Travel Destination: Bermuda
About Bermuda
Bermuda is a haven for the rich and famous mostly from Europe and North America because of its proximity to this little piece of paradise which is just 1,770 kilometres to the northeast of Miami, Florida. Its pink sandy beaches, tourist-friendly people and thriving community are its main attractions. It welcomes half a million visitors annually, 80% of which are from the United States. It is a British overseas territory and the official language is English. Its economy is generally based on finance and tourism. It has two municipalities, the City of Hamilton and St. George’s.
Its capital, the City of Hamilton in Pembroke Parish is a small community with 969 residents and numerous parks. Victoria Park is the most popular (named after Queen Victoria) while the others such as the Cedar Park, All Bouy’s Point Park, Par La Ville and Barr’s Park also attract plenty of visitors.
St. George’s or Town of St. George was Bermuda’s capital until 1815 and it is the “oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in the New World.” This historic town has scenic landscape and centuries-old buildings some dating back to the 17th century. This town is like in suspended reality, old but idyllic. It was shielded from modernisation to preserve its quaint charm. This place is ideal for historic tours. Expect narrow streets, period style street lighting, underground power and telephone lines and shops around the corner. It is like a set specially built for a period movie, only, the town is for real and functioning. Museums, houses, pubs, restaurants and shops are in business. It wouldn’t be hard for any visitor to picture this old capital’s glorious start. At the town centre is the King’s Square, Town Hall and Visitors Centre Bureau. You can also find the oldest and first stone building in the island, the State House, built in 1620. Other tourist spots are St. Peter’s Church (which is the oldest Anglican Church in the Western Hemisphere), the Bermuda National Trust Museum and the Tucker House. The town and related fortifications are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Bermuda is a favourite playground and R&R destination because of its beaches. There are plenty to choose from, secluded, rocky shoreline, man-made, shallow waters, azure waters, name it. Warwick Parish has the Warwick Long Bay, Jobson’s Cove and Astwood Cove and Park. St. George’s Parish has the man-made Clearwater Beach and Park. Southampton Parish on the other hand is proud of West Whale Bay (March and April are good times to visit to see the Humpback whales), Horseshoe Bay Beach and Park (the most photographed beach in the island) and Church Bay which is a good snorkelling site. You may also frolic in Achilles Bay Beach off Fort St Catherine, Elbow Beach in Paget Parish, Tobacco Bay in St. George’s and the newest addition is the Snorkel Park in Dockyard. Shelly Bay Beach is the best choice if you have kids in tow because of its shallow waters and ample public facilities. Scuba diving, boating, parasailing, helmet diving, fishing, rock climbing and caving are just some of the activities that you can indulge in your favourite spots.
After getting a nice tan, continue enjoying your vacation in a relaxing spa, shopping and visiting the dockyard, art galleries, museums, botanical gardens, lighthouses and forts.
There’s more to do in this hook-shaped island than one can imagine. Are you ready to live the dream?