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Turks vs Caicos Islands – What is the difference and which one is better?
Planning your next exotic vacation? Visit Turks and Caicos Islands!
Book a ticket to Turks and Caicos! The Turks and Caicos Islands are a prime tropical destination for those seeking to have an epic island retreat in the Atlantic Ocean.
The country offers endless opportunities for exploration and entertainment, as well as a tremendous amount of white sand beaches, beautiful resorts, natural and historical attractions, and fine dining spots.
But let’s go back to basics for a second.
Where is Turks and Caicos located?
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If you’ve never visited, you might not know that the country is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, located south of the Bahamas and east of Cuba, The Dominican Republic and Haiti. It is an archipelago made up of over 40 islands and cays divided into two island groups – Turks and Caicos.
As a tourist coming from the United States, you will find it particularly easy to access the island, as it is located just 575 miles away from Florida and accessible by plane, which will land at the Providenciales International Airport.
What is the difference between Turks and Caicos Islands?
As we said, the Turks and Caicos Islands are 2 separate Caribbean island groups :
But what distinguishes them from one another?
1. The smaller Turks Islands in the east, which include Grand Turk and Salt Cay
2. The larger Caicos Islands in the west, where you’ll find Providenciales, Pine Cay, Parrot Cay, South Caicos, Middle Caicos and North Caicos.
Turks or Caicos Takeaways
In short, Turks Islands is generally considered to be the historical region.
Caicos is a more modern destination, hosting spectacular beaches, shopping sites, luxury resorts and the Providenciales International Airport.
Providenciales, in Caicos Islands is the most developed part, and populated.
The Turks part is more historical and important for the Colonial Salt Industry Trade in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Why should you visit the Turks Islands?
The Turks Islands are home to Grand Turk, the historical center of the Turks and Caicos Island and the only cruise ship port in the country.
If you’re heading to Grand Turk, experience its rusting charm by visiting the capital city of Cockburn Town, dining at local restaurants or winding down on one of its many tropical beaches.
Bust out your diving suit and you can go scuba diving, snorkeling and exploring the beautiful barrier reefs and wall sites located all around the island.
On cloudy days when you want to take a break from the sunbathing, pay a visit to one of historical sites around the area such as the Grand Turk Lighthouse and the Turks and Caicos National Museum.
FUN FACT: Grand Turk is said to be Christopher Columbus’s 1st landing point in the New World! There’s even a National Park dedicated to this major historical event, covering the entire west coast of Grand Turk Island.
Next up on the map is Salt Cay, the second largest island in the Turks.
Also a veritable UNESCO world heritage of outstanding value. According to UNESCO criteria, the island has a unique authenticity, as it “contains the necessary habitat for a diverse fauna, and viable populations. It is an amazing Marine salt ecosystem.
The name of the island is a nod to its historical background as sea salt production site.
Salt Cay is great spot for diving and whale watching, as well as making friends with the numerous donkeys that roam free in the area.
Far from the buzzing, lively Caicos Islands, Turks offers peace, tranquility, and a lot of options for water activities and historical sightseeing.
Therefore, it’s a great destination for you if you’re planning a relaxing island getaway and want to experience its slow-paced, authentic island life and old-world culture.
Extra historical reasons:
- Another reason to come is the amazing sight of Humpack whales of Salt Cay (during their migration)
- Unesco World Heritage
- Peace and Tranquil place to get close to nature
- Rich History – Salt Trade
- Columbus landed here
Why should you visit the Caicos Islands?
Moving up west, we find the majestic Caicos Islands, the largest island group in the country.
Providenciales (also known as Provo) is the heart of the Caicos Islands, where you can find some of the most luxurious beaches, resorts, and restaurants in all of Turks and Caicos.
You’ll never run of things to do in Providenciales, as the island offers an amazing selection of island experiences:
- water sports such as snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving
- Boat tours to secluded islands and natural attractions
- Big whole range of spectacular beaches all along its coast
The world-famous Grace Bay Beach is located in the northeastern part of the island. With its calm turquoise waters and pristine white sand that spans for miles, Grace Bay is a charming island destination you should definitely not miss on your next trip to Turks and Caicos.
Extra Reasons to Book a Villa here:
- Providenciales is also home to many luxury resorts and island accommodations, such as Aqua Divina.
- Amazing prices for long stays at some villas directly from the owner – start planning your dream island getaway and book one of our luxury villas nestled in a quiet area just minutes away from Leeward Beach!
- With any booking, you can enjoy exclusive free access to our on-site water sports facilities.
- Besides Providenciales, Caicos Islands is also made up of three other major islands: North Caicos, Middle Caicos and South Caicos
- North Caicos is known for its lush vegetation and nature reserves, serene beaches and island farms.
- Middle Caicos caters to more adventurous tourists who want to venture through its impressive caves and caverns system and picturesque beaches. South Caicos is popular for its fishing activities and hiking on coastal cliffs.
- For a lively, well-rounded island experience, head over to Caicos Islands.
The luxurious islands provide opportunities for just about anything you would want to include in your dream island getaway: relaxing in the sun on gorgeous beaches, exploring the rich ocean wildlife, tasting the local tropical cuisine and much, much more.
So, which one will YOU choose on your next trip to the archipelago? Turks or Caicos?
We choose both and love both of them.