Bermuda: What vacationers can experience in the famous island paradise
A glance at the map reveals: While many islands in the world are surrounded by other island groups or the nearby mainland, Bermuda lies completely alone. For miles around: nothing. Nothing but water.
And yet the region belongs to Great Britain . How so? Bermuda is a British overseas territory. There, you can expect a subtropical climate, colonial architecture, and lush nature.
A holiday in Bermuda can be a beach holiday, but can also offer plenty of action and nature.
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Beware of confusion: Some people classify Bermuda as part of the Caribbean . This is incorrect. The confusion may be due to the similarity between the names Bermuda and Bahamas . In fact, the two island groups are about a two-hour flight apart.
The Bermuda archipelago consists of approximately 360 coral islands. Only 20 of them are inhabited. This makes it a snorkeling paradise. A trip to Bermuda is ideal for those seeking relaxation but also enjoying outdoor activities—and a bit of a thrill.
The Bermuda archipelago lies on a volcano that is believed to be over 100 million years old. Bermuda forms the summit of this 4,570-meter-high underwater volcano. But don't worry: The volcano became extinct long ago, so there's no danger here.
If you're looking for a beach holiday, Bermuda is definitely the place to be. The archipelago's most famous beach is Horseshoe Bay Beach. It's also considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is known for its fine pink sand.
Horseshoe Bay Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
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How come? The color comes from crushed foraminifera. What sounds funny is actually tiny marine organisms with red shells. Horseshoe Bay Beach isn't the only beach that shimmers pink. Of the 23 beaches on the south coast, a few others also boast pink sand.
Foraminifera have red shells, giving the sand a pinkish shimmer.
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Less crowded, but just as picturesque, is Warwick Long Bay. The beach is just a short walk away. The bay is longer, quieter, and lined with dunes and rocks. This makes Warwick Long Bay a top spot for those seeking peace and quiet.
The south coast of Bermuda is considered to be the region with the most beautiful beaches.
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Other beautiful stretches of beach can be found at Tobacco Bay (ideal for snorkeling) and Elbow Beach. The latter is especially popular with locals.
A highlight for adventurous travelers is a visit to Bermuda's many limestone caves. The Crystal and Fantasy Caves in Hamilton, for example, contain underground lakes and spectacular stalactite formations.
The Crystal Caves in Bermuda are decorated with numerous stalactites.
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The caves were discovered by chance in 1907 by two boys who had lost their ball. Today they are one of Bermuda's most famous attractions.
But Bermuda isn't just for swimming. A vacation on the islands also offers wonderful hiking. Those who enjoy the fresh air can hike along marked trails in the Cooper's Island Nature Reserve on Saint David's Island. The trails lead through mangrove and pine forests and along secluded beaches.
The Bermuda petrel was considered extinct for over 300 years. With a little luck, you might see it again on the islands.
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Birdwatchers, pay attention! Cooper's Island Nature Reserve is a birdwatching hotspot. There you can also see seabirds like the rare Bermuda Petrel.
Once a train, now a popular long-distance hiking trail: The Bermuda Railway Trail.
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The Bermuda Railway Trail is a 29-kilometer hiking and biking trail along the route of an old railway line. It crosses the main island from north to southwest, offering beautiful views of cliffs, bays, and villages.
Bermuda even has a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the former capital city of Saint George's. It was one of the first English settlements in the New World and was founded in 1612.
Saint George's is the oldest continuously inhabited English settlement on the American continent.
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Cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and historic forts characterize the cityscape. Saint Peter's Church, located there, is the oldest Anglican church in the western world.
Saint Peter's Church is the oldest Anglican church in the western world. It has stood on this site in St. George's since 1620.
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Today's capital, Hamilton, is more lively, with cafes, galleries, and pubs. At the Front Street Pier, you can admire yachts and also shop for local handicrafts in small boutiques. Incidentally, it's considered one of the most expensive cities in the world in terms of daily living.
Hamilton is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in.
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Bermuda is surrounded by hundreds of shipwrecks. The term "Bermuda Triangle" is not a coincidence. This makes it a paradise for divers. Various dive centers offer courses and guided tours to the most spectacular wrecks.
It wouldn't be the Bermuda Triangle if there weren't countless shipwrecks in the area.
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For example, there's the wreck of the "Cristóbal Colón," a Spanish luxury liner that sank in 1936. The "Cristóbal Colón" is the largest wreck around the Bermuda Islands. Also intriguing: the "Hermes." This freighter was deliberately sunk in 1985 to serve as a reef. A similar fate recently befell the "SS United States," which is being converted into the world's largest artificial reef .
Bermuda is considered a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
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There's also plenty to discover while snorkeling: colorful reefs and fish, like parrotfish. Underwater, you can also see sea turtles, and above water, you'll find bizarre rock formations. The waters around Church Bay or John Smith's Bay, for example, are ideal for snorkeling.
The mix of nature, history and modern life makes Bermuda a piece of paradise in the Atlantic – off the beaten tourist track.
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