Tortola – The Heart of the British Virgin Islands

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Tortola Island

The coastline on the island of Tortola

The island Tortola with an area of 54 square kilometres belongs to the Leeward Islands westwards from Puerto Rico. At the same time, its capital city Road Town  is the administrative centre of the British Virgin Islands. In the south-west, the island is separated from the U.S. Virgin Islands by the straits, the so-called „Narrows“. In the south-east, behind the Sir Francis Drake Channel, there are the islands Norman Island, Peter Island, Salt Cay, Cooper Island and Ginger Island. Those who would like to get to Tortola in order to start here a fantastic boat trip across the Caribbean, should at first fly to the International airport San Juan (Puerto Rico)  or to Saint Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands) or to Antigua. From there, local airlines fly their guests by small planes to Tortola which houses 19,000 people. Just as well the tourists have an opportunity to get here from a neighbouring island by a cargo or charter boat.

Tortola is rather a mountainous island. Its highest peak Mount Sage is 543 metres high. The island‘s southern part with its thick bushes and half-grown trees is ideal for adventurous  walkers and it is not a coincidence that it is intersected by many attractive hiking trails. The north of the island with its lush flora featuring mighty banana trees, colourful mango trees and giant palms is a real exotic paradise. The south-west has been designated as a nature protection area where one still can see the rudiments of a tropical rain forest.  It is absolutely worthwhile to crest Mount Sage. Having arrived at the top, one can enjoy a simply magnificent view all around. Near the western top, the West End is situated. Ferries going to Saint Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands) cast off here. The coast road eastwards from Road Town circles the large Road Bay and stretches along the jagged coast which has great diving spots to offer. Further behind the East End, one can see the Queen Elizabeth Bridge which was constructed in 1966 and leads to the neighbouring island Beef Island over the Beef Island Channel. Here, Tortola’s aerodrome is situated. On the north coast of Tortola, the Long Bay extends which is mainly famous for its fantastic beaches. The island’s capital city called Road Town is located on the beautiful south coast. Charter tourists will certainly be delighted to find here, in addition to the deep water harbour, an up-to-date marina. The place’s  unique atmosphere is largely due to its numerous old buildings and colourful lines of shops. It is impossible to overlook the remains of an old fortress standing on a hill.

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