Trinidad, located just 11 kilometres north of the Venezuelan coast, is the larger of the two islands that make up the country of Trinidad & Tobago. The island is home to the country’s main airport, where several flights a week from the US and Europe land, while there are also daily connecting flights to Tobago. Many cruise ships also call in at Trinidad on their tours round the Caribbean, allowing visitors the chance to enjoy the island’s beaches, explore its history and heritage or, if you’re lucky, watch a cricket match at the world-famous Queen’s Park Oval.
Most visitors to Trinidad, whether they are cruise passengers there for just a day or holidaymakers spending a fortnight on the island, are there to enjoy the Caribbean sunshine, and there is no shortage of beaches on which to do it. Many of the beaches near Port of Spain, the island’s capital, get very busy at weekends, as locals and tourists rub shoulders to make the most of the fantastic weather. If you want to get away from the crowds, head to the north coast, where many of the beaches are located within sheltered coves, making them ideal for families. Some are easy to get to by taxi, while others, such as Paria Beach, can only be reached by foot. The hike takes a couple of hours from the suspension bridge across the Marianne River, but it is worth it for the deserted beach and stunning waterfall that you will find upon arrival. Surfers should make their way to the north-east coast, especially during the winter months, while tourists will have to share many of the beaches on this stretch of coastline with nesting leatherback turtles during spring.
Spring is also the time when Trinidad holds its annual Carnival, a spectacular celebration of the island’s culture and history. Make sure you set your alarm for the first party of the two-day festival, which takes place at 4am on the Monday before Ash Wednesday. Hundreds of participants, usually dressed as devils and evil spirits, take to the streets, accompanied by musicians. Carnival Tuesday is a more family-friendly occasions, when parades and musical competitions take place in most towns and resorts on the island. Although Carnival only officially lasts for two days, in actual fact the preparations begin long before, and continue for many weeks afterwards, with street performances, cultural events and community parties which tourists are welcome to join.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Trinidad? Then below is a selection of apartments in Trinidad and villas in Trinidad that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
