This archipelago used, in the past, as a pirate’s refuge, is currently, a paradise for seamen and divers. Crystalline waters and white sand beaches (map)

Not so far from the US Virgin Islands are the British Virgin Islands, where time seems to stand still, because most of the more than fifty islands are deserted, and the most important, like Tortola, Fat Virgin, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada, have not been affected by massive tourism, so there are not great hotels or casinos. The turmoil of changes invading the Little Antilles, excluded, surprisingly, this region, so currently you can enjoy the simple treasures it offers, like: hospitality, large white sandy beaches, and crystalline blue sea.

Navigation lovers can enjoy the warm breeze blowing from one island to another, and explore the little coves hidden in places only accessible by sea, whose depths are heaven for submarine fans. Diving into these waters means discovering a fascinating submarine world of coral reefs; in fact, the natural riches of the islands are the basis for their economy. Next to the sporting ports, hotels offering lodging and all the equipment needed for navigation have emerged. In fact, the Government intends to bring visitors fond of recreation sailing, as well as those looking for a peaceful and lonely place to escape from the maddening crowd. On top of the hills, the landscape shows all its tropical charm.

All these islands are of volcanic origins, excepting Anegada, a coral and limestone atoll, at 48 km. northeast of the island of Tortola (55 square km). The latter, as well as Fat Virgin, 20 km. further, emerges abruptly from the sea, and both have also a volcanic peak. In Tortola is Mount Sage, 540 m high, and in Fat Virgin is Gorda Peak, 415m high. The short distance between the north and south coast (5 km at the widest point), contribute to eliminate rushing in Tortola. The highways have some resemblance to those in the Alps, with gradients of more than 300 m in less than 3 km., and many of them were not paved with asphalt until the mid 80’s. Before that, natives needing to go from Sea Cow Bay, at the south, to Cane Garden Bay, at the north, used donkeys.

Pirate’s Den
Seemingly, these volcanic islands didn’t impress Christopher Columbus when he discovered them in November 1493, maybe because he was searching for gold, and he found no signs of it in these islands. The craggy geography provided the British some plantations, where slaves were feed with plenty of coast fishes. At that time many forts were built along the south coast to protect towns and plantations from pirates. In front of this coast, Sir Francis Drake anchored in many occasions. Now, the strait separating Tortola from the southern islands is named after him. His ships were marauding these waters between 1568 and 1595, searching for the gold carried by Spanish and Dutch vessels; nowadays, more than 300 ships lie in the depths of the sea. Drake and other pirates inspired many authors, to write their stories.

The British Virgin Islands have been in possession by the United Kingdom since 1666. Officially they are now Overseas British Territory, and they enjoy some autonomy.

Road Town, Tortola’s Capital
The new sporting port built around the Wickhams Cay Boulevard, and the port at the feet of the renewed Fort Burt Hotel, give the city of Road Town, a strong maritime character. You can hardly find cars circulating by the paved streets, so things like “rush hour” are unknown, though the city is continuously growing.

Main Street, that for some time was the port highway, is a colorful street with beautiful wooden houses, built according to the characteristic style of the West Indies architecture, and under careful restoration at present.

Each day this street has more banking offices and insurance companies, as well as antiques shops; on the contrary, palm trees and shrubs struggle to grow. Nearby is the handicraft market, where you can find lots of stands selling tropical T-shirts, sculptures, and many other souvenirs.

Ships sailing to the neighboring islands of St. Thomas and St. John depart regularly from the ferry’s dock. Walking south is Pusser’s Co. Store & Pub, a house with heavy decoration, and in which you can feel the typical atmosphere of an English port pub.

Behind this building is Virgin Islands Folk Museum (No fixed schedules, entrance fee), an old wooden building hosting a museum with the most complete archive of the colonial period. At the end of Main Street is Government House, surrounded by flamboyant red flowers , ruling the port majestically.

North of the city are the J.R. O’Neal Botanical Gardens (open every day, free entrance, tips are usual), where you can walk along a street with palm trees and admire the species collection, that represent the island’s flora, orchids and ferns greenhouse and a medicinal plant garden.