Turks and Caicos - Providenciales Travel Guide

Overview

Mention a vacation to Turks and Caicos to friends and you might be asked, "Is that in Turkey?" While names can be deceiving, this lesser known tropical gem is nowhere near the Mediterranean. In fact, the only Turkish Delights that you might find will probably come in a round glass with a little umbrella.

Turks and Caicos is comprised of eight islands and some 40 cays found at the tail end of the Bahamian Island chain, approximately 575 miles southeast of Miami. This British Dependent Territory lures a variety of tourists - from sun worshippers and beachcombers to divers and eco-adventurers.

The islands' flour-fine, white sand beaches, rated as top eight in the world, host prime opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. From February to April whale-watching adventures are also a big draw to this unique destination.

Tourists staying on the busiest of the islands, Providenciales (more commonly called Provo), will find accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Larger resorts (three all-inclusive), smaller hotels, condominiums, guesthouses and villas are plentiful. Provo also boasts the world's only Conch Farm, the18-hole Provo Golf and Country Club and Iguana Island.

Grand Turk, the political capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, teems with historical and ecological finds. A walk through town reveals the distinct presence of Bermudan colonial architecture, while divers will find some of the world's best wall diving on coral cliffs dropping from 30 feet to over 7,000 feet. Historical, more intimate hotels are primary options for overnight guests.

Other islands worth a mention (and a visit) are Salt Cay, once the hub of a flourishing salt industry, today is a rural, tranquil escape, where not much has changed over the last 100 years. Middle Caicos is home to the Conch Bar Caves, which once served as Lucayan Indian Shelters, not to mention picturesque Mudjin Harbour. South Caicos offers exciting encounters for birdwatchers while North Caicos keeps travelers more grounded, featuring well-preserved ruins of Wades Green, a Loyalist era plantation.

History

The first known inhabitants of the islands were Taíno Indians, who left evidence of their occupation in the form of utensils and a ball court. After the arrival of Europeans, the Taínos were either been forced into slavery or fell victim to European-borne diseases by the mid-16th century.

Over the next few centuries, ownership of the islands bounced between the French, Spanish and British, ending finally with Great Britain.

Development was slow, as the island was not on a main sailing route, possessed no gold or decent anchorage's and lacked sufficient rain to grow sugar. Turks and Caicos remained virtually uninhabited until 1678, when a group of Bermudans settled and began extracting salt and logging trees.

Salt traders cleared the land and created the salinas (salt-drying pans) that still exist on many islands. The majority of the salt went aboard boats to supply the cod-fishing industries of New England and the Maritime Provinces of Canada.

Following the American War of Independence, the Bermudans on the islands were joined by a group of colonial loyalists, who established cotton plantations. The plantation era was short-lived, and by 1820, the cotton crop had failed, and the majority of planters had moved on.

Turks and Caicos became a formal part of the Bahamas in 1799, but in 1848, following a petition by the Turks & Caicos residents, it became self-governing under the guidance of the Governor of Jamaica.

In 1872 the islands were annexed to Jamaica and stayed tied to Jamaica until 1962, when they were again linked to the Bahamas. In 1973, the they became a separate Crown Colony of Great Britain.

Notable Residents

Dick Clark, Keith Richards, Donna Karan, Billy Cosby (Pine Cay), Michael Douglas (Dellis Cay)
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