If your dream is to immerse yourself in postcard-perfect tropical atmospheres and travel to places you've never seen before, the Cayman Islands can be a great destination for such holidays. But travelling to the other side of the world is not always easy. Here are some info and tips to make your Cayman holiday unforgettable by making the right choices.
Travelling Information: useful info
Inhabitants: 60,413
Capital: George Town
Languages: English
Local currency: Cayman dollar (€1.00=$0.95)
Time zone: - 6 hours compared to Italy, - 7 when daylight saving time is in force in Italy
Climate: Tropical, warm all year round
Vaccinations: No vaccinations required
Entry requirements: Passport is required with residual validity of at least 6 months, no entry visa is required for up to 90 days stay.
Distance from Italy: 8,900 km (12-15 hours flight + stopovers)
Where to find us
The Cayman Islands archipelago is located in the Caribbean Sea and consists of three islands located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica. All three islands(Grand Cayman, home to the capital George Town, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac) are included in the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories, i.e. they fall under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom.
How to get there
From Milan or Rome: there are no direct flights, resulting in a stopover in a European capital and a second stopover at Nassau airport, Bahamas or Miami airport, USA.
Compare flights from Rome or Milan - from €530.00Frommajor European capitals: from London with British Airways there's only one stopover.
Compare flights to the Caymans - from €616.00
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Rainfall (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 20 / 28° | 7 days / 50 mm |
February | 20 / 29° | 6 days / 40 mm |
March | 20 / 29° | 6 days / 35 mm |
April | 22 / 30° | 4 days / 30 mm |
May | 23 / 31° | 10 days / 150 mm |
June | 24 / 32° | 12 days / 160 mm |
July | 24 / 32° | 12 days / 145 mm |
August | 24 / 32° | 14 days / 150 mm |
September | 24 / 32° | 16 days / 220 mm |
October | 23 / 31° | 15 days / 220 mm |
November | 22 / 30° | 12 days / 155 mm |
December | 21 / 29° | 9 days / 70 mm |
Climate: The tropical climate makes it possible to visit the Caymans all year round wearing light clothes and only in some cases a sweatshirt or windbreaker. The sea, however, is always warm and makes swimming possible almost every day of the year.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Caymans is from late November to mid-April, coinciding with less sultry and less rainy weather.
Period to avoid: Contrary to popular belief, the tropical climate is at its worst in summer. We do not recommend visiting the islands from June to November, especially between August and October as there is a good chance of encountering some hurricanes.
Tips: Pack light clothing, but don't forget to bring a mackintosh in case you run into a storm.
SEE ALSO: When to go to the Caribbean - climate and times to avoid
Which island to go to?
The three main islands are:
Grand Cayman: The largest of the three islands, it is home to the largest number of services and inhabitants and is also home to the archipelago's capital. The total absence of fresh water on the surface of the island and the consequent lack of rivers flowing into the sea gives the island's waters a clear, transparent colour that characterises the natural landscapes and especially the beaches, which are the main attraction for tourists.
Little Cayman: The smallest of the islands has a population of just over 100 people, mainly concentrated in the centre of Blossom Village. The island, however, is mainly frequented for its impressive scuba diving, particularly the areas of Bloody Bay and Jackson's Bight. It is possible to reach the island by plane thanks to the Edward Bodden Airfild airport, served by Cayman Airways.
CaymanBrac: Tourism is also the main resource on this island. In addition to snorkelling and scuba diving, the island offers rock-climbing enthusiasts the chance to try their hand at bristling cliffs overlooking the sea, which are home to numerous caves that can be visited.
10 things to see: beaches and places of interest
Seven Mile Beach: a stretch of beach on the island of Grand Cayman that is definitely worth a visit. The name suggests its size; it is completely devoid of coral at the bottom, making it cosy and enjoyable for relaxing between swimming and sunbathing.
Little Cayman Nature Reserve: allows its visitors to visit the largest colony in the western hemisphere of the Red-footed Sula, a large bird typical of these areas.
Cayman TurtleFarm: a breeding centre where some 11,000 green sea turtles live. Here you can, among other things, sorkel among the turtles and have fun in the water park.
Meander Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park: located in the centre of Grand Cayman, this is where the recovery programme of the Blue Iguana, a native species of iguana so called because of its peculiar colouring, is under way. Recommended for nature and reptile lovers.
USS Kittiwake: the Cayman Islands are home to more than 300 of the world's best dive sites. To see the reef up close, there is nothing better than diving at one of them. The USS Kittiwake dive centre is named after the ship that sank 62 feet below the surface of the water and can be visited in its entirety.
StingrayCity and Stingray Sandbar: if you feel like trying snorkelling but are a beginner, these are the best places to start. Apart from being shallow, they allow you to swim with 90 species of southern stingrays that consider these places their home.
George Town: visiting the capital of the Caymans can be a far cry from what a capital traveller is used to. The maritime atmosphere and the many natural activities on offer make it unique.
Crystal Caves: spectacular underground caves that can be visited entirely with a guide, where crystal-clear water erosion has caused stalactites and other striking rock formations to form over time.
Dolphin Discovery: a water park that offers visitors the unique experience of swimming with dolphins, with the possibility of taking home a nice souvenir photo. Especially recommended for family travellers.
Owen Island: Near Little Cayman there is a small island that is easily accessible by kayak where you can spend a relaxing day feeling a bit like a 'castaway'. Owen Island is the perfect place for anyone who simply wants to relax on a real paradise on earth.
What to do in the Cayman Islands: excursions and tours
How much does a holiday in the Cayman Islands cost? Prices, offers and tips
It is no secret that those who decide to visit the Caribbean have to resign themselves to the idea that experiences and memories are worth more than money. This is borne out by the fact that on average, a tourist spends between €2,000 and €5,000 for a holiday in the Caymans, with an overnight stay of around €300 per night and a return trip totalling around €1,000.
There are, however, affordable holiday packages that will save you money without sacrificing the pleasures that await you when you arrive.
Where to stay: Hotels, B&Bs and resorts from €250.00 per room - see offers
Low cost flights: from €530.00 - look at the offers
Flight + hotel: a week in a 3-4 star resort from €1982.00 per person - look at the offers
