VIRGIN GORDA
Area: British Virgin Islands
Country: British Virgin Islands


Location:
90 miles E of San Juan, Puerto Rico; 515 miles N of Caracas, Venezuela. Virgin Gorda's own (local) airport is 1 mile E of Spanish Town.

Telephone code from UK:
1 284 284

Website:
http://www.bvitouristboard.com

Position:
Towards NW end of the Leeward Islands chain, at the centre of the British Virgin Islands.

Description:
The island, whose name means "Fat Virgin", was supposedly so christened by Columbus because, despite its general skinniness, its bulbous N part was said to resemble a portly woman. With its small population, relative lack of development and densely scrub-covered centre, much of the island has been declared national parkland. A hilly section in the middle rises to over 1,300 feet before plunging down to sea level at the N tip. The S half of Virgin Gorda is flatter, with beautiful sandy beaches and a popular tourist area known locally as the "Baths". Here, enormous boulders _ some over 30 feet high _ are scattered along the water's edge, forming sea caves and grottoes for swimming. Most of the island's 2,500 inhabitants live in and around Spanish Town and the Yacht Harbour, just up the coast. Spanish Town is neither Spanish nor a town, consisting of only a tiny jetty and a couple of restaurants. The Yacht Harbour, less than a mile away, is the real centre, with its out-of-proportion marina and handful of shops. About 14 miles N of Virgin Gorda lies Anegada, whose name means "drowned island". This flat, narrow, low-lying coral spit _ the only coral Virgin Island _ is half-covered by lagoons and surrounded by potentially dangerous reefs; apart from the airstrip and a few scattered houses, there are just beaches, some flamingos and not a lot else.

Suitability:
Popular with Americans arriving by yacht and visiting from cruise ships docked at St Thomas; most stay just a few days. Will appeal to those who like water sports, sailing and beach-based activities, while romantics will appreciate its quiet, unhurried pace of life, sedate nightlife and rather basic range of amenities. Anegada is where people working in hotels on the other islands go to relax, as nothing much goes on here.

Accommodation:
Only about 20 hotels, most independently run, low-key affairs in the medium to expensive range; many are set on their own bays. Some have villa accommodation available. The very upmarket (though not luxurious) Little Dix is popular with visiting yachties. Anegada has just a couple of modest guesthouses, some self-catering options and a few campsites, all beach side.

Shopping:
Limited almost entirely to basic items and souvenirs. The Yacht Harbour is the only real place for shopping, with a few gift shops, pharmacy and bank. Locally made pottery, cigars and rum are popular buys. Anegada has so few supplies that self-catering guests often need to make orders before arriving.

Beach:
Most of Virgin Gorda's 10 main beaches are on the W coast and include Big Trunk Bay, Spring Bay, Little Dix Bay, Savannah Bay and Mango Bay. They are mostly narrow and sloping, with fine to coarse white or beige sand, set in coves and with little development (normally just one hotel). Often backed by some vegetation or a few palms and the island's main road. Any hotels usually provide sun loungers and parasols. Anegada's beaches (mostly in the N and W) are covered in white sand.

Entertainments:
Daytime: the "Baths" are a must, with good photo opportunities and excellent snorkelling. Beach-centred activities, sailing and water sports. Abandoned copper mine, now a national park. Hiking to Gorda Peak, in Virgin Gorda National Park. Anegada has some flamingos (which can be seen only from a distance) and excellent snorkelling at Loblolly Bay. Nightlife: limited and low-key. Most hotels have evening entertainment on a limited basis, with regular informal events at the yacht club.

Eating:
Restricted to the island's hotels (which may have buffets or barbecues during high season) and a few local restaurants. Choice is limited and prices high because practically nothing is grown here. The absence of fast-food eateries or snack bars makes it almost impossible to economise. Cuisine is American- and West Indian-influenced, with Caesar salad and jerk chicken popular dishes. Seafood (especially lobster, chowder, chewy conch and mahi mahi _ a perch-like ocean fish) is common, along with steak and pasta. Vegetables are often frozen, apart from local yam, plantain and callaloo (similar to spinach). Popular local drinks include rum and Carib beer, which many islanders drink any time of the day. Anegada has a couple eating places; lobster is caught here and sold to other islands, and so is very fresh.

Public-transport:
No public transport, but taxis are plentiful. Cars are available for hire, with driving on the left. Ferries go from Virgin Gorda's N coast to Beef Island (with its local airport), and from Spanish Town to Road Town (capital of the British Virgin Islands) on Tortola. No ferries to Anegada, but there are daily 15-minute flights from Tortola. Anegada has a taxi service.

Local-excursions:
Tours include the "Baths" and Gorda Peak (half day). Sailing and horse riding (half/full day). Island tours by taxi or hire car (full day). Boat trips (day or longer) to other islands (passport needed for US Virgin Islands).