Tortola and Road Town

Tortola, the largest and most populous of the British Virgin Islands, is the green, mountainous heart and gateway of the archipelago, its steep spine rising to Sage Mountain, the highest point in the Virgin Islands, cloaked in a patch of protected rainforest. The island offers fine beaches along its north shore, such as Cane Garden Bay, and its relaxed capital, Road Town, curves around a busy harbour that is the hub of the BVI's sailing and charter world, with a marina, ferry terminal, shops, a small botanic garden and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. Tortola is the arrival point and base for exploring the islands.

What you'll find

• Road Town - the relaxed harbour capital and sailing hub.
• Cane Garden Bay - the fine north-shore beach.
• Sage Mountain - the highest point and its rainforest.
• The botanic garden and marina - the town's garden and harbour.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the best weather; Road Town is busiest as a sailing and ferry hub in the peak winter season, and the island's beaches and Sage Mountain are pleasant year-round. Tortola is the main arrival point by air and ferry and the base for onward island-hopping.

Practical notes

Road Town is a relaxed but modest and workaday harbour capital rather than a sightseeing destination, so its appeal is its role as the sailing and ferry hub and gateway rather than attractions, and Tortola, while green and pleasant with fine beaches, is more a base than a highlight; the BVI overall is upscale and was hit hard by the 2017 hurricanes. As the green main island and the relaxed hub of the archipelago, with beaches, a rainforest peak and a busy harbour, though, Tortola is a pleasant and convenient base.

Nearby

Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and the sailing grounds are close by.