The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory, located in the Caribbean and popular as a tourist destination. Only 45,000 permanent residents live on the two groups of islands, though this number increases significantly if the 260,000 temporary residents and holidaymakers a year are taken into consideration! Several new, luxury resorts have been built in recent years on the islands, especially on Grand Turk where the cruise ship port is located. Turks and Caicos is also a popular holiday destination for the rich and famous, with many US celebrities building holiday homes there or choosing to get married on one of the many idyllic beaches.
As with most of the Caribbean islands, the big attraction on the Turks and Caicos Islands is the weather, which stays hot and sunny most of the year, although the region is often affected by hurricanes in the height of the summer. There are dozens of beaches on the islands, ranging from those ‘owned’ by the large, modern resorts to more secluded and private beaches, miles away from civilisation. Several of the best beaches are within easy reach of the main town of Providenciales, in the Caicos Islands. The 19-kilometre Grace Bay has seen many new developments in recent years, thanks to the ideal swimming and snorkelling conditions and beautiful scenery. There are no high-rise buildings, however, and the presence of a few hotels and restaurants does nothing to detract from the area’s natural beauty. Malcolm Beach is much quieter, as you can only get there via boat or a long and bumpy ride in a jeep! The peace and quiet when you get there makes the journey worthwhile. Kids will love Long Bay, with its shallow and safe waters, while local company Provo Ponies offers horse rides along the sands.
On Grand Turk, the beaches are generally more developed, with amenities built to serve the thousands of cruise ship passengers who arrive on the islands every year. However, Governor’s Beach is a great place for snorkelling and many of the locals head there on the weekends, creating a lively atmosphere. If you’re interested in diving, some of the best locations can be found on the smaller island of Salt Cay, which is surrounded by a stunning coral reef. There are dozens of private islands in the Turks and Caicos Islands which are often out of bounds to regular tourists, but you can always hire a boat or take a day trip to appreciate the scenery, without trespassing.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in the Turks and Caicos Islands? Then below is a selection of apartments in the Turks and Caicos Islands and villas in the Turks and Caicos Islands 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.
