Despite the fact that they use the American dollar as their main currency, the Turks and Caicos Islands are actually a British Overseas Territory. The country consists of two groups of islands, the Turks Islands and the Caicos Islands, which is the larger of the two. Although heralded as a tropical paradise, the islands are not widely known, which makes them the perfect vacation destination for those who want to leave the crowds behind. The islands are home to some of the best beaches in the world, and those fortunate enough to stumble upon them need not share.

It is next to impossible to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands without paying a visit to Cockburn Town, the capital. Established in 1681, it was the first colony to be founded here and has served as the capital since 1766. Located on Grand Turk Island, the city is delightfully old fashioned and visitors to the city’s historic quarters may feel as if they are walking back in time with each step. The roads here are typically narrow and have old fashioned street lamps at regular intervals. Front Street and Duke Street are probably the best places to get a feel of the local history. The historic streets are lined with houses dating to the eighteenth and nineteenth century.

There are some pretty interesting attractions in Cockburn Town. It is home to the Turks & Caicos National Museum, which was started a few decades ago. The museum is housed in a building that is close to two centuries old and is located on Front Street. One should also pay a visit to Her Majesty’s Prison. Originally built to house runaway slaves, the structure was used to house criminals after slavery was abolished. The prison was eventually closed in the 1990s and now serves as a tourist attraction.

Tourists can enjoy the best of the Caribbean by staying at one of the Turks and Caicos luxury resorts such as the Parrot Cay Turks & Caicos. It is a premier Turks and Caicos beach resort located on a private island. Guests can enjoy the mile-long beach in complete privacy. The hotel also has facilities for water sports, a terrific restaurant and a divine spa.

 

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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