Once nicknamed 'Devil's Island' by sailors after Britain used it as a safeguard for pirates, Bermuda, Britain's oldest colony could barely be more heavenly with its 'pink' sandy beaches and warm turquoise seas. The island draws influences from both American and British cultures. You'll find genteel cricket matches on the beach and gentlemen teaming their shirt and tie with shorts. Bermuda is arguably most famous for the Bermuda Triangle and there are around 350 wrecks that surround the islands. Temperatures during the winter months range from 20-30°C. April-October is the ideal time to visit when temperatures in the waters are ideal for swimming. It takes around six hours to reach Bermuda from UK airports.
Bermuda is a heavenly destination with great diving and shell-strewn beaches…
Bermuda attracts all sorts of holidaymakers, and while the majority will be sun-seekers there's plenty for culture buffs too as Bermuda is full of history, galleries, museums and studios. The beaches though are the island's biggest attraction and if you like fun in the sun, whether you are part of a family group or a couple, Bermuda has a beach to fulfil your needs with excellent watersports, bathing opportunities and secluded spots for relaxation.
The beaches in Bermuda are so beautiful that you will be spoilt for choice. Some of the leading resorts are found in South Shore Park, where you can find the most popular beach of all, Horseshoe Bay - named because its sands take the form of a horseshoe. The beach is packed with facilities and amenities and also includes a concession stand that rents snorkelling equipment. Warwick Long Bay is not as busy as the other beaches in the area as it is exposed to southerly winds but it is popular with dog walkers and joggers, and there is a horse trail close by. In this area you can also find some delightful secluded spots such as Jobson Cove and Chaplin Bay.
Watersports are a major attraction in Bermuda particularly thanks to the number of shipwrecks that can be explored by advanced divers. For the beginner there are many shallow beaches that are particularly good for snorkelling, especially Tobacco Bay, which is teaming with exotic fish.
Be aware on the beaches of Bermuda that nude or semi-nude bathing is not permitted and in fact bikinis are banned if you are more than 25ft away from the water.
Away from the beaches, there is a surprising hustle and bustle in the capital city, Hamilton. This is the best area on Bermuda for shopping, dining and nightlife. The most-lively area is Front Street, which has countless shops, a parade area and a beautiful harbour front. You'll be spoilt for choices with the restaurants in the area including Flanagan's Irish Pub and Restaurant for a taste of home, Freeport Seafood Restaurant for some of the local cuisine and the Robin Hood Pub and Restaurant which gives you a chance to catch up on the British football matches and also dance the night away with DJs playing reggae and rock. For something a little harder head to OZONE, which plays American and European dance classics.
Hamilton is also the home of most of the island's major sites including the botanical gardens and the Crystal Caves. The latter is an amazing collection of crystal formations and underground pools that be enjoyed along a walkway, while Fort Hamilton is also worth a visit for its panoramic views of the harbour.
