everything that can make you happy, whether you have visited the BVI with your partner, family or friends. In other words, expect an incredibly lively atmosphere and party vibes spreading throughout the town and the entire island from day to night. The majority of the excitement, though, begins with the yachts and cruisers arriving at Tortola.
What makes it stand out from other Caribbean capitals? Its jaw-dropping panoramas, for one thing, as it overlooks the scenic, narrow, and deep Road Harbour Bay is home to some of the most breath-taking sites, such as Wickhams Cay and the Tortola Pier Park. If you decide to stroll through the area around sunset, you will definitely be mesmerised. Other than that, Road Town hosts an impressive range of local landmarks and sites of historical significance and interest, such as the J.R. O'Neal Botanical Garden, the 1780s Lower Estate Sugar Works, and the 1774-built Her Majesty Prison on Main Street.
Now, when it comes to reaching Road Town, you may come here by air from Beef Island (it is less than 10km west of the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport), through the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. Or you can take any ferry from the other three major islands that form the BVI.
Needless to say, the area in and around Road Town is where you will find some of the most luxurious and elegant hotels and resorts in the BVI.
Spanish Town – The Former BVI Capital That has Lost None of its Glory
Whether you love photography, history, spending quality time with your loved one(s), or being pampered with exclusivity and luxury in every aspect of your daily life, Spanish Town will feel like a dream fulfilment to you. The second largest town in the British Virgin Islands sits on the southern end of Virgin Gorda, the third largest island in the BVI.
Once boasting to be the beating heart of the British overseas territory until 1741, when it switched places with Road Town, Spanish Town does not actually have any Spanish influences. In fact, it is primarily known as the settlement of engineers and miners from Cornwall, who worked in the Copper Mine National Park (it was just a copper mine back then) in the late 1700s.
If you visit it today, you will be able to see the remains of its exciting past through the still-in-place mine shafts and the ruins of the boiler house. And, if you happen to be around in March, expect to be mind-blown by the most significant fishing event on the island – the Spanish Town Fisherman’s Jamboree, which involves lots of fresh seafood dishes that caress the palate, smiles, as well as dancing and music!
The Settlement – Ideal for Nature Lovers and Beach Aficionados
You will also hear it being referred to as The Village and is the only town on the charming island of Anegada - the most remote island of the BVI. Serving as a fantastic base for exploring the pristine, white-sand shores and the stunning nature of the impressive cay, The Settlement is the dreamiest option for a short getaway from all the bustling towns and the action on the other British Virgin Island destinations, including Virgin Gorda and Tortola. The Village lies on the far northwestern edge of the BVI, pampering visitors with things like its sublime and peaceful beaches, an amazing iguana colony, and rich coral reefs that invite travellers to outstanding snorkelling and diving adventures. Speaking of diving ventures, Anegada pleases divers with sites like the Horseshoe Reef, which is considered one of the vastest barrier reefs in the Caribbean that is also home to the MS Rocus steamship and other wrecks resting in the seabed, eagerly waiting to share their stories.
Parham Town – A Sailing Enthusiast’s Paradise
Tucked in the outskirts of Tortola island, Parham Town is yet another BVI place with an impressive, rocky shoreline and rugged terrain with exciting twists. Overlooking the magnificence of East End Bay and Fat Hogs Bay, it offers a large number of mooring opportunities, which makes it an ideal destination to drop anchor for a short overnight stay (or longer if you wish!) and continue your island-hopping endeavours first thing in the morning.
Alternatively, you could bag a berth for your rental yacht or catamaran alongside the East End Bay marinas’ dock and explore the small town. Despite its minute size, Parham Town offers a wealth of options, from bars and restaurants to car rentals and grocery stores. And, if you find the idea of spoiling your taste buds with mouth-melting Caribbean dishes and a glass of the finest whiskey or rum on Tortola, then follow the locals. Chances are you will end up in front of Gram’s Place!
Great Harbour – A Show-Stopper With a Volcanic Scenery
You will probably notice that the locals tend to refer to Great Harbour as Belle Vue. Situated in the heart of Jost Van Dyke island and its almost surreal volcanic landscape, Great Harbour is a close community town surrounded by yacht-welcoming marinas, a fantastic strip of fine sand and green hills that make a superb contrast with the rocky terrain. Nevertheless, if Great Harbour was popular for just one thing, that would probably be Foxy’s beach bar, which Foxy opened in 1968 and has remained loyal to lovers of traditional Caribbean food, with beach BBQs and fun the Caribbean way to date.
Emerald waters, remote beaches, white-sand shores, a great escape from the winter cold, innumerable water sports and activities opening up to those with a daring soul, and even private islands to make your visit as exclusive and secluded as you want it to be, are a few of the elements distinguishing the British Virgin Islands that can make you leave the country with a forever infatuation for the beloved Caribbean destination with the colonial flair.
But, apart from all these, the stunning BVI are also dotted with characterful settlements and towns oozing with life, spread across the four main islands of the BVI – Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke. Exuding a unique sense of paradise and authenticity, the following towns are worth investing time and energy and you will soon figure out precisely why!
Road Town – The Most Animated Part of the BVI
Road Town is not only the main town on Tortola island. It is also the bustling capital of the country that provides experiences and opportunities to live everything that can make you happy, whether you have visited the BVI with your partner, family or friends. In other words, expect an incredibly lively atmosphere and party vibes spreading throughout the town and the entire island from day to night. The majority of the excitement, though, begins with the yachts and cruisers arriving at Tortola.
What makes it stand out from other Caribbean capitals? Its jaw-dropping panoramas, for one thing, as it overlooks the scenic, narrow, and deep Road Harbour Bay is home to some of the most breath-taking sites, such as Wickhams Cay and the Tortola Pier Park. If you decide to stroll through the area around sunset, you will definitely be mesmerised. Other than that, Road Town hosts an impressive range of local landmarks and sites of historical significance and interest, such as the J.R. O'Neal Botanical Garden, the 1780s Lower Estate Sugar Works, and the 1774-built Her Majesty Prison on Main Street.
Now, when it comes to reaching Road Town, you may come here by air from Beef Island (it is less than 10km west of the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport), through the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. Or you can take any ferry from the other three major islands that form the BVI.
Needless to say, the area in and around Road Town is where you will find some of the most luxurious and elegant hotels and resorts in the BVI.
Spanish Town – The Former BVI Capital That has Lost None of its Glory
Whether you love photography, history, spending quality time with your loved one(s), or being pampered with exclusivity and luxury in every aspect of your daily life, Spanish Town will feel like a dream fulfilment to you. The second largest town in the British Virgin Islands sits on the southern end of Virgin Gorda, the third largest island in the BVI.
Once boasting to be the beating heart of the British overseas territory until 1741, when it switched places with Road Town, Spanish Town does not actually have any Spanish influences. In fact, it is primarily known as the settlement of engineers and miners from Cornwall, who worked in the Copper Mine National Park (it was just a copper mine back then) in the late 1700s.
If you visit it today, you will be able to see the remains of its exciting past through the still-in-place mine shafts and the ruins of the boiler house. And, if you happen to be around in March, expect to be mind-blown by the most significant fishing event on the island – the Spanish Town Fisherman’s Jamboree, which involves lots of fresh seafood dishes that caress the palate, smiles, as well as dancing and music!
The Settlement – Ideal for Nature Lovers and Beach Aficionados
You will also hear it being referred to as The Village and is the only town on the charming island of Anegada - the most remote island of the BVI. Serving as a fantastic base for exploring the pristine, white-sand shores and the stunning nature of the impressive cay, The Settlement is the dreamiest option for a short getaway from all the bustling towns and the action on the other British Virgin Island destinations, including Virgin Gorda and Tortola. The Village lies on the far northwestern edge of the BVI, pampering visitors with things like its sublime and peaceful beaches, an amazing iguana colony, and rich coral reefs that invite travellers to outstanding snorkelling and diving adventures. Speaking of diving ventures, Anegada pleases divers with sites like the Horseshoe Reef, which is considered one of the vastest barrier reefs in the Caribbean that is also home to the MS Rocus steamship and other wrecks resting in the seabed, eagerly waiting to share their stories.
Parham Town – A Sailing Enthusiast’s Paradise
Tucked in the outskirts of Tortola island, Parham Town is yet another BVI place with an impressive, rocky shoreline and rugged terrain with exciting twists. Overlooking the magnificence of East End Bay and Fat Hogs Bay, it offers a large number of mooring opportunities, which makes it an ideal destination to drop anchor for a short overnight stay (or longer if you wish!) and continue your island-hopping endeavours first thing in the morning.
Alternatively, you could bag a berth for your rental yacht or catamaran alongside the East End Bay marinas’ dock and explore the small town. Despite its minute size, Parham Town offers a wealth of options, from bars and restaurants to car rentals and grocery stores. And, if you find the idea of spoiling your taste buds with mouth-melting Caribbean dishes and a glass of the finest whiskey or rum on Tortola, then follow the locals. Chances are you will end up in front of Gram’s Place!
Great Harbour – A Show-Stopper With a Volcanic Scenery
You will probably notice that the locals tend to refer to Great Harbour as Belle Vue. Situated in the heart of Jost Van Dyke island and its almost surreal volcanic landscape, Great Harbour is a close community town surrounded by yacht-welcoming marinas, a fantastic strip of fine sand and green hills that make a superb contrast with the rocky terrain. Nevertheless, if Great Harbour was popular for just one thing, that would probably be Foxy’s beach bar, which Foxy opened in 1968 and has remained loyal to lovers of traditional Caribbean food, with beach BBQs and fun the Caribbean way to date.