When you think of a seaside place far from the chaos of big cities, the collective imagination fills with white beaches, blazing sun, fun, relaxation, nightlife, and comfort. All these attributes seem to come alive in the Virgin Islands, an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea divided into American Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands.
What better time than spring holidays to treat yourself to a Caribbean beach vacation, perhaps in the Virgin Islands that tantalize the traveler’s palate just with the name that seems to symbolize an unspoiled place. Although this was not the reason for the name of these islands, these places feature truly breathtaking landscapes.
The Virgin Islands are almost all volcanic in origin, having risen shortly after the eruption that occurred twenty-five million years ago. The climate is dry and temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees. They were discovered by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage to America and over time have been under the dominion of various states. They were named the Virgin Islands by Columbus, who called them in honor of the followers of Saint Ursula Virgin. At the beginning of the 20th century, the United States purchased some islands from Denmark. Other islands are currently under the territorial control of the British crown so that, although the islands are very similar from a naturalistic point of view, administratively they are divided into American and British islands. The Virgin Islands are located southeast of Florida and form the first ring of the Leeward Islands.
The American Virgin Islands consist of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. In St. Thomas, where some cruises dock, there is an international airport. St. John is the most luxurious island, the home of duty-free shopping and both night and day entertainment. Here is the legendary Magens Beach, renowned for its incredible beauty. St John hosts the National Park that better protects the already pristine nature. Finally, St. Croix, the largest and equally beautiful island of the American Virgin Islands.
Tortola is the largest island of the British Virgin Islands. It is followed by the smaller Beef Island, which has an airport where numerous charters land and take off. Virgin Gorda is considered among the most beautiful of the British Virgin Islands. It consists only of beaches and hills. Anegada stands out for its coral nature, unlike the volcanic others. Its seabeds harbor many shipwrecks plundered by buccaneers. The island of Jost Van Dyke, named after the pirate from Holland, features enchanting beaches and extraordinary nature. There are other small islands, all beautiful, where it is easy to spend a fabulous stay. All the Virgin Islands, whether British or American, are chosen precisely by those who want to spend a few days in perfect relaxation and away from the monotony and anxieties of everyday life.
