Grand Turk is the capital of the Turks & Caicos and reputed to be the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his initial trip to the New World in 1492. It’s come a long way since then, but still maintains a unique Caribbean charm that sets it apart from even the other Turks & Caicos Islands. Home to only a few thousand residents (as well as our island’s Governor), it features Bahamian-style architecture, historic attractions and a quaint small island feel that make it a great getaway for a day, a weekend or your entire vacation. There are several small hotels in Grand Turk, many with in-house scuba operations as world class diving spots are just a few hundred feet offshore. Quaint restaurants and bars, staffed by friendly locals and often filled with live native (’rake n scrape’) music, give it a feel of a long-forgotten Caribbean.
On Grand Turk, the old and new meet in a mutually respectful way. Stroll along historic Front Street and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Take in the excellent displays and exhibits the Turks & Caicos National Museum, see the famous lighthouse, and reflect at the monument commemorating the splashdown of American astronaut John Glenn following America’s first manned space mission in 1962. Eventually, you’ll come across a brand new cruise ship terminal, where luxury liners from the top cruise lines are welcomed daily at the 1,000-foot dock. The terminal includes a wide variety of brand-name duty free shopping and the world’s largest Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville Restaurant. With the arrival of the cruise ships last year in Grand Turk also came an increase in the number of activities for visitor, including horse back riding, dune buggy adventures, and a host of water sports.
New developments are quietly emerging in Grand Turk and it’s one of the best kept investment secrets in our islands. Contact a local real estate agent for information on new properties under construction if you keen to find a ideal getaway second home.
Grand Turk is easily accessible from Providenciales by several daily 20-minute flights on Air Turks & Caicos.
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