The 10 Best Places to Visit in Turks and Caicos

Wander the grounds via stone-lined trails leading to the historic Great House and the industrial machines of the cotton age scattered about. Enjoy the views of the coast and keep your eyes out for local flora such as guinea grass, cow bush, and torchwood trees inhabited by butterflies, birds, and lizards. Explore the plantation as part of an all-island tour that combines visits to a massive, natural limestone swimming hole and the sugar white sands of Taylor Bay Beach.

Cockburn Town on Grand Turk island is the oldest permanent settlement in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It grew in importance with the emergence of the sea salt industry on the island and became the main commercial hub .Among the hotels, holiday villas, shops and bars are a selection of British colonial-style buildings. Look out for the old Victoria Library and the post office (the vibrant green woodwork makes it hard to miss!) as well as Her Majesty’s Prison and the National Museum.

Duke Street starts at the southern end of Cockburn Town, becoming Queen Street, then Front Street as it travels north. It’s lined with stucco limestone buildings that reflect Grand Turk’s colonial heritage, while brightly painted picket fences and other architectural detailing capture the island’s Caribbean spirit. Just across the street, the town beach welcomes visitors with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s easy to enjoy both the beaches and the town of Grand Turk with a guided sightseeing and snorkeling tour.

The Turks & Caicos National Museum in Cockburn Town is a family-friendly attraction that explores the history of the Caribbean with a focus on the Turks and Caicos Islands. Established in 1991, it houses a fascinating collection of exhibits and artifacts relating to the tropical Atlantic archipelago.

The best way to explore Cockburn Town is on foot. Explore independently, on a self-guided audio tour, or as part of a guided sightseeing tour of top attractions on the island, including the Grand Turk Lighthouse, Her Majesty’s Prison, the National Museum, and the Salt House. The historical part of town stretches for about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) and mainly follows the coastline. Duke Street, Queen Street, and Front Street house most of the historic attractions and 18th- and 19th-century residences that now serve as restaurants, inns, and hotels. Cockburn Town Beach is just across from Front Street.

Governor’s Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers, snorkelers and divers too. Close to both Cockburn Town and the Cruise Center it’s popular with locals and tourists alike. The beach has sugar-soft sand and is lined with a shady grove of pine trees, plus water that is ideal for swimming.

A kilometer offshore lies the famous ‘Wall’ – the world’s third largest coral reef structure, and a diving hotspot where the seafloor drops 7,000ft into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. The reef offers some of the best diving anywhere in the Caribbean, with a full spectrum of coral, tropical fish and larger sea creatures. Look out for rarer sightings too, such as hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and migrating humpback whales. Another popular sight at the beach is the Mega One Triton – a shipwreck that washed ashore in 2012 storms. Its rusty hull serves as a rather eye-catching juxtaposition to the otherwise picturesque landscape.