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Approximately 575 miles southeast of Miami, Florida lies a beautiful tropical archipelago comprised of 40+ small islands. It’s called the Turks & Caicos Islands. The islands are separated into two groups – the Turks Islands to the east, which include Grand Turk and Salt Cay and the Caicos Islands to the west, including Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, Pine Cay and Parrot Cay. All in all, there are 8 islands in the chain that are inhabited.

The archipelago is a British Oversees Territory and is home to over 31,000 full time residents. Due to its stunning calm, blue water and white sand beaches, T&C has become a popular beach lovers destination and welcomes more that a million tourists annually.

Have you been to T&C? If not, here are some reasons why you should plan a trip to Turks & Caicos!

Beaches

It’s no secret that we love a beautiful white sand beaches and the islands of Turks & Caicos have some of the prettiest we’ve seen. With miles of secluded beaches to explore, these islands are truly a beach lover’s paradise. Some of our favorites?

Grace Bay, Providenciales. This stunning beach frequently makes the “Top Most Beautiful Beaches” list and for good reason. At a little over 3 miles long, this white sand beach lapped by beautiful turquoise water just begs you to come in for a swim, float, snorkel or to play. Some areas around the resorts can be busy at times, but we’ve never had a problem finding a quiet, beautiful area to enjoy. And, if you get hungry or thirsty after a day in the sun, there are several restaurants and bars (such as Somewhere Cafe’ & Lounge) to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger while enjoying the incredible views.

Sapodilla Bay, Providenciales. Although not as long as Grace Bay Beach, Sapodilla Bay compares in sheer beauty. Crystal clear water and white sand make this beach an absolute treat for the eyes. There are villas for rent just off the beach and if you get hungry, Las Brisas Restaurant is close by.

Whitby Beach, North Caicos. There are several stunning beaches on North Caicos and you will most likely have the beach entirely to yourself. We enjoyed Whitby Beach, a long stretch of soft white sand with a small restaurant/bar named Barracuda Beach Bar & Grill. The beach and shallow water were dotted with pretty conch shells during our visit and were used as decorations at the beach bar.

Mudjin Harbour Beach, Middle Caicos. A stunning coastline of beautiful beach, a rugged rocky outcropping called “Dragon Cay”, caves and high limestone cliffs that somehow reminded us a bit of Ireland all combine into one special place on Middle Caicos called Mudjin Harbour. Accessed by boat tours or by car via the causeway between North and Middle Caicos, this area is definitely worth a visit. Read more here.

Eat & Drink

Not surprisingly, conch is a popular dish in Turks & Caicos. Whether made in a ceviche, fritters, chowder, curried or in a salad, we found it all to be fresh and delicious. Wash it down with a refreshing rum drink (Bambarra is the local rum) and what more could you need! Other seafood is also readily available, such as Grouper and Caribbean Lobster (in season). Some of our favorite restaurant/bars so far?

da Conch Shack, Providenciales & RumBar. Enjoy a delicious dinner (cracked conch and jerk chicken are excellent) with a tall glass of Jan’s Rum Punch while sitting on a picnic table with toes in the sand. Perfect. Read more here.

Mr. Grouper’s. Sometimes it truly pays to ask the locals for a dining recommendation. Unsure of where to go one evening, we asked a lady we met for a good local eatery. She said that if we like seafood, we should definitely try Blackened Grouper at Mr. Grouper’s. Man, was she spot on. We ordered a Blackened Grouper and a Coconut Crusted Grouper with Mango Chutney Sauce. Other dishes are available, but when we went back a second time that week, we ordered the exact same thing, Delicious.

Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl, Providenciales. A beach side, seafood restaurant with delicious food and great drinks. Dine on the deck under the trees or grab a table in the shallow water, if there’so one available! Read more here.

‘Somewhere’ Cafe’ and Lounge, Providenciales. Located on the beach in West Grace Bay, this multi-level restaurant and bar serves up a beautiful view of Grace Bay Beach in addition to tasty food and drink. Excellent place to enjoy a colorful Turks & Caicos sunset. Read more here.

Other Things to do in Turks & Caicos

Besides spending time on the beach or eating and drinking, what else is there to enjoy in Turks & Caicos? Here are a few ideas:

1. Diving and snorkeling – with such amazingly clear water, it’s no wonder that diving and snorkeling in Turks & Caicos is top notch. The coral is vibrant and the reef fish are plentiful .

2. Take an excursion to a deserted cay and enjoy your own private island for the day!

3. Visit Water Cay and learn about the endangered Rock Iguanas that used to live on all islands in the Turks & Caicos but are protected here.

4. Attend the Thursday Fish Fry on Providenciales. Sample food from local restaurants and vendors, enjoy some live music and shop for local arts and crafts.

5. Play golf. Get a round in between beach days at Provo Golf Club.

6. Explore other islands. Ferry to North Caicos, rent a car and explore North Caicos and Middle Caicos (connected by a causeway) for the day.

7. Catch a sunset on Grace Bay Beach or Leeward Beach. Stunning.