Curator’s statement
If you’re dreaming of a tropical escape where the beaches are straight out of a postcard and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming, Turks and Caicos is the perfect spot. This little slice of paradise in the Caribbean is made up of 40 small islands (though only a few are inhabited), and it’s all about sun, sand, and sea. The main island is Providenciales, where the famous Grace Bay Beach has been consistently voted one of the top beaches in the world. Turks and Caicos has some of the most beautiful water in the world, very similar to that of Bora Bora. I went for a mother-daughter birthday trip and it was a perfect destination for celebration!
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Where to stay in Turks and Caicos
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Things to do in Turks and Caicos
La Famille Express Shipwreck from High Waves Tour
Besides the obvious of lying on the beach relaxing all day and swimming in the beautiful turquoise water, there are plenty of activities to do while visiting the islands.
Snorkel, paddle board, or parasail at the beach.
Go on a mini motorized catamaran tour to Iguana Island.
Unwind with a spa day at your resort.
Go on a clear-bottom kayak tour of the mangroves and see sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and various fish.
Take a jet ski out to the famous La Famille shipwreck.
Take a catamaran sunset sail.
Barrier reef diving: Explore the third-largest coral reef system in the world.
Do a local rum or beer tasting at Turks Head Brewery.
Go to the Fish Fry, a super-popular weekly event held every Thursday night. It’s a lively celebration of local food, music, and culture that both visitors and locals love.
Places to eat & drink in Turks and Caicos
Cave Bar at Rock House
The food in Turks and Caicos is a delicious mix of Caribbean flavors with fresh, local ingredients. Seafood is the star here—think fresh fish, lobster, conch (a local favorite), and shrimp, often caught just that morning. You’ll find it grilled, fried, in salads, or in stews.
Local specialties
Conch fritters: Crispy little bites made from conch meat, perfect as an appetizer.
Cracked conch: Tender conch meat, breaded and fried, usually served with dipping sauce.
Johnny cakes: Soft, slightly sweet fried bread that pairs well with anything.
Salt fish and peas: Salted cod cooked with pigeon peas and spices, a traditional island breakfast.
Fish tacos and jerk chicken bring in flavors from neighboring islands like Jamaica.
Beyond the local eats, Turks and Caicos offers a great variety of international cuisine. Many upscale resorts and restaurants serve fresh Caribbean-Italian fusion, sushi, and creative fine dining with tropical twists. I have celiac (a gluten allergy) and I found it to be super accommodating everywhere I dined on the island.
Some restaurants you can’t miss
Infiniti Restaurant and Raw Bar
Vita Restaurant
Parallel 23
Da Conch Shack: Known for its lively Wednesday night parties with live entertainment.
Coco Bistro
Grace’s Cottage
Seven
Need to know
Tips before you go
You’ll fly into Providenciales International Airport (PLS)—most flights come from the US.
They use the US dollar and US outlets, and English is the main language, so everything is super convenient. You do need a passport to travel here, though.
They drive on the left side of the road since it’s a British territory, and the driving there can be daunting, so I’d recommend sticking to private transport or taxis. We really loved Stella from Keeks Taxi, and all the locals are super friendly.
Bring bug spray! If there’s an occasional afternoon shower, the mosquitoes come out.
Make sure and bring reef-safe sunscreen with a high SPF—the sun is super strong there!
Food and alcohol is pricey here as it mostly has to be imported, but there are grocery stores if you prefer to cook on your own some nights
Turks and Caicos is one of those places where it’s really hard not to unwind. Between the unreal beaches, the friendly vibe, and the beautiful water, it’s everything you could want in a tropical getaway. Trust me—once you go, you’ll already be planning your trip back
Travel Advisor
Merissa D Bradford
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Turks and Caicos page.