Visit Trinidad & Tobago
Introduction
Renowned for their natural landscapes, incredible biodiversity and energetic carnivals, the islands of Trinidad and Tobago offer a cultural escape unlike any other. Golden beaches and plunging waterfalls are joined by the lively worlds of Calypso and Steelpan music.
The southernmost country of the Caribbean, the main island of Trinidad sits close to South America, with Tobago around 30km to the north-east. Sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea to the west and Atlantic Ocean to the east, find plenty of resorts and energetic culture in Trinidad. Tobago, meanwhile, is home to hundreds of species of birds and animals, while its aqua waters are a haven for marine life.
Piarco International Airport – 30km to east of Trinidad’s capital Port of Spain – and ANR Robinson International Airport on Tobago serve the islands, with a range of global connections.
What is the weather like in Trinidad & Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago’s tropical climate means high temperatures, but no shortage of rain. Average high temperatures from 29°C to 32°C are experienced all year round, although humidity tends to be lower in dry season for the first five months of the year. Add in the wet season from June to December and it’s easy to see why most visitors opt to experience the islands between January and April.
Top things to do in Trinidad & Tobago
Having gifted us the delights of Calypso and Steelpan music, Trinidad and Tobago are well-known for their Carnival, Diwali and Hosay celebrations. Packed with colourful costumes, dancing and street parades, Carnival precedes Ash Wednesday each year, bringing the party to the streets of Port of Spain.
The islands have rich heritage too, with Christopher Columbus the first European to have visited back in 1498. The 18th century Fort King George, in the Tobago capital Scarborough, offers incredible views alongside a museum which explores the island’s military history. Meanwhile Mount St Benedict Abbey is the Caribbean’s oldest Benedictine monastery, standing proudly in the hills overlooking Tunapuna. Or take in the Baronial style heritage of Stollmeyer’s Caster Killarney, said to resemble part of the royal residence of Balmoral in Scotland. Cricket is a huge part of island culture too, with both the Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy regularly welcoming stars from the world game.
The natural landscape is a big draw in Trinidad and Tobago, with the Bamboo Cathedral hiking trail one of many routes on which to discover their scenic beauty. Or hop aboard a boat to discover the birdlife of the Caroni Swamp, a vast mangrove wetland home to the endemic Scarlet Ibis. Stand-out beaches include Las Cuevas and Maracas, alongside Castara Bay and Pirate’s Bay, although there are many quiet coves to pick from.
Where to stay:
Trinidad and Tobago feature an array of accommodation to suit all budgets. Acajou Hotel, in the north-east of Trinidad, has all you need for an eco-break and a chance to spot turtles, while Brix offers a modern setting in the heart of Port of Spain. For those keen to keep costs down, the Hyatt Regency Trinidad offers a simplistic high-rise escape.
The Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf resort sits among 750 acres of gated plantation estate on Tobago, while Castara Retreats feature treehouse-style rooms and a spa overlooking the sea. For eye-catching accommodation overlooking Stonehaven Bay, Plantation Beach Villas provide an ideal base for families and larger groups.
Best restaurants in Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago have something for most tastes, with the culinary scene featuring distinctive creole cuisine, as well as pan-Asian, Latino and European dishes. Local delicacies include Doubles – a pairing of dough and curried chickpeas with a range of toppings – and Bake and shark, a traditional street food dish of flatbread and shark meat.
In Port of Spain, aim for the Central Market or Queen’s Park Savannah Farmers’ Market for a taste of produce and spices – there’s plenty of food tours for those not sure what to try too. When it comes to fine dining, Aioli has a delightful Mediterranean inspired menu, while Chaud serves up European dishes with a Caribbean twist. Buzo Osteria Italiana, hidden away in Port of Spain’s New Town, brings a taste of Italy to the islands. Alternatively, Kariwak Village Restaurant, close to Tobago’s main airport, cooks up creole cuisine amid the calming surroundings of a wellness resort.
What’s nearby?
Trinidad is just 11km from Venezuela and mainland south America at its closest point. A ferry links Chaguaramas, to the north-west of Port of Spain, with Guiria in Venezuela, with the route across the Gulf of Paria taking around two-and-a-half hours.
The beaches and stunning natural landscapes of the Caribbean islands of Grenada, Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia can all be found to the north, with flights times ranging from 40 minutes (Grenada) to two-and-a-half hours (Barbados).
For more information visit Tourist Information website.
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