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There are forty islands in Turks and Caicos, however only eight are inhabited, the main tourist centre is Providenciales. North and Middle Caicos are also popular for vacations, but are quieter islands. The capital of Turks and Caicos is the historical Grand Turk. Each island offers their own unique experience, all with a fantastic climate and beautiful beaches. Relaxation is inevitable on these serene islands.

Turks and Caicos Islands

The choice of property on the islands is varied, with condos, beachfront properties, luxury villas, family homes, and vacant land ready for building.

• Grand Turk - The historical capital
• Middle and North Caicos - Lush and green with up and coming resort areas.
• Providenciales - The tourist centre of the islands.
• Salt Cay - Historic architecture and rustic charm.
• South Caicos - Popular for fishing, and friendly with secluded beaches.
• East Caicos - Uninhabited 17 miles of beach.
• West Caicos – Uninhabited island, great for wall diving.

Parrot and Pine Cay are privately owned islands, and are home to the exclusive resorts, Parrot Cay resort and spa and Meridian club.

Many years before Christopher Columbus discovered the capital island of Grand Turk, The Turks and Caicos Islands were inhabited by the Taino and Lucayan Indians. These indigenous tribes left behind a rich heritage of sea faring salt raking, and farming, which is still visible today. The name Turks originates from the Turks Head Cactus, found here, and Caicos comes from the Lucayan term meaning ‘string of islands’.

For almost 700 years the Taino’s and the Lucayans were the sole inhabitants of the islands, until Columbus arrived in 1492, shortly after the Lucayan population disappeared. During this time, the salt industry was born and Bermudians came to collect the salt as it was a precious commodity for flavouring and preserving food. In 1706 the French and the Spanish briefly captured the islands from the Bermudians. Four years later the British reclaimed the islands for Bermuda.

In 1766 the Turks and Caicos Islands became a part of the Bahamas colony, this union subsequently failed. In 1874 after the Great Bahamas Hurricane devastated most of the islands they became dependencies on the British Crown Colony of Jamaica. Jamaica achieved independence from Britain in 1962, leaving the islands a British Crown Colony alone, as it still is today.

It was not until the opening of Club Med Turkoise Resort in the early 1980’s, that they became a viable tourist destination. Today through continuing development, the islands have become one of the world’s premier beach destinations. The Turks and Caicos Islands now boast the fastest growing economy in the Caribbean, but with strict development controls to protect the environment.

Activities in the Turks and Caicos

• Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
• Sailing
• Fishing
• Walking
• Horse riding
• Sight seeing

Beautiful stretches of quiet beaches, one of which is classed as the best in the world, fabulous restaurants, and top-rated hotels are just some of the pleasures awaiting you on the islands.

If you like the water, you will not be disappointed, enjoy snorkelling, world class diving, and of course swimming in the neon blue waters of Turks and Caicos.

Restaurants and Dining in Turks and Caicos

Dining on the islands is a very relaxed and casual affair, much like everything else here, and reservations are not usually needed. You can find anything from Continental to Asian cuisines, and of course lots of restaurants serving delicious traditional island dishes.

Due to the topography of the islands, not a lot of produce is grown here, which explains the prevalence of international cuisine. Islanders rely on freshly caught seafood, and imported goods, and conch is one of the most popular island dishes, along with peas and rice, which are served with almost every traditional meal.

There are also some tasty island drinks that you should sample while you are here, the most popular being rum punch, made with Lucayan rum, which really does pack a punch!

The Turks and Caicos Islands are one of the most beautiful areas to call home in the Caribbean, and home searchers will find all types of real estate and homes for sale. Gorgeous scenery, wonderful food, peace, and serenity, along with perfect dream homes all go towards making this the perfect destination for a new life in the sun.