Bermuda Paradise Playground

Pink-sand beaches, turquoise blue water, warm breezes, and kelly-green golf courses is just the beginning of what makes Bermuda so much fun to visit. The combination of shallow waters, rocks and coral reefs around the islands caused many ships to wreck earning for itself the name Devil's Island. Today however, those reefs provide a paradise playground for swimming, snorkeling, and diving with its undersea treasure of nautical history.

With pastel houses, white roofs, green hillsides and aromatic afternoons, Bermuda is full of historic sites, quaint old cottages, and more forts per square mile than any other place on earth. No long miles of sand beaches here. Instead the beaches are found in bays, coves, and small strips. Bluffs form the back drops for these idyllic beaches, and the waves are rough except where sheltered by reefs or coves.

The majority of the resorts and accommodations are along the South Shore, just a short taxi or bus ride from the airport. Visitors are not permitted to rent cars here. No problem, the public transportation system is excellent and will get you everywhere you want to go. Some island transportation include taxi's, buses, small ferries, which are a good buy, bikes, mopeds, and horse-drawn carriages. One way to economize is with a weekly bus and ferry pass for around $34, every sight, beach, restaurant, and activity will be within the reach.

There are plenty of restaurants, shopping, and sites to see all within walking distance from the hotel. Some of the best sightseeing can be enjoyed hiking the deserted route of the old Railway Trail. Bermuda has more sights within a small parcel of land than perhaps any other island. Bus tours of the island are a great way to see the island.

Steeped in British tradition and hospitality, Bermuda lies in the Atlantic Ocean 600 miles due east of North Carolina. The mainland consists of the seven main islands linked to each other by causeways and bridges in the shape of a fish hook, that stretches only 21 miles from tip to tail.

Bermuda has a distinct atmosphere with influences from American and British traditions merged with local island culture. A very well-planned, upscale community, Bermuda strictly controls its development.

The best time to visit Bermuda is April through October. The summer weather is ideal with highs in the 70s and 80s. Even the cold winter days are not to cold in Bermuda. In the months of November through March the temperature runs in the 60s and 70s.

First colonists were shipwrecked in the year 1609. Two stayed on and welcomed 60 more English settlers 3 years later. These Bermudians became well-to-do plantation owners. They established self government in 1684 as the oldest British colony today. Bermuda helped introduce golf, tennis, and yacht-racing to North America.

Things to see all within 21 miles:

Sandys Parish - quiet lands, many bays, harbors and sheltered islands, shops and quaint inns, dockyards, entertainment and shopping, Maritime Museum.

Southhampton Parish - Horseshoe Bay Beach, the most photographed beaches in the world, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the oldest cast iron lighthouse, nice accommodation from luxury resorts to quaint inns.

Warwick Parish - Two fine golf courses, cliffs and beaches lining the south shore.

Paget Parish - Most desirable residential area, across the bay facing the capital, gardens and nature reserves.

Pembroke Parish - Hamilton, the capital, cruise ships dock for 3 or 4 days at atime, policemen choreograph the flow of traffic.

Devonshire Parish - Oceanfront cottage colony owned by actor Michael Douglas.

Smith's Parish - Charming Flatts Village, Verdmont, a gracious example of an original colonial Bermuda home.

Hamilton Parish - The Bermuda Aquarium, one of the island's top attractions, Blue Hole Hill where pottery is made, extensive cave systems.

St George's Parish - Kings' Square, forts, and .museums.