The Virgin Islands, often called the British Virgin Islands (BVI), is a British overseas territory and overseas territory of the European Union, located in the Caribbean to the east of Puerto Rico. The islands make up part of the Virgin Islands archipelago, the remaining islands constituting the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The British Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with over fifty other smaller islands and cays. Approximately 15 of the islands are inhabited. The capital, Road Town, is situated on Tortola, the largest island which is approximately 12 mi long and 3 mi wide. The islands have a population of about 22,000, of whom approximately 18,000 live on Tortola.
The British Virgin Islands enjoy a tropical climate, moderated by trade winds. Temperatures vary little throughout the year.
Tortola is largest and the main island of the British Virgin Islands. More than 80% of the population of the BVI live on the island of Tortola and the capital is Road Town. The island is around 24 square miles with more than 30 sheltered bays and impressive mountainous peaks in the centre.
Tortola has a very laid back feel (the first set of traffic lights were only introduced in 2001) and all visitors are made to feel welcome in a unique BVI style. The word Tortola means “land of the turtle doves” in Spanish and “road” (as in Road Town) is a nautical term meaning a sheltered place to drop anchor.
Since we signed up for this cruise very late, most of the shore excursions were full, so once again, we didn’t have one scheduled for this port. So, we just took a short stroll into town and bought a couple of souvenirs. Fortunately I had grabbed the umbrella because we had a tropical downpour!
