Virgin Gorda owes its name to the unforgettable Columbus, to whom the bizarre outline of the coast reminded the outlines of the body of a magnificent young lady. Later, the hidden bays of the island of Fat Woman - this is how Virgin Gorda is translated from Spanish - were popular with corsairs, and today it attracts thousands of wanderers, which is not surprising: the year-round friendly Caribbean is a guaranteed vacation in all respects.
Virgin Gorda on the map
Virgin Gorda Island on the world map or a detailed map of the island can be viewed using the navigation buttons (+/-). Caribbean on the map
Virgin Gorda is a blooming eden 20 km northeast of Tortola. It is part of the British Virgin Islands, which, in turn, are located in the ridge of the Lesser Antilles washed by the Caribbean Sea. The tourist paradise ranks third in size among all English overseas possessions (21 km²) and second in terms of the number of people living here (just over three thousand people). The main settlement is the city of Spanish Town, built in the flat southern part.
The Caribbean island, like most of its fellows, is of volcanic origin; the highest point of Virgin Gorda is Gorda Peak, rising 450 meters above the surface of the sea.
Holidays on Virgin Gorda
In the Western Hemisphere, the British Virgin Islands are rightfully considered the safest place to travel due to economic stability, low crime rates, and almost zero unemployment.
Natural beauty, intriguing history and a wonderful climate make a vacation in Virgin Gorda truly royal. As well as all kinds of water sports, jet ski racing, walking and cycling promenades, sightseeing tours around the island and beyond, sea fishing, exploring the underwater world, excellent cuisine, Antillean holidays accompanied by calypso music. Plus luxurious living conditions, multi-level swimming pools in hotels, SPA centers, gyms, courts, friendliness of staff - what else could a stress-ridden contemporary dream of? Only about environmentally friendly beaches under the gentle sun. The beaches here are truly unique: snow-white, velvety, with clear water and the necessary equipment, and vacationers sensitive to the sultry rays can enjoy the sea breeze in aerariums - covered structures built on the coast.
For accommodation, it is possible to rent a cabin on one of the yachts that ply along the picturesque coasts. And if you also plan several excursions and take part in at least one of the original festivals for which the island is famous, then your vacation will absolutely go off with a bang.
The nature of Virgin Gorda
No artificially created exotic garden can compare with the natural charm of local nature. The small amount of rain falling on Virgin Gorda has affected the vegetation: the fauna is represented by cacti, mountain dry forest, hard-leaved shrubs, carved palms, and fruit trees. In general, the island resembles a blooming, miraculous corner of paradise: against the backdrop of the shimmering azure of the sea, the hills covered with lacy greenery look incomparable!
In the noise of the waves and the polyphony of birds, unusual sounds are often heard - this is sung by the nocturnal bo-peep frog, which lives only on Virgin Gorda and Tortola. In addition to the amphibian “vocalist,” the island is home to wild donkeys, rats, various lizards, and numerous birds.
The underwater kingdom of the coast is impressive, the range of shades of deep-seated inhabitants, their many subspecies and species, the marvelous riches of the Caribbean Sea are one of the reasons why tourists flock to Virgin Gorda.
Attractions Virgin Gorda
Gourmets will enjoy an impromptu food tour of Virgin Gorda restaurants, most of which are located in Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor. Here you can really get acquainted with the local cuisine, discover a new taste for familiar dishes, and have a good time listening to the colorful local rhythms.
It's easy to combine unrivaled scenery, exciting walks and a wonderful beach holiday at Trunk Bay, Spring Bay Beach, Maho Bay and Savannah Bay.
It is advisable, when planning a voyage to Virgin Gorda, to take into account the holidays that take place on the island on a bright and grand scale: the second Monday of spring - Commonwealth Day; August celebrations for the Virgin Islands Summer Festival; April Spring Yacht Regatta; St. Ursula's Day, celebrated on October 21st.
Excursions are offered to the village of Gun Creek, to the Gorda Peak National Park, to the ruins of the Little Fort fortress in the national park of the same name, to the Coppermine Ruins mines, to the iconic area of Baths - an intricate labyrinth of grottoes, ponds, caves and gorges in the overgrown forested slopes.
When is the best time to go to Virgin Gorda
The climate of Virgin Gorda is stable and even; temperature fluctuations are very slight, regardless of the time of year: in winter it is about 24˚, in summer – 29˚. Even during the rainy season, which is typical for September-December, there are only five or six bad weather days per month. Tropical hurricanes are likely in July-October.
Holidays in Virgin Gorda are not cheap. However, no money will be spared for a colorful mix of original local culture and age-old English traditions, fashionable service and sultry impressions. And, of course, for the fantastic Caribbean Sea, which is a priori incapable of disappointing.
