Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Vacation Guide
When globe-trotters think of Turks and Caicos, they likely image the stunningly blue waters, pearl-white sands, and conch-studded beaches of Providenciales. Affectionately referred to as Provo by locals and vacationers alike, this Caicos island is the country’s primary tourist centre. Spa resorts and Providenciales all incusive hotels line the local shores, and beach-goers flock to these spots to immerse themselves in the vast array of scuba diving, surfing, and kiteboarding opportunities.
Still, despite its popularity, Provo manages to retain a certain undiscovered charm. There’s little in the way of urban sights or spring-break nightlife, and the most frequently visited location is the 19-kilometre stretch of sand known as Grace Bay. If you’re looking for a little piece of remote paradise, a vacation in Providenciales is just what the doctor ordered.
Though most tourists understandably head straight for the majestic sights of Grace Bay, the island’s three original settlements are worth a look. Blue Hills is a lovely residential neighbourhood just north of the airport, the Bight is home to a few Providenciales all inclusive deals, and Five Cays offers a cluster of quiet shops and out-of-the-way restaurants. Blue Hills is an especially promising spot for tourists. Featuring several unique churches and a network of winding streets, this tranquil area is one of the island’s best places to chat with the locals at a beach bar or try an authentic conch dish.
Five Cays is relatively unassuming, but the nearby Chalk Sound is a Providenciales vacations mainstay. Surrounded by lagoons, bays and otherworldly beaches, this national park is a charming location for a family picnic. If you’re searching for a few fishing and sailing adventures, however, take a day trip to the Caicos Cays. Just five minutes from Provo by boat, this cluster of small and mostly uninhabited islands offers nature trails, fishing holes, and kayaking areas. You’ll also see some Providenciales vacation packages here, but the main island provides a slightly more dynamic combination of peaceful scenery, laid-back local life, and beyond stunning shorelines. Once you visit Provo, you’ll find yourself returning for years to come.
