British Virgin Islands, British territory in Caribbean Sea
The British Virgin Islands are a group of roughly 60 islands and rocky outcrops in the southeastern Caribbean, located northeast of Puerto Rico. Tortola is the largest island and home to Road Town, the capital where most visitors arrive and where most hotels and ferry connections are located.
Dutch settlers arrived starting in 1648, but Britain annexed the territory in 1672 and established a permanent European presence. The territory gained self-governance in 1960 and later received its current status as an overseas territory.
The islands show their Caribbean roots through local cuisine centered on fish and rice dishes served in seaside restaurants. Reggae and calypso music fill the air from street cafes and beach bars throughout the islands.
The subtropical climate brings humid summers with occasional hurricanes between June and November, while the dry season from December through April offers more comfortable conditions. Road Town on Tortola is the first stop for visitors, as most accommodations and transportation options are centered there.
Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard, used Soper's Hole on Tortola's northwest coast around 1715 as a base for pirate operations against merchant ships. This natural harbor provided protection and concealment for those operating outside the law.
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