Providenciales
Overview
At first sight of the long stretch of sand at Grace Bay Beach on the north shore you'll just want to run barefoot along it. There's snorkelling and diving at cays and coves around Providenciales. Get a taste of history by exploring the ruins of old plantation house Cheshire Hall. Look out for exotic birdlife at Chalk Sound National Park.
Background
Spend time on Providenciales, the most developed of all the Turks and Caicos islands, but which retains its low-key atmosphere. Roll your trousers up and walk along the 12-mile white-sand beach at Grace Bay Beach, stretching along the north shore. This is where you'll find lots of resorts and hotels. Head east for offshore waters and marine life protected by the Princess Alexandra National Park. A series of small lakes punctuates the south shore. Go walking in the west's hills and protected national parkland.
First-time visit
Wander around the 200-year-old ruins of former cotton plantation Cheshire Hall and take in the views of the coastline. See if you can spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the waters around Providenciales. Spot wild birds at Chalk Sound National Park, then take a dip in the warm water off Grace Bay Beach.
Return visit
Play a round of golf at Provo Golf Club's 18-hole course with lush fairways and freshwater lakes. Feeling brave? Drop 40 feet down limestone cliffs to go swimming in a pool of water at the bottom of The Hole. Or take a boat to Little Water Cay to see the endangered rock iguanas. Spend a day at Fort George Cay to explore the remains of an 18th-century fort or go snorkelling around the submerged cannons.
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