An island unlike anywhere else, Bermuda is the hidden gem you’ve been looking for. Bermuda is located in the North Atlantic Ocean and features an intriguing blend of cultures. This island is made up of three regions, all of which have their own distinct feel: St. George’s and the East End, Hamilton and Central Bermuda, and the Royal Naval Dockyard and the West End. Bermuda is 21 square miles of beautiful pink-sand beaches, spectacular natural wonders, unique neighbourhoods, a rich history, and a hint of mystery.
Read on to find out more about Bermuda; a paradise you want to get lost in.
Bermuda is a country which is full of rich culture and heritage. This country first appeared on a map in the early 1500s, however it was not inhabited until about 100 years later when the crew of a shipwreck decided to stay. As you explore Bermuda you will learn about the slavery and emancipation past, the arrival of the British Royal Navy, and the tales of the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. A trip to St. George’s, Bermuda’s first capital founded in 1612 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must. This city has retained much of its early street plan and is brimming with history. Feel like you have travelled back in time as you wander through the city’s cobblestone alleys and marvel at the beautiful 17th and 18th century architecture. Be sure to visit the National Museum of Bermuda and the Bermuda Maritime Museum as well as Gibbs’ Hill Lighthouse which is one of the oldest cast iron lighthouses in the world.
Bermuda is a food lovers paradise. Bermudian culture is a fusion of British, Portuguese, African, Caribbean and Native American influences, with the food having a similarly diverse background giving everything a flavour which is truly unique. With water on all sides of this island it is no surprise that Bermuda is well known for having fresh and varied seafood cuisine on offer, including tuna, wahoo and spiny lobster. Ask any local and they will tell you the same thing: fish sandwiches are a national obsession here in Bermuda. This menu staple usually features the same basic recipe island-wide: deep-fried fillets of fish with tartar sauce slathered on raisin bread or whole-wheat toast. A visit to Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy is a must where guests will enjoy one of the best fish sandwiches in Bermuda, with many arguing it to be the best in the world. Bermuda is also famous for its delicious cocktails, which combine local rums with bitters, fruit juices, ginger beer and sweeteners, with two iconic cocktails being born in Bermuda – the Dark ‘n Stormy and the Rum Swizzle.
Bermuda hosts a variety of exciting festivals and events throughout the year which are totally unique to the island. Immerse yourself in the island’s culture at the Bermuda Carnival, an annual four day festival held on the third weekend in June. This festival is one of the island’s biggest summer celebrations and is a non-stop party through the days and nights with a variety of live performances, top DJ sessions, sunrise fetes, boat cruises, and the main event Revel the Road. For Revel the Road guests can choose to join one of three bands – Party People, Nova Mas or Code Red – where they will then pick their costume and hit the road. Also not to be missed is Bermuda Day which is celebrated on the last Friday of May. Thousands of revellers fill the streets of Hamilton to celebrate the country’s heritage with a parade, music, dancing and festivities which stretch long into the night.
Certainly, a reason to visit Bermuda is the country’s stunning natural beauty. With stunning powdery-soft pink sand beaches, clear blue waters, magnificent stony cliffs, rocky coves, and lush green jungles, this island is truly a world of beauty. Keep your eyes peeled for the country’s wide variety of birdlife including the cahow, the national bird of Bermuda, and the Bermuda longtail, a favourite amongst the locals. Nature lovers should not miss the chance to visit the Bermuda Arboretum. This national park covers 22 acres of wildflower meadows and forests, and features walking trails and wide-open spaces perfect for picnickers. A trip to Bermuda is not complete without a visit to Walsingham Nature Reserve & Blue Hole Park. This reserve features a network of walking trails, many of which will lead to stunning attractions, including the famous Blue Hole Park which is home to the deep crystal-clear mangrove pond. Also be sure to explore the Crystal Caves located in the park. These magical caves feature incredible limestone formations, with their striking stalactites, stalagmites and deep-blue pools, 120 feet below the surface.
Bermuda is perfect for thrill seeking tourists looking for adventure. Feel like a local and take part in the residents favourite summer activity, cliff jumping. Take a thrilling jet ski ride to hidden coves or paddle along the crystal clear blue waters and around coastal cliffs. Ask any of the locals what the best way to experience Bermuda is and they are guaranteed to tell you that it is from the water. People across the globe have heard the tales of the Bermuda Triangle, making it no surprise Bermuda is known as the Shipwreck Capital of the Atlantic. Don’t miss the opportunity to dive into the mysterious waters and revisit the past as you swim through the countless dive sites surrounding the island.
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