Category Archives: Bermuda

Bermuda

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Hamilton

1.6 million years ago a volcano erupted creating a 3000 meters high island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean level went up and down several times during this time and only a tiny part of that mass still stands out of the waters. Shaped like a whale Bermuda is a major tourist destination for its pink sandy beaches, lush climate, the green waters of the Sargasus Sea and friendly attitude of the local population. This friendliness apparently is contagious because even the aloof Manhatanites and snotty Bostonians, who are coming here for vacations become also friendly and communicative, all exchanging greetings and ask about your whereabouts.

The British flag still flies over the island and the fear of corruption and lack of supervision that may come with a full independence is keeping all possible movements at bay. Crime is low and in spite of some concerns the island is safe to walk and ride day and night. And the low crime and the stability brought also prosperity, Hamilton, the island’s capital being flooded with capital management, investing firms and reinsurer offices. The proximity to the East Coast USA, less than 2 hour flight, makes the island also a good location for well heeled Americans that have vacation houses here.

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St George

The old capital, St George, is now one of the few towns in the island preserved as it was during the colonist times, with small and quaint alleys that entice you for a stroll. Old churches are everywhere, St Peter being the oldest English church in the Atlantic dating from the 17th century.

Beside the two main towns, on the western side of the island is Somerset and the Royal Dockyards where the large cruise ships throw anchor and where is located also the National Museum of Bermuda, in the old commissioner house.

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Flats

There are many national parks that try to keep the development at bay by preserving the beautiful coast. The Aquarium in Flatts, a small village between St. George and Hamilton, was established in 1926 and has also an interesting zoo. Also the ocean study institute is one of the most famous in its field. Nearby are the some underground caves discovered by accident by some kids at the beginning of the 20th century that are really spectacular.

But what entice visitors are the famous beaches from the southern side of the island. From John Smith, Elbow, Long Bay, Jacob’s Cove culminating with the magnificent Horseshoe Bay all is a fine pink sand, palm trees with crystal clear green warm waters.

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Horseshoe Bay

On the drawback side you cannot rent a car in the island that may be a blessing with so many American tourists that would have to drive on the left on very narrow winding road. But mopeds and bicycles abound and can be rented by day or week.

Most of the people, tourists and locals, use a very developed bus+boat public transportation system. It works reasonably well, with just a little planning and is also the most economical to visit the island. Tickets are sold in advance and they can be used on both bus and boats, a much faster way to move between the two sides of the island.

The most advantageous tickets are the day passes that run for about $12 but also there are discounted coupons of 15 tickets. All the bus rides end in the bus terminal in Hamilton