The Caribbean is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. It is no coincidence that thousands of people decide to spend their holidays there, benefiting from numerous advantages. Choosing one of the many Caribbean destinations can sometimes seem like a daunting task. However, many travel and holiday experts recommend the Virgin Islands.
These islands manage to offer their visitors numerous activities and wonderful places filled with natural beauty. It is therefore necessary to consider in detail what the positive aspects of the Virgin Islands are, so that you can fully understand why a holiday in this paradise on earth is worthwhile!
Informed travel: useful info
Population: 106,405 in the US Virgin Islands, 28,054 in the British Virgin Islands
Capital: Charlotte Amalie (US Virgin Islands), Road Town (British Virgin Islands)
Languages: English
Local currency: US dollar (€1.00= 1.14 USD)
Climate: tropical climate with medium-high temperatures
Vaccinations: no vaccination required
Entry requirements: passport and return ticket
Distance from Italy: 7,613 km (9-13 flight hours)
Where to find us
The Virgin Islands, as mentioned earlier, are part of the Caribbean. In detail, these islands are located east of Puerto Rico, between the two American continents. Politically, they are divided into the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands, which answer to Great Britain and the United States respectively.
How to get there
From Milan or Rome: there are no direct flights from Italy to the islands. Generally, one must first take a flight to one of the large international airports in the Caribbean such as Princess Juliana in Saint Martin. From there one then has to take a direct flight to the islands, in particular St. Thomas airport for the US Virgin Islands and Tortola airport for the British Virgin Islands. The best flights are with KLM or British Airways.
Flights to St.Thomas from €626.00 - Flights to Tortola from €1033.00Frommajor European capitals: we recommend departing from Amsterdam or London. With flights operated by KLM or British Airways, it is possible to reach one of the large international airports in the Caribbean, such as the aforementioned Princess Juliana in Saint Martin, directly. From there you must then take another flight to reach your final destination, such as St.Thomas airport in the US Virgin Islands.
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 21 / 28° | 11 days / 70 mm |
February | 21 / 28° | 8 days / 50 mm |
March | 21 / 28° | 8 days / 50 mm |
April | 22 / 29° | 9 days / 60 mm |
May | 23 / 29° | 11 days / 105 mm |
June | 24 / 30° | 9 days / 75 mm |
July | 24 / 30° | 10 days / 85 mm |
August | 24 / 31° | 12 days / 110 mm |
September | 24 / 31° | 14 days / 145 mm |
October | 24 / 30° | 14 days / 145 mm |
November | 23° / 29° | 13 days / 130 mm |
December | 22 / 28° | 12 days / 80 mm |
Climate: The climate of the Virgin Islands is tropical. On average, the temperature fluctuates between 26 and 28 degrees. Rainfall in a calendar year is 131 days / 1105 mm. The sea temperature is warm all year round with an average temperature of 27 degrees.
Best period: January - April. During this period there is no rain but the temperature is cool. One can enjoy an optimal climate and healthy relaxation.
Period to avoid: May - November. Temperatures rise and the rains become torrential. In addition, there is the danger of hurricanes that can strike the islands.
Tips: travellers to the Virgin Islands generally take a holiday dedicated to the sea and the beach. Therefore, you should pack sunglasses, sunscreen and light clothing. In this way, you will be able to relax on the beach to the fullest.
Which island to go to?
The Virgin Islands are made up of numerous islands. However, between the British and US Virgin Islands, the major islands to visit are:
Tortola: main island of the British Virgin Islands. On this island is the capital Road Town, the lively and cultural centre of the territory. Tortola is a popular destination for millions of tourists every year, since Caribbean cruise ships also stop at its harbour. For this reason, there are also several accommodations and facilities, and it is easy to find high quality restaurants.
Saint Thomas: this island is located in the archipelago of the US Virgin Islands. On the island is the town of Charlotte Amalie, considered the capital of the territory that answers to the US government. The island is a constant discovery and a great place to stay while enjoying the company of the friendly locals. In addition, the island has an airport of the same name, so this place is very easy to get to.
Anegada: part of the British Virgin Islands. This place is a classic example of an earthly paradise. In fact,this island is ideal for those who wish to holiday on unspoilt beaches bathed by breathtaking water. There are not many facilities on the island, except for a few centres to refresh yourself with drinks or local cocktails. In addition, there are also tourism centres on the island where tours and excursions can be organised. Definitely not to be missed.
Saint John: Saint John is one of the most important islands that is part of the US Virgin Islands. In Saint John, there are several accommodations. In addition, it is possible to find restaurants that offer cuisine influenced by recipes from Europe and Africa. The reason for these influences is traced back to the habits of the first settlers. On Saint John, there are also the common services available to suit a tourist's needs.
Saint Croix: on Saint Croix, an island that belongs to the territory of the US Virgin Islands, several services are available. Firstly, the island is home to the national airport of the same name, which is one of the most important in the entire archipelago. In addition, accommodation and tourist centres have increased dramatically in recent years. However, industries and refineries can also be found on the island.
15 things to see: beaches and places of interest
Magens Bay: an incredibly beautiful bay. Located in the US Virgin Islands, on the island of Saint Thomas, the bay is surrounded by unspoilt nature and crystal-clear sea. Not to be missed.
Coral World Ocean Park: a wonderful place, a must-do for lovers of marine fauna and flora. This marine park protects endangered species and offers guests the opportunity to observe unique species in complete freedom. It is located on the island of Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
Charlotte Amalie: the main centre of the US Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie is located on the island of Saint Thomas and is the starting point for many adventures and excursions for tourists.
BlackBeard Castle: literally Blackbeard's Castle. This point of interest is also located in the US Virgin Islands, also on the island of Saint Thomas. It was most likely the castle of the ancient and notorious pirate, a place to explore the historical background of the islands.
Trunk Bay: those who love snorkelling must visit this place. Besides being a magnificent beach, Trunk Bay offers an underwater trail of about 200 metres, during which one can admire fascinating and incredible species. This bay is located on the island of Saint John in the US Virgin Islands.
Scott Bay Beach: one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Saint John, which is part of the US Virgin Islands. Lots of nature, soft sand and pristine sea. Relaxation is a common synonym for this place.
Spring Bay: beach in the British Virgin Islands, on the island of Virgin Gorda. Here, in addition to the clear blue water, there is also a special reef that forms a stunning backdrop.
Horseshoe Reef: the well-known 'reef' where numerous marine specimens nest. Various dives and guided excursions to discover the local fauna are possible there. The location is in Anegada, British Virgin Islands.
White Bay: as the name also suggests, this bay has the special feature of having a wonderful white beach. At certain times of the day, because of the sun, its shine seems to blind the eye! The shimmering bay is located on Jost Van Dyke Island in the British Virgin Islands.
SandyCay: Sandy Cay is a small island that belongs to the territory of the British Virgin Islands, specifically on Jost Van Dyke Island. On this island, one can find absolute relaxation combined with comfort to break the daily routine.
Apple Bay: Apple Bay fully represents the image one associates with the Caribbean. Here, you can relax on a heavenly beach while sipping one of the many local cocktails. Apple Bay is located in the British Virgin Islands on Tortola.
Brewers Bay: this bay is located on Tortola Island in the British Virgin Islands. The bay is covered with lush vegetation that gives it a unique appearance and the sand here is soft and golden.
Cruz Bay: Cruz Bay is the main centre of Saint John Island in the US Virgin Islands. This floral island is truly stunning and one can admire its village overlooking a fantastic crystal-clear sea!
Lameshur: Lameshur is an enchanted place located on the island of Saint John in the US Virgin Islands. This place blends a beautiful beach with mysterious ruins, erected by the first inhabitants of the island.
Norman Island: Norman Island is a small island in the British Virgin Islands. Precisely, the island is located in the south and many tourists decide to visit it because of the spectacular sea caves on the island.
What to do in the Virgin Islands: excursions and tours
How much does a holiday in the Virgin Islands cost? Prices, offers and tips
Like any other trip to the Caribbean, a trip to the Virgin Islands is also a challenge from an economic point of view. One has to spend a lot to get to the island because of the various flights one has to take. If one wants to make an estimate, a flight + hotel package on a double basis can cost up to 3,000 euros per person. As can be guessed, therefore, a large financial budget is needed to cope with a holiday here. As if that were not enough, the quality of life and excursions are also generally very expensive. This is because the local currency of the islands turns out to be the US Dollar, a currency that has a value very similar to the Euro.
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €893.00 per room - see offers
Cheap flights: Flights to St. Thomas from €626.00 - Flights to Tortola from €1033.00
