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Bermuda

Bermuda

Continent

North America

Best States to Visit

  • Sandys Parish
  • Warwick Parish
  • Southampton Parish
  • Hamilton
  • Pembroke Parish

Best Cities to Visit

  • Hamilton
  • Saint George
  • Camden
  • Melrose
  • Chelston

Size

53 KM2

Population

63,918

GDP

$7,484,100,000

Spending Budget

$175 - $2,301

Famous For

  • The island is famous for its pink sand beaches, which get their colour from one of the sand's main components, pulverized coral and shells.

Best Time to Visit

  • March
  • April

History

In 1511 an island named “Bermudas” was depicted on a map in Spain. The Spanish navigator Fernández de Oviedo sailed close to the islands in 1515 and attributed their discovery to his countryman Juan Bermúdez, possibly as early as 1503. In 1609 about 150 English travelers aboard the Virginia Company ship Sea Venture, en route to the colony of Jamestown, Virginia, were blown off course by a hurricane and shipwrecked at Bermuda, which they named the Somers Isles for their leader, Sir George Somers. The shipwreck marked the beginning of Bermuda’s permanent settlement. Bermuda was included (1612) in the third charter of the Virginia Company, and 60 English settlers were sent to colonize the islands, joining three who had remained from the Sea Venture party. The colony was administered until 1684 by the Virginia Company and its successor, the Company of the Plantation of the Somers Islands. During that period the colony received many immigrants as indentured servants; to these were added increasing numbers of enslaved people, including passengers from shipwrecks and the crews of captured enemy vessels, Native Americans, and Africans transported in the slave trade. Irish and Scottish political prisoners were also sold into servitude and transported to Bermuda. During the American Civil War, Bermuda was a staging area for blockade runners to Southern ports. In the 20th century the colony developed thriving industries in tourism and international finance. The U.S. government acquired a 99-year lease for military bases in 1941 but closed them in 1995. The first Bermudian political party, the Progressive Labour Party (PLP), organized in 1963, claimed to represent the nonwhite citizens. The PLP won the 1998 elections, and its leader, Jennifer Smith, became Bermuda’s first PLP premier; the party remained in power for the next 14 years.

Present Day

Bermuda, self-governing British overseas territory in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Bermuda is neither geologically nor spatially associated with the West Indies, which lie more than 800 miles (1,300 km) to the south and southwest. The main islands are clustered together in the shape of a fishhook and are connected by bridges. The largest island is Main Island, 14 miles (22.5 km) long and 1 mile wide. The Peak, at 259 feet (79 metres) on Main Island, is the highest point. The capital is Hamilton. The limestone surface is overlain by a shallow layer of fertile soil. The islands are fringed by coral reefs and have no lakes or rivers, but the soil is highly porous, and standing water is not a problem. The climate is mild, humid, and equable. August is the warmest month, with an average daytime high of 86 °F (30 °C), and February is the coldest month, with an average nighttime low of 57 °F (14 °C). The vegetation is subtropical and includes flowering shrubs such as bougainvillea, Easter lilies, oleander, hibiscus, and poinsettia. Palm, pine, casuarina, and mangrove trees are found on most of the islands. A number of migratory birds visit the islands annually; other wildlife is limited to lizards and frogs.

Future

The Bermudian government wants to shore up the island’s position as one of the leading global re/insurance domiciles and embrace the changing digital world. As part of this, the island’s government is keen to develop digital incubators, attract cyber security centres, and adopt an e-ID similar to a programme already established in Estonia. Essentially, Bermuda should have as many of its fingers in as many pies as possible so it can serve the industry as a true ‘one stop shop’ for everything related to the insurance industry. In addition to the recent developments in relation to digital asset issuance, the Government has announced a policy that invites international remote workers and non-Bermudian postsecondary students to stay and work from Bermuda for one year.
Must Visit Places ------------

East End

St. George’s, one of three main town centers on the island, was the first established by settlers on the island in 1612. It was a key port city during the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars, assisting both the American rebels and the Confederate south in obtaining supplies; in 2000, its rich architectural and military history earned it a spot among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Now, it’s home to several churches and a stunning seaside fort, but it’s not just lodged in the past: St. George’s and the rest of the east end are also home to some of the island’s most pristine outdoor spaces, a handful of iconic restaurants, and a perfumery-cum-tea shop. For a little history and a little modern, there’s no better destination on the island.

Horseshoe Bay

Southampton Parish's Horseshoe Bay is the most photographed and famous beach in Bermuda, making it hard to score a prime spot on the sand, especially if a cruise ship is in town. The blushing sand at Horseshoe is gorgeous at any time of year, but the water is chilly from September to May, so unless you enjoy a frigid dip, you should steer clear of the tide after Labor Day. But even in the colder months, Horseshoe is a great spot for a romantic stroll along the sand. And if you're in town during Easter you have to make a special trip to Horseshoe to see the beautiful handmade Bermudian kites flying high on Good Friday. Recent Horseshoe Bay beachgoers said the views are stunning and the pink sand is breathtaking

Elbow Beach

If you're looking for sand at its pinkest, stop by Elbow Beach. Just remember that a good chunk of those pink pebbles are privately owned by the Elbow Beach Bermuda Resort

Front Street

Front Street is the main thoroughfare of Bermuda's capital town, Hamilton. With colorful, colonial buildings on the north side of the street and the sparkling harbor on the south, travelers will love taking a stroll down this photo-worthy stretch. While exploring, stop into a boutique or high-end shop, sit down for lunch at one of the many restaurants or people-watch as locals head to and from their office buildings. When the sun sets, the area becomes a hot spot for nightlife and entertainment.

Warwick Long Bay

This Bermuda beach, the longest on the island, snakes along a half-mile of the island's southern coast. Vacationers report a pleasant breeze at Warwick Long Bay during the summer months. But take note: Those winds feel like a chilly blast come wintertime. Warwick Long Bay is great for families because it has an inner reef that safeguards against strong waves. Plus, it's never as crowded as Horseshoe Bay.

Historic St. George

St. George holds firm to its colonial roots. When you visit you'll pass the same Town Hall and Old Rectory that the settlers used hundreds of years ago. During the peak summer season, period actors roam the winding streets, simulating the old days – there are even town criers and townspeople sentenced to the stocks. In 2000, the historic town of St. George became a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Unfinished Church

In 1874, settlers in St. George began building an opulent replacement to St. Peter's Church, an Anglican place of worship that was established after the 1612 English settlement. But poor planning led to insufficient funding and creative squabbles, which led to eventual abandonment following a debilitating storm that left a crumbling eyesore. Cut to the present day, and the structure has been fortified to withstand visitors, though it's still unfinished with only the sky for a ceiling. If you only stop by one spot in the historic village of St. George, travelers implore you to make it the Unfinished Church to experience the intricate Gothic architecture and serene surroundings.

Royal Naval Dockyard

The Royal Naval Dockyard is a picturesque way to break from the pink sand beaches. In fact, if you're visiting during Bermuda's chillier seasons, it could end up being the highlight of your trip. The site was once the principal base of the Royal Navy in the Western Atlantic Ocean, but now it's a tourist-slanted marina and cruise ship dock that's stocked with waterfront restaurants, art galleries, quaint (though overpriced) shops and a few pubs. You'll also find the National Museum of Bermuda and the kid-friendly Dolphin Quest water program here at the Keep fortress.

St. Peter's Church

Built in 1612, St. Peter's Church in St. George's Parish is considered to be the oldest Anglican Church outside of the British Isles that is still in use. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, along with the rest of Historic St. George. This place of worship has seen numerous repairs and renovations over time – including an extensive rebuild after a hurricane in the 1710s – but the original altar and centuries-old artifacts like communion silver from the 1600s and a throne rescued from an 1800s shipwreck still remain. Queen Elizabeth II designated St. Peter's Church "Their Majesties Chappell" in 2012, and the holy site welcomes about 60,000 visitors annually.

Tobacco Bay Beach

There are few public beaches on Bermuda that have concession stands or restaurants with a liquor license. One that does – Tobacco Bay Beach – is just a short distance from the cruise ship dock and the village of St. George. In addition to boozing, you can rent snorkeling equipment at Tobacco Bay Beach.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse

For panoramic views as far as the eye can see, consider paying a visit to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton Parish. Built in 1844, the cast-iron lighthouse originally used a kerosene light to warn sailors within 40 miles of the treacherous coral reefs extending as far as 16 miles offshore. Today, the structure is still an operating lighthouse for seafarers, as well as a popular tourist attraction. The lighthouse stands 117 feet tall atop a 245-foot-tall hill.

Jobson's Cove Beach

Accessible via a walking path from Warwick Long Bay Beach, Jobson's Cove Beach is a small, idyllic hideaway surrounded by rugged rock formations. The beach's calm, clear water makes it a prime spot for snorkeling or families with young children, though all types of travelers can happily unwind here. If the gorgeous views and serene swimming conditions aren't enough to lure you to this cove, maybe the lack of crowds will.

Bermuda Railway Trail National Park

Bermuda Railway Trail National Park is an 18-mile historic path that stretches from one end of Bermuda to the other. Originally a railroad that transported Bermudians around the island via train between 1931 and 1948, the route today serves as a hiking and biking path where travelers and locals alike can take in panoramic ocean views, uncover secluded beaches, traverse old bridges and explore lush terrain. The trail is made up of nine sections, and there are access points sprinkled throughout. It was deemed a national park in 1986 by the Bermuda Parks Department

Fort St. Catherine

Bermuda's largest military fort, Fort St. Catherine is located in St. George's Parish between Achilles Bay and St. Catherine's Beach. Built in 1614, it marks the spot where English settlers first arrived to Bermuda after a shipwreck in 1609. The fort overlooks the glittering turquoise sea and features tunnels, towers and a drawbridge.

Port Royal Golf Course

If you like star sightings while you putt, then you should stomach the exorbitant green fees and book a tee time at the prestigious Port Royal Golf Course. This is the golf course of choice for vacationing celebrities and PGA greats. Originally designed by famed course architect Robert Trent Jones in 1970, the Port Royal Golf Course of Southampton Parish was refurbished in 2009 to the tune of $14.5 million. It now features resewn fairways and tee boxes, a new irrigation system and a grandiose clubhouse. At more than 6,500 yards, it is Bermuda's longest greenway.

National Museum of Bermuda

The National Museum of Bermuda chronicles more than 500 years of the island's history with several exhibits on slavery, immigration and tourism. Located on the grounds of the Keep fortress at the Royal Naval Dockyard, the museum also recounts Bermuda's naval heritage.

Blue Hole Park

Bermuda’s west end might be home to some of its most beloved beaches, but its east end boasts some of the island's most pristine green spaces. Next door to the Walsingham Nature Preserve, and just around the corner from Grotto Bay Beach Resort, is the Blue Hole Park, named for the blue hole at its center—a 12-acre destination for swimming, cliff-jumping, and cave exploring.

Walsingham Nature Reserve

The 12-acre expanse of forests, caves, and secret swimming holes is one of the island’s loveliest, most secluded nature walks, offering an intimate look at all the things you might see on a more established tour. Networks of paths with trees arching overhead lace the reserve, ushering you deeper into Bermuda’s natural landscape. Walsingham is home to a modest mangrove forest, their roots protruding from the saltwater like claws, as well as less trafficked subterranean caves.

Hamilton

Hamilton, the island’s capital city, is the business and financial hub of Bermuda, populated with pastel-colored office buildings. But that’s not to say there’s a dearth of leisure activities downtown: That’s where you’ll find fresh, contemporary boutiques, some of the country’s best restaurants, and a handful of cultural sites. Wander down Front Street, lined with brightly hued buildings, or venture farther into town—wherever you’re at, here are the best things to see in Hamilton, Bermuda.

The Island Shop

Pink traditional cottages, blue watery landscapes, green indigenous lizards: They've long been the muse of local artist Barbara Finsness, whose hand-painted, island-inspired sketches appear on just about everything sold at The Island Shop in Bermuda shopping hub Queen Street. You’ll find her designs on Italian ceramics, linen pillows, lucite trays, melamine kitchenware, and accessories galore, including aprons, bags, scarves, and silk ties.

Bermuda Botanical Gardens

The Bermuda Botanical Gardens are a 36-acre park originally founded in 1898 to protect the island's endemic trees and plants. Thanks to that mission, this lovely green space is filled with tall Bermuda cedars and hearty palmetto trees, whose leaves were once used to make thatched roofs for houses and churches. The park is also home to tropical plants and trees from all over the world, including mighty banyans from India.

Bermuda National Gallery

First opened in 1960, the structure is the seat of the municipal government; it's also home to the Earl Cameron Theatre, Bermuda’s main stage for prominent musical and theatrical productions. But the real draw is the Bermuda National Gallery on the second floor, where you’ll find the Watlington Collection with masterpieces from Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Murillo; the Bermuda Collection with paintings and decorative arts dating back to the 1600s; and the African Collection with masks, figurines, and sculpture.

The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute

The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) features three floors of exhibits, many playfully interactive, making it perfect for families with young kids or anyone interested in learning more about the island’s diverse marine environment. BUEI has an enormous collection of gold doubloons, intact artifacts, and priceless treasures from the sea floor, in addition to one of the largest shell collections in the world.