Turks and Caicos

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Turks and Caicos consists of 40 islands located more than 500 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. With consistently warm weather and over 300 days of sunshine annually, there is plenty of time to explore this ideal vacation spot.

Turks and Caicos consists of 40 islands located more than 500 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. With consistently warm weather and over 300 days of sunshine annually, there is plenty of time to explore this ideal vacation spot.

Beautiful sandy beaches, luxurious resorts, and aquatic adventures mean that there is always something new to experience in the Turks and Caicos islands.
<h2>1. Clean Sandy Beaches</h2>
The Turks and Caicos islands are the home of many beautiful sandy beaches. Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales is one of the best beaches in the world. Protected by off-shore coral reefs, this beach boasts of calm clear water. As part of a national park, it offers a calm quiet atmosphere for those not looking to sunbathe next to a rowdy beach party.

Many resorts and restaurants are within walking distance. Here you will find options for parasailing, swimming, and snorkelling.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/178764249-1024x683.jpg" alt="clean sandy beaches Turks and Caicos" width="1024" height="683" /> shalamov / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Acquatic Adventures</h2>
The Turks and Caicos islands are protected by one of the world's largest barrier reefs, making the water calm and clear. These are some of the best ways to experience the crystal clear water:
<ul>
 	<li>Snorkeling or scuba diving allows visitors to view sea turtles, colorful fish, and other creatures up close.</li>
 	<li>Paddleboarding or kayaking is the perfect way to experience shallow water or mangroves.</li>
 	<li>Chartered boat cruises are available for sailing, power boating, or relaxing sight-seeing.</li>
 	<li>Swimming in the warm ocean water at any of the pristine beaches.</li>
</ul>
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/511574117-1024x684.jpg" alt="adventures Turks and Caicos" width="1024" height="684" /> waterotter / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Local Dining</h2>
An abundance of dining options are available on the Turks and Caicos Islands, offering price ranges and styles for everyone. The local cuisine is spicy and full-flavored, including ocean-fresh lobster, conch, and fish. With dozens of resorts and lively urban neighborhoods, visitors can try different foods at each meal.

Local eatery Da Conch Shack offers an array of local plates including jerk chicken and conch stew. In addition to the food, weekly live music, and flavorful rum cocktails combine to make this one of the most recommended spots for tourists.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/143622803-1024x667.jpg" alt="dining Turks and Caicos" width="1024" height="667" /> krw14 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Year-Round Vacations</h2>
With an abundance of sunny days and consistently warm weather, the Turks and Caicos Islands are an optimal vacation destination at any time of the year. While late summer and early fall can mean a higher risk of hurricanes and a rainier season, the water is at its warmest and ideal for swimming.

When temperatures in the US and Canada are icy cold over the winter, the islands are at their busiest. Tourists and cruise ships flood the resorts and beaches to enjoy the comfortable climate with temperatures in the low 80s.

Early spring is when prices are at their lowest, and budget-conscious travelers will find the best deals on vacation packages.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1012832 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/shutterstock_313397624.jpg" alt="vacation Turks and Caicos" width="1000" height="652" />


<h2>5. Cultural Celebrations</h2>
An economy focused on tourism means there are plenty of celebrations, sporting events and festivals open to vistors.
<ul>
 	<li>Junankoo Jump Up is a New Year's Eve celebration on the islands, where residents wear costumes and masks and celebrate with traditional music and dance.</li>
 	<li>Turks and Caicos Music and Cultural festival spans two weeks in the summer. It includes live local music, a beauty pageant, and a market offering local food and clothing.</li>
 	<li>Sporting events including sailing regattas, golf tournaments, and fishing competitions throughout the year.</li>
</ul>
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/93153188-1024x618.jpg" alt="culture Turks and Caicos" width="1024" height="618" /> icholakov / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Cocktails at Margaritaville</h2>
Whether visiting for a day or a week, a must-visit spot on Grand Turk island is Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Located conveniently at the cruise ship dock, this day resort offers everything needed to unwind. With a winding pool, swim-up bar, and a Flow Rider surf simulator, there are lots of activities for all ages.

Cabanas and patio chairs are available, poolside and on the beach, where visitors can soak up the sun and enjoy a variety of locally inspired margaritas or other cold drinks.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1012831 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/shutterstock_1665557091.jpg" alt="cocktails Turks and Caicos" width="1100" height="733" />


<h2>7. Historical Sites</h2>
The Turks and Caicos National Museum, located in the history Guinep House, offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the islands. Explore how the surrounding sea and the impact of slavery shaped the islands in the colonial era. The museum is home to the Molasses Reef Wreck, one of the oldest shipwrecks in the area.

Travelers may be inspired to also visit the Grand Turk lighthouse, constructed in 1852, and surrounded by scenic cliffside paths.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/172950623-1024x767.jpg" alt="history Turks and Caicos" width="1024" height="767" /> raisbeckfoto / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Walking and Hiking</h2>
The islands of Turks and Caicos are the home of low dense plant growth, small cliffs, beaches and wetlands. Due to the flat geography of the islands, walking is comfortable and perfect for many ability levels. Hikers may enjoy bird watching or plant identification on their adventures.

Bird Rock Trail is the only official hiking trail and offers beautiful vistas from the limestone cliffs. Northwest Point Marine National Park also offers a nature reserve where visitors frequently spot flamingos and herons.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/505821812-1024x683.jpg" alt="walking and hiking Turks and Caicos" width="1024" height="683" /> mikolajn / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Little Water Cay Tour</h2>
Known locally as Iguana Island, Little Water Cay is a nature refuge for endangered iguanas. This is the only island in  Turks and Caicos where Rock Iguanas still exist. Visitors can explore the island on boardwalks, built to protect the natural environment.

This tiny island is easily accessible by motorboat or kayak and is the ideal eco-destination for a quiet day of exploring and swimming.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/178399731-1024x683.jpg" alt="tour Turks and Caicos" width="1024" height="683" /> shalamov / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Shopping</h2>
As with any resort community, there are endless shops filled with souvenirs and t-shirts for visitors. However, the town of Providenciales is also home to The Regent Village, an enclave of shopping and dining outlets. This is the ideal spot to search for one-of-a-kind art pieces, custom jewelry, or clothing. The country's tax-free shopping allows visitors to at duty-free rates. After a few hours of shopping, visitors can relax at a number of restaurants and bars.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1012830 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/shutterstock_1293715318.jpg" alt="shopping Turks and Caicos" width="1000" height="667" />

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