Trinidad and Tobago - general information. Cuisine and restaurants

What is attractive about a voyage to Tobago? Firstly, not every land in the Atlantic can boast the official and more than deserved title of “Best Caribbean Island”. Secondly, the conditions created by nature and human hands are one hundred percent suitable for decent recreation. Thirdly, it’s simply beautiful here. So breathtakingly beautiful that the only disappointment will be the moment of parting with this fantastic fairy tale!

Tobago on the world map with hotel prices

Tobago Island on the world map or detailed map The islands can be viewed using the navigation buttons (+/-). Caribbean islands on the map

Tobago is part of the archipelago belonging to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and is part of the so-called arc of the Lesser Caribbean Islands. The blossoming region is located between the Caribbean Sea and the majestic Atlantic Ocean washing its coast. This is one of the two largest exotic islands The state, relative to the island of Trinidad, is located in the northeast, separating its brothers by about 30 km. The area of the tourist Mecca is about 300 km², the width is approximately 14 km, and the length does not exceed 41 km.

The large mountain range that dominates Tobago, just under 30 km long and 640 meters high in places, is a continuation of the Venezuelan mountain ranges. The island is separated from the continent by the picturesque Gulf of Paria and two straits: Boca del Dragon (Spanish: Mouth of the dragon) and Boca del Serpiente (Spanish: Mouth of the snake). The administrative center is Scarborough.

Holidays in Tobago

The cleanest air, considerable distance from the polluted continents, enveloping waters of the greenish-blue sea, excellent service, a lot of attractions, a great selection of offers to spend time usefully and brightly - this is all Tobago.

The range of entertainment offered to guests is impressive. Tired of the bustle of big cities, travelers bask in the sun's rays, washing away stress in the miraculous Caribbean Sea; adherents of ecotours enjoy exercising under the shade of evergreen landscaped forests and go on super-exciting sea fishing. Extreme lovers will appreciate excellent diving, mountain climbing, and fast water skiing. Those who dream of not only getting their fill of impressions, but also improving their health, will not be disappointed with the results of pleasant procedures. And those who come in the hope of participating in original holidays, exploring the local colorful culture and seeing intriguing rituals will certainly take part, study and see.

Nature of Tobago

Enthusiastic euphoria from the freshness of fragrant Eden, salty saturated air, indescribably beautiful views guaranteed. The blessed land is lush tiers of tropical thickets on mountain slopes, sparkling waterfalls and clear rivers, polyphony of birdsong, unique harbors with coral inflorescences.

Due to its location and origin, the island has the richest vegetation: green spaces cover almost half of Tobago, there are more than fifty valuable species of wood, and there are huge plantations of cane, cocoa and other crops.

Pigeon Pike, Flagstaff Hill, Manowar Bay with beaches of brownish volcanic sand, caressed by divers Pirates Bay, the outskirts of Castara, untouched by civilization, crescent-shaped Parlatouvie Bay, Bon Accord Lagoon, Argyle Falls, protected area Speyside, the marine reserve - all these are real natural masterpieces.

Sights of Tobago

The small area of the island is literally replete with attractions, and each one deserves attention. Experienced tourists Those who have been to Tobago more than once recommend visiting:

The 250-year-old Fort King George, almost fifty meters high, has survived to this day and can be seen from almost anywhere in Scarborough;
Located in the old hospital, the Crafts Center, where visitors not only learn about the process and exhibits, but can also purchase intricate souvenirs;
A large collection of artifacts is kept by the Tobago Museum;
Whim Manor is a former plantation with colonial-style buildings;
The town of Charlotteville, considered the unofficial capital of local fishermen;
Built in 1811 from coral limestone, Fort James Island's oldest settlement is Plymouth;
Manowar Bay - a fishing tournament named after the island is held here every July, with tastings of marine delights, spectacular ceremonies and fun processions;
The deserted and most beautiful beach on the coast is Bloody Bay;
First Historical Cafe is a historical cafe on the territory of the flowering Studley Park.

The Caribbean island of Tobago began to attract the attention of tourists just a few years ago; today it is one of the most actively developing and progressive beach resorts. The main attractive features of the island remain luxurious rainforests, an abundance of beaches with pristine beauty and a unique underwater world. Since the second half of the 18th century, the administrative center of the island has been the city of Scarborough. The miniature town is ideal for hiking, at every step here you can find interesting monuments stories, attractive restaurants and souvenir shops.

The main symbol of Scarborough is the ancient Fort King George, which is visible from literally any area of the city. The height of the fort is 47 meters, it was built in 1779 and for a long time remained the main defensive structure on the island. The ancient fort has survived to this day almost in a recreated form; it was completely restored and restored; today, historical buildings house a variety of tourist establishments.

Thus, in the building of the old hospital today there is a Crafts Center - one of the most interesting cultural institutions of the island. Its visitors can not only appreciate the diversity of the culture and traditions of the indigenous population, but also purchase a lot of souvenirs of the trip. interesting souvenirs self made. Nearby is the Tobago Museum, whose collection is also very interesting. A significant part of the exhibition displays artifacts from colonial times; the museum also contains finds from an earlier period. Copyright www.site

After viewing the collections, travelers will enjoy strolling through the nearby landscaped gardens, just beyond which lies one of Tobago's main architectural landmarks, the Whim Estate. Once upon a time, large-scale plantations were located on this site; today, only a preserved building built of red brick reminds of the old days.

Outside the fort there are also many interesting sights to explore. In the capital, the building of an ancient mill has been preserved, which today houses one of the popular hotels. It is noteworthy that it was decided to preserve the huge mill wheels in the building, which were made in the mid-19th century. Among the outstanding architectural landmarks is also the Court House, which was built in 1825 and is currently home to the Tobago Congregational House.

The town of Charlotteville, located in its northeastern part, is considered a unique “fishing capital” of the island. This city is ideal for getting to know the culture and life of the indigenous population. In the vicinity of the city there are concentrated great amount interesting natural attractions, including Manowar Bay, the highest point of the island - Pigeon Pike, as well as Flagstaff Hill - one of the best places on the island to admire the surroundings.

There are many beautiful things on our Earth, amazing places. And today we will discuss one of them - paradise called the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The island of Trinidad is named after the Holy Trinity. Once upon a time, both islands were inhabited by fairly peaceful, poor tribes of Indians who were enslaved by Europeans. Today the country is independent and part of the Commonwealth of Nations. And we will tell you about it in more detail.

Where is the island of Trinidad?

Geographically, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is located in the Caribbean Sea, near South America. The archipelago includes 23 islands. All of them, except the two largest, are uninhabited. The population is concentrated in Trinadad and Tobago. In total, 1.365 million people live here. (as of 2016). Density 254 people. per square kilometer.

History of the Republic

When Columbus discovered Trinidad and then Tobago in 1498, indigenous people The Arawak Indians were taken to the South American colonies. However, the island’s lands turned out to be infertile, and mineral resources were completely absent (but the island is rich in oil, as it turned out later). For the first two centuries, colonialists tried to settle on the islands. They planted tobacco and cocoa, but they did not grow on the island soil. Therefore, the Spaniards soon abandoned the island to its fate.

The French, Dutch, and British tried to get it. But their attempts came to nothing. Later it was chosen by pirates who set up camps here. It was not until 1763 that Tobago was annexed by Britain. Soon Trinidad came under her rule. African slaves were brought to the islands to work on the plantations. Also, after the abolition of slavery, hired workers from India, China and other countries arrived here. At the end of the 20th century, the archipelago gained independence and became known as the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Why Trinidad and Tobago?

The island of Trinidad is named after the Trinity. The fact is that Columbus arrived on the island on July 31, the day of the Holy Trinity (Pentecost). After all, trinidat means Trinity in Spanish.

This was facilitated by another fact: the first thing that caught the eye of the sailors who were approaching the island were 3 distinct mountain peaks in the northern part of Trinidad. Therefore, the island of Trinidad is named after the Holy Trinity.

Tobago gets its name from the Spanish word tabacco, which means tobacco. After all, the indigenous population at that time grew and smoked tobacco.

Population of Trinidad and Tobago

The population of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago today is mixed. Descendants of African slaves, Chinese, Indians, and British have lived on the island for decades. There are Trinidadians of Portuguese, French, German, and Spanish origin. They are called Creoles. The number of Creoles on the island is about 60%. Therefore, despite the fact that official language The Republic is English, Trinidadians often speak Creole, which mixes many words of the Romano-Germanic group.

Geography, flora and fauna

The islands of Trinidad (Trinity) and Tobago are of mainland origin. total area there are 5128 square kilometers. However, the area of Tobago occupies only 300 km² of them. The capital of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is Port of Spain.

About 17 million years ago, both islands separated from the continent. The other islands that make up the archipelago are of volcanic origin. They are quite young compared to Trinidad and Tobago - they are only 5-6 million years old.

Trinidad's shape resembles a rectangle with a sharply defined lower right corner. Its dimensions are 80 by 59 km. The island is separated from South America Bocas del Dragon Strait and Gulf of Paria, off the Venezuelan coast of Boca de la Sierpe. Trinidad's neighbor, the island of Tobago, is separated from it by a wide strait of the same name.

Basically, the island has a slightly indented flat surface, which only in its southern part turns into several mountain ranges about 300 m above sea level. But the north of Trinidad stretches mountain range, which is a continuation of the Venezuelan Coastal Cordillera. Its highest point (both on the island and on the entire archipelago) is Mount Aripo, reaching 940 m above sea level.

The line of the island is quite winding, forming many bays and bays. The largest of them are Coconut, Mayaro, Matura. The south of the island is decorated with mangroves, and the north is framed by coral reefs.

Fresh water is presented in Trinidad in the form of small rivers, among which three stand out: Guatuaro, Ortoire, and Coroni. The first two fall into Atlantic Ocean, and the third to the Gulf of Paria, which is connected through straits to the Caribbean Sea. Large rivers not on the island.

The flora and fauna of both islands are very rich, which is explained by the proximity of the continent. Trinidad is characterized by open forests and tropical savanna, while Tobago is rich in tropical evergreen forests. There are 50 species of woody plants here. The islands are also home to about 400 species of birds, 600 species of butterflies, 100 species of mammals and 50 species of reptiles.

Tobago Island

The island of Tobago is significantly smaller than its neighbor. In 2004, it received the title of “Best Caribbean Island of the Year”. The capital is Scarborough. Tobago is divided into 2 regions and 7 districts.

There are plantations here coconut tree and cocoa. Main Ridge The island is a continuation of the Venezuelan Coast Range. Highest point- 600 m above sea level. The territory of the island is penetrated by narrow mountain streams.

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago today

Population activities are focused on agriculture, extraction and processing of petroleum products and natural gas. The country is a major exporter of sugar cane, coconuts, and citrus fruits. They are the ones who bring the main income to the population. The chemical and metallurgical industries are widely developed. Recently, eco-tourism has also begun to develop, gaining popularity all over the world.

The most major cities by population are Port of Spain (capital), Bonas, San Fernando, Toco, St. Joseph, Redhead, Charlotteville, Princes Town, Arima, Point Fortin, Morvant, Chaguanas.

What to visit?

If you decide to relax in this paradise country, the next paragraph will certainly interest you.

Not only the flora and fauna of the islands pleasantly surprise tourists. A unique mixture of architectural styles can be found in the country's most populous towns.

Port of Spain is the capital of Trinidad, which lies in the Gulf of Paria. Its population is about 17,000 people. There are many historical monuments from the colonial period here. Bustling Caribbean bazaars, typical of the island, coexist with mirrored skyscrapers typical of developed countries. The town itself is very pleasing to the eye: neat streets, plenty of vegetation. Islamic mosques were built here (after all, part of the country's population professes Islam), which are adjacent to Orthodox churches, as well as many interesting buildings of historical value.

Saint Fernando is another interesting island city. Population - about 49,000 people. The city is located on the coast Caribbean Sea. In Sando, as the local population calls the city for short, the Royal Dockyards and the city's oldest building, the Caribbean House, are still preserved. Tourists have the opportunity to admire Pitch Lake, where you can watch natural education asphalt. Essentially, Pitch Lake is a huge hole in which clay, water and oil are mixed. Asphalt extracted from the depths of the lake is used to build high-quality roads and is popular in many countries around the world.

This is what it looks like unique lake. It is surrounded by a beautiful park.

65 km offshore from Sando is the most popular beach in the country, Maracas Bay. Tourists have the opportunity to dive underwater and learn how to surf.

The town of Black Rock in western Tobago is the most expensive resort in the country. Everything is provided here for a carefree holiday for tourists: wonderful hotels, comfortable cafes, spas, tennis courts and much more. Prices are a bit high, but they drop in October.

Fort King George, on the island of Tobago, was built in 1777. The British began to build it, but after a few years the fort passed into the hands of the French, which was reflected in its architecture. He was always in demand for his intended purpose. But in 1856 a prison and a hospital were placed there. And today it is used for tourism purposes. Located on its territory National Museum, which houses valuable exhibits of the republic. And next to the fort there is a wonderful park.

Archipelago climate

Where the islands of Trinidad and Tobago are located, a humid and hot subequatorial climate prevails. The annual temperature per year is +24...+27 °C. This figure remains virtually unchanged throughout the year. In February, which is considered the coldest month, the temperature drops to +23.

From January to May the weather is mostly dry. But from August to October the lion's share of annual precipitation falls on the island. Northeast trade winds bring heavy but short-lived rain.

There are no powerful hurricanes here.

The best time for tourists to visit the country is in February and March. During these months, the weather is comfortable, dry, suitable for people to adapt to a subequatorial climate.

If you want to spend your holiday in cozy silence, it is better to plan a visit to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the summer or early autumn. During this period there are few tourists here, and hotel prices for accommodation and food are much lower.

Finally

If you decide to visit the archipelago, you should immediately clarify: you can get to the islands from the CIS countries only by flight through London, Amsterdam or Frankfurt. The average flight duration is 20 hours. The cost of a flight (also including transfers) can vary from 80 to 300 thousand rubles. A night in a hotel is not cheap for tourists, but you can find hotels from 5,000 rubles/day. Such affordable prices are usually offered by two- and three-star hotels. However, the beauty you will see is worth the money spent.

Lying between Trinidad and the open ocean, the island of Tobago measures only 41 by 14 kilometers. For a long time practically unknown to tourists, recently it has been developing at an amazing speed, showing an almost double increase in the number of guests every year. And this is not surprising - the luxurious underwater world, untouched nature, deserted shores and lush tropical forests are the main “trump cards” of this island.

Tobago, like its southern neighbor, was also discovered by Columbus and captured by the Spaniards. However, unlike most other islands in the Caribbean, there have never been any serious attempts at colonization, although in the 17th century the British, French, Dutch and even Latvians fought for the right to own the island! In 1704 the island was declared neutral territory, but after the pirates established their base here, the British established their colonial administration in 1763. In 1888, Tobago united with Trinidad, in 1889 it received its own independent legislature, and in 1946 it became a self-governing territory within the Federation of the British West Indies. In the early 60s, Tobago, along with Trinidad, sought the right of internal self-government, and in 1962 both islands received full independence.

Attractions

The administrative center of the island and its main port, the thriving city is almost completely devoid of tourist pretensions.

Windward Coast

The Atlantic (windward) coast of the island is a narrow and winding strip sandwiched between southern slopes low hills and coastline. From the capital, the Windward Road runs the entire length of the narrow coastal plain, providing links between the tiny villages on the coast and fantastic views of the Atlantic waters and tiny, forever-shrouded islands. Local attractions include the villages of Mount St. George (Georgetown, the first British capital of the island), Goodwood, Roxborough, Goldsborough and Pembroke, the colorful First Historical Cafe in Studley Park, the beautiful building of the old sugar plantation Richmond Great House (XVIII century, now there is a hotel, restaurant and an extensive collection of African art and textiles), Argyle Falls (the highest on the island - 54 m), beautiful Kings Bay (one of the few places on the coast with nice beach with a fairly developed infrastructure), as well as the conservation areas of Speyside and Little Tobago Island, which protect the nesting sites of many seabirds.

The fishing town, nestled at the foot of Pigeon Peak in northeast Tobago, is one of the island's most popular tourist attractions.

Leeward Coast

The leeward (Caribbean) coast of Tobago is deserted and largely untouched by human activity. Just like decades ago, the main branch of the economy here is fishing, growing crops on tiny plantations and, which is quite rare for the countries of the region, hunting.

When visiting these secluded places, it is worth noting the attractive fishing village of Castara, famous for its fishing festival (one of the largest in Tobago, August), a small waterfall and an excellent beach (it also has the only place on the coast, where there is decent places for accommodation of tourists); visit Englishman's Bay Beach, the crescent of pearl sand at Parlatouvie Bay, the deserted beach at Bloody Bay and the nearby Tobago Forest Reserve (est. 1764 - the most old reserve tropical forest in the western hemisphere), the oval lagoon of Bon Accord with its protected reefs and mangrove forests (southwestern tip of the region).

Interesting are the turtle beaches in the Black Rock and Mount Irwin areas ( the best place for surfing on the island), a museum-gallery of the eccentric German sculptor Louis Kimme (www.kimme.de), who settled in Tobago in 1979, as well as the well-known Baku Bay (Bakuu) with its beautiful reef and a series of wide beaches with yellow sand , as well as the tidy coastal town of Plymouth - the first (or one of the first) European settlements on the island.

Plymouth has a rather unusual history. As local legends say, the first Europeans to settle in this place were people from modern Latvia. Then they were supplanted by the Dutch, those by the British, and during the colonial era the local population was replenished with immigrants from Africa and the Mediterranean countries. Attractive small town, Plymouth is also widely known for its Fort James (1811 - the oldest fort in Tobago). Its coralline limestone bastions and four cannons still “control” Turtle Beach and the surrounding waters.

Beach holiday

Unlike its southern neighbor, Tobago has a whole range of beautiful shores and beaches, many of which are among the best resort areas Caribbean Sea. The best places to relax by the sea on the windward coast include Turtle Beach, Pigeon Point, Sandy Point and Crown Point, Store Bay (only 10-15 minutes walk from the island's airport), the entire coast near Speyside, Kurland Bay, Kings Bay, Castara, Parlatuvier Bay and Englishman's Bay. The Windward Coast has to offer great beaches the bays of Kings Bay, Batto and Manowar, as well as the same Speyside. The beautiful coastline of Stonehaven Bay, Bakole Bay and Mount Irvine Bay stretches from Baku to Plymouth, and the best beach area is on east coast considered Manzanilla Beach.

Diving and snorkeling

Tobago's best dive sites include Baku Reef, Columbus Passage with its Divers Dream, Divers Thirst, Flying Reef and Cove Reef, many beautiful sea areas around Culloden, Mount Irwin, Sisters Rock, Kelleston Drain and St Giles, around the Little Tobago Islands (the island itself is a bird sanctuary), Goat Island or St Giles Island. The famous Baku Reef near Pigeon Point is the best snorkeling and diving spot on the entire coast. Covering 12 sq. km of waters of the Caribbean Sea, Baku Reef is the largest and most visited reef in Tobago. Home to more than forty varieties of coral and 140 species of fish, the reef is approximately 10,000 years old and was declared a national marine park in 1973. In the south of the reef stretches the sand bank of Nylon Pool, fencing off a kind of “swimming pool in the middle of the sea” (the history of the origin of the name of this place is interesting - in the early 1950s, Princess Margaret noted that “the water here is as clear as a nylon stocking”).

Good snorkeling conditions can be found in Pirates Bay north of Charlotteville, Angel Reef off the coast of Goat Island, Amos Valley Bay, Butteau Bay, Belmont Bay, Starwood Bay and Great Kurland Bay, as well as offshore Bkendza and Blackjack Hole rocks. Often referred to as “Divers’ Disneyland,” Tobago has lush underwater ecosystems, highlighted by the so-called “brain coral” that inhabits these waters, some of which are considered the largest in the world (individuals up to 6 m in diameter are not uncommon).

Basic moments

The unique nature of the island of Tobago and especially its evergreen tropical forests are subject to careful protection. Several reserves have been created in a relatively small area. Particularly popular among tourists are the Buccoo Reef Marine Reserve and the large Tobago Forest Reserve.

Unlike other islands in the Caribbean, Tobago was not colonized for a long time, although in the 17th century it was claimed by England, France, Holland and even the small Duchy of Courland. At the beginning of the 18th century, the island territory was declared neutral. However, pirates began to use it, so in 1763 Great Britain created its own administration here.

Travelers discovered the island of Tobago relatively recently. Today, tours here are in demand among lovers of tropical nature and beach holiday, so the island began to turn into one of the fastest growing beach resorts on the planet.

The underwater world of the coast attracts many divers to Tobago Island. North of the city of Charlotteville lies one of the most popular diving areas - Pirates Bay. It is devoid of strong currents, so both experienced divers and beginners can dive in the bay. During the dives they have the opportunity to admire the rich underwater world– schools of fast tropical fish and colorful corals.

Island capital

The main city of the island of Tobago is Scarborough, where 17 thousand people live. The city is small in size and easy to get around on foot. Here you can find historical monuments, nice restaurants and souvenir shops.

From anywhere in Scarborough you can see the old Fort King George, rising to a height of 47 m. It was built in 1779 by British colonialists and for a long time served as the main defensive structure of Tobago. The fort is well preserved and today the historical buildings house various tourist establishments.

At the Crafts Center, which is housed in an old hospital, travelers can get acquainted with the crafts and traditions of the islanders. The doors of the Craft Center are open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 13.00.

At the nearby Tobago Museum, you can learn about the history of the island's colonization and see ancient finds discovered during archaeological excavations. Not far from the museum are beautifully landscaped gardens and the red brick building of the Whim Estate, which is a reminder of the area's former extensive plantations.

There are other attractions in Scarborough. One of the hotels is located in the building of an old mill. Large mill wheels built in the mid-19th century have been preserved here. Arriving in Scarborough, tourists also try to visit Botanical gardens and the House of Orchids.

Sights of Tobago

The small city of Charlotteville in the northeast of the island of Tobago has the status of a “fishing capital”. People come here to get acquainted with the culture of the local population and admire the picturesque seaside landscapes. Near Charlotteville are the highest point of the island - Mount Pigeon Pike, the beautiful viewpoint of Flagstaff Hill and Manowar Bay, whose beaches are covered with dark volcanic sand. Every year in mid-summer the Tobago fishing tournament takes place in the bay, which attracts many tourists.

Those travelers who are interested in the history of the island of Tobago will certainly visit the city of Plymouth, where the ancient Fort James, built at the beginning of the 19th century, is located. It is noteworthy that it was built from durable coral limestone, so it has been perfectly preserved to this day.

Fans of sea fishing and relaxing on secluded beaches should pay attention to the city of Castara. The coast has not yet developed infrastructure, so those who want to spend time on a wild, deserted beach can relax for their own pleasure.

Tobago Island's natural attractions include waterfalls, picturesque Kings Bay, Bon Accord Lagoon and the Little Tobago Islands, home to seabird nesting grounds.

Where to stay

There are not many hotels on the island of Tobago, however, the existing hotels try to maintain their brand and satisfy the most diverse needs of guests. Travelers coming to the island can find both budget apartments and luxury five-star hotels. Some of them are built right in cities, such as the upscale Bacolet Hotel in Scarborough. Others, like Turtle, offer secluded coastal getaways.

On the island of Tobago there are also good ecological hotels built near natural attractions. One of them – “Acajoi” – is located in one of the most picturesque bays Islands, Grand Riviere. Eco-friendly hotels offer accommodation in wooden cottages built from natural materials.

How to get there

Tobago Island is located 30 km northeast of large island Trinidad. From the capital island state– Port of Spain – ferries run to Tobago. There are no direct flights from Russia to Port of Spain. You can fly to the capital of Trinidad and Tobago in approximately 17 hours with a transfer in London, Amsterdam or Frankfurt.

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