British Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands. British Virgin Islands U.S. Virgin Islands

American virgin islands- a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea, 60 km east of Puerto Rico; autonomous territory of the United States. The largest islands are St. Thomas, St. John, Santa Cruz. There are also many small islands. The area is 344 km².

US Virgin Islands - a territory purchased by the United States from Denmark on January 17, 1917 (all formalities were completed on March 31 of the same year). Operated by the United States Department of the Interior. Residents have the status of citizens of the United States.

Geographically, the US Virgin Islands are part of the Virgin Islands (which also includes the British Virgin Islands).

The islands are hilly (the highest point is 475 m), composed mainly of limestones, there are outcrops of ancient crystalline or volcanic rocks.

The absence of rivers and lakes, as well as the deep bedding of groundwater, for a long time greatly complicated the problem of water supply, despite the rather large amount of precipitation. Rainwater was collected in special tanks. After the construction of the desalination plants, this problem has been largely resolved.

The flora and fauna of the islands have been largely destroyed by humans. Remnants of evergreen rainforests are preserved mainly on the island of St. John, two-thirds of which is occupied by a national park. The island of St. Thomas has woodlands and shrubs on the site of former plantations. The sea waters off the islands are rich in fish, crustaceans and molluscs.

US Virgin Islands climate

Climate in the U.S. Virgin Islands- tropical, trade wind, hot and humid with two dry seasons. The average monthly temperature throughout the year fluctuates slightly - from + 22-24 ° C in winter to + 28-29 ° C in summer. Daily temperature changes are also poorly traced.

Precipitation falls up to 1300 mm per year, and there are two dry (winter and summer) and two rainy (spring and autumn) seasons. The maximum amount of rain falls in the period from September to November-December, although even at this time it rains no more than five to six days a month. In the period from July to October, tropical hurricanes are likely to pass over the territory of the islands, although they are recorded here much less often than over the nearby Windward Islands.

The most favorable time for a trip to the islands is from mid-December to the end of April, however, this period is the peak of the tourist season, so prices are much higher than, for example, from May to August, when the weather conditions are also excellent for sea holidays.

Population

Population of the U.S. Virgin Islands- 109.8 thousand people (2010).

Average life expectancy is 76 years for men, 82 years for women.

Ethno-racial composition: blacks 76.2%, whites 13.1%, mulattos 3.5%, Asians 1.1%, other 6.1% (according to the 2000 census).

Religions: Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Bishop 17%, other 7%.

The official language is English. Also popular are Spanish or Spanish-Creole 16.8%, French or Franco-Creole 6.6%, other 1.9%.

About money

US Virgin Islands monetary unit: US dollar ($ or USD), in 1 dollar 100 cents. In circulation there are bills in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, coins - penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents), quarter (25 cents), half dollar (50 cents) and 1 dollar.

Banks usually work from Monday to Thursday, from 09.00 to 14.30, on Fridays - 09.00 to 14.00 and from 15.30 to 17.00.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and specialized exchange offices. The islands have branches of almost all major international banking systems.

Credit cards are common in the larger islands, but they can be difficult to use in the smaller islands. Travel checks can be cashed at almost any bank office. To avoid additional costs associated with exchange rate fluctuations, it is recommended that you bring your checks in USD.

Communication and communications

Calling code: 1 - 340

Internet domain: .vi

Telephone area codes

Area codes are not used.

How to call

To call from Russia to the US Virgin Islands, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 1 - 340 - subscriber's number.

To call from the US Virgin Islands to Russia, you need to dial: 011 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.

Fixed connection

All payphones on the islands are included in the general US telephone system and operate on calling cards, which are sold at post offices, newspaper and tobacco kiosks. Almost all payphones have direct international automatic telephone connections and some of them accept ATT cards and credit cards for international calls.

cellular

The cellular communication system in the US Virgin Islands is excellently developed and is integrated into a single network with US operators.

Internet

The Internet on the islands is developing at a rapid pace - almost all telephone and cellular companies provide their customers with Internet access. Internet cafes are concentrated in large settlements and resort areas.

Shopping

Shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday, from 09.00 to 17.00, however on Thursday many of them close quite early - usually around 15.00-16.00. Many large retail outlets are usually open on Sundays, from 10.00 to 17.00, shops in the port also often open their doors on Sundays, but only during the stay of cruise ships. Bargaining in local trading establishments is not accepted, but in the markets it is possible and necessary.

Popular souvenirs: rum, jewelry, paintings (there are many art galleries on the island of Santa Cruz).

Where to stay

The cost of living in local hotels is quite high compared to many countries in the Caribbean.

Sea and beaches

The islands attract numerous beach lovers for their clean beaches with white fine sand.

Almost all beaches are open to the public, only private property and some large resort complexes have limited access (permission is required).

Some local beaches are natural breeding grounds for endangered sea turtles, so most of them are protected and access to such areas is prohibited at certain times.

History

The Virgin Islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493.

In 1625, English and French colonists settled on the islands, engaged in agriculture. Then the islands were successively owned by England, Spain, France and the Order of Malta.

In 1666, the island of St. Thomas was taken over by Denmark, which soon seized the island of St. John, and in 1733 Denmark bought the island of Santa Cruz from France. The Danes tried to establish a plantation economy on St. Thomas, but it was unsuccessful due to the low fertility of the land, and the island became one of the centers of the rum and slave trade. The port of St. Thomas became a pirate base. The island of Santa Cruz had more fertile lands, and after the transition to Denmark, about 200 sugar cane plantations were established there.

However, by the beginning of the 20th century, sugar production in Santa Cruz had fallen into disrepair and the islands of the Danish West Indies were sold to the United States in 1917 for $ 25 million.

Useful information

The most favorable time for a trip to the islands is from mid-December to mid-May, however, this is the peak of the tourist season, so prices are much higher than, for example, from May to August, when the weather conditions are also excellent for sea holidays. An additional argument in favor of visiting the islands in summer is the significantly greater transparency of the sea water at this time, which provides better conditions for diving.

Local tap water is chlorinated and potable, but it is still recommended to drink bottled water.

Catching any marine organisms (including ascending to the surface and even collecting shells and corals washed ashore) in the waters of the US Virgin Islands is prohibited, as is the use of harpoon weapons for spearfishing (license required). Sports fishing is only possible with the permission of the regional authorities (usually included in the package of licenses provided by the organizer of the fishing trip). It is prohibited to moor ships and boats in the protected areas managed by the National Fund for Natural Parks. Lifting to the surface of any objects and things from sunken ships located in the territorial waters of the islands is allowed only with the special permission of the government of the country.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from Russia to the US Virgin Islands. The easiest way to get here from Russia is with one change in the United States. From American cities (New York, Miami, Boston, Atlanta, Washington and others) there are direct flights to the islands of St. Thomas and Santa Cruz.

The flight with Aeroflot + American Airlines is quite convenient: Moscow - New York - St. Thomas. The duration of the flight from Moscow to New York is about 10 hours, from New York to St. Thomas Island - 4 hours 10 minutes.

The US Virgin Islands can also be reached via Puerto Rico (64 km away). And from there you can get by water (ferries or boats) or by air (small planes) to the US Virgin Islands.

The group of islands located in the northeast of the Caribbean Sea is designated on the world map as the Virgin Islands. After his memorable trip, H. Columbus marked the Virgin Islands on the map. Now on the world map you can see that this island group is located to the east of. Today, these islands are one of the coziest corners in the world, where both single tourists and families with children strive.

Panoramic view of the British Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands belong to two countries: Great Britain and the United States. Therefore, to visit them, you will need or.

The British Virgin Islands are composed of sixty elements. The largest island is Tortola.

The location of the Virgin Islands on the world map

As the name suggests, the main ruler in this beautiful corner of the world is one country - Great Britain. It is for this reason that many of the customs and traditions of the British are reflected in the culture of the inhabitants of these islands.

When to plan your trip

The British Virgin Islands are always glad to see tourists, but the most attractive time to visit is the winter-spring off-season. A person who wants not only to swim in the gentle waters of the Caribbean Sea, but also to have fun, should come to the Virgin Islands in December - April.

It is important to bear in mind that this period is considered a real peak in the influx of vacationers, therefore, prices do not differ in democracy.

Detailed map of Virgin Islands showing all islands

So, if you want to save money and relax in a relaxed atmosphere, then you need to go to the Virgin Islands in May - August.

sights

The British Virgin Islands have many interesting natural attractions. The richest in this regard should be called the city of Road Town and the island of Tortola.

The most notable place here is the island of Tortola. Translated from Spanish, the name of the island sounds like "Land of the Turtle Dove". Tortola is the largest island in this group. The nature of the island is very romantic and picturesque. "Purely English" green hills are harmoniously combined with ancient volcanoes, cozy coves and pristine bays. North Tortola is an incredibly attractive beach destination.

Hotel on the shores of the Caribbean Sea in the Virgin Islands

The sand is surprisingly soft, white and clean. South Tortola is famous for its valleys and slightly gloomy shores. There are also many luxurious places for a serene relaxation here. Coral sand is of volcanic origin here.
According to tourists visiting the Virgin Islands, a place like Tortola is great for a meditative or romantic getaway.

In Road Town, tourists will appreciate the abundance of various shops, boutiques and restaurants, where for very little money you can have a good time and buy both souvenirs and clothes.

In the vicinity of the city, you can admire the old chapel and the Thornton plantation. In Carrot Bay, you can find a huge collection of sea shells, among which the most unusual and bizarre specimens are often found. In Sage Mountain National Park, you can go for an eco-walk.

Panoramic view of Sage Mountain National Park

Nutrition

The British Virgin Islands have a fairly rich, in the truest sense of the word, cuisine. Here you can find "potpourri" from a variety of world culinary trends.

You can have a good and inexpensive lunch, enjoying the excellent service, anywhere in this place. The restaurants and cafes serve both classic and island dishes, which are an insane but incredibly tasty mix of Caribbean flavor and European restraint.

Virgin Islands grocery store

Sports recreation

Also, the British Virgin Islands are extremely popular among fans of sports recreation. There are many schools for yachting, diving and windsurfing.

The British Virgin Islands is not only a paradise for fans of active and passive recreation, but also a recognized offshore background. It is here that there is an extensive range of international financial services.
Thus, the offshore zone allows you to invest in the economy, accumulate construction savings and protect your assets.
The offshore background is relevant because in the current, hyper-variable economic conditions, the need for strict control over their capital is increasing. In the British Virgin Islands, a person can be confident that he will be able to significantly save on taxes and preserve his business assets outside his country of residence.

The British Virgin Islands are economically stable. The standard of living here is considered the highest among other countries in this region. Due to the offshore sector, an uninterrupted flow of finance to the state treasury is ensured. As a result, the unemployment rate is extremely low here.

Against this background, the crime rate is also quite low and violent offenses are almost not observed. It is important to bear in mind that the abuse of nicotine in public places is considered a serious offense in the British Virgin Islands.

American dream

The US Virgin Islands were discovered by H. Columbus at the end of the fifteenth century. Over the years, this corner of the world passed to a variety of owners, and only at the dawn of the twentieth century, the United States bought the islands.

The US Virgin Islands are rightfully considered a real paradise for tourists of all stripes. You can have a great rest here both in splendid isolation, and with your family or a noisy company. In July - October, it is undesirable to visit the Virgin Islands, since the likelihood of hurricanes is very high.

Natural conditions

The US Virgin Islands boasts more than six dozen reefs and a variety of islands. The world of fauna here today, unfortunately, is very poor.

What to visit

The US Virgin Islands is rich in historical and natural attractions. So, on the island of St. Thomas vacationers are attracted by Fort Kristjan. Particular attention should be paid here to Blackburn Castle and the old market square. Climbing Mount St. Peter's Greathouse, you can visit the luxurious botanical gardens and distilleries. Numerous souvenir shops offer many interesting gifts.

Connoisseurs of marine fauna will probably be interested in visiting Coca Bay.

It is there that there is an aquarium with a wide variety of tropical animals. Those who value a beach holiday the most should pay attention to Kristiansted, a cozy town that still retains the medieval Danish spirit. Here you can visit local beaches and enjoy a great vacation.

The Virgin Islands has many real natural gems. One of these gems is the small island of Buck. It is uninhabited and attracts all fans of exciting adventures.

Christopher Columbus discovered back in 1493. Since then, the owners of the island have constantly changed: the British, French, Spaniards, Danes ... Only in 1917, the United States bought the islands from Denmark.

Today American virgin islands Is a paradise for tourists who come here to enjoy the white beaches and hot sun, and at the same time learn more about the life of the islanders. Families and companies come to the islands: there is entertainment for everyone's liking.

Climate

On the tropical maritime climate of the trade wind type reigns. It is distinguished by pleasant warm temperatures throughout the year. In winter, the average temperature is approximately +24 ° С, in summer - +29 ° С.

Here, two dry and two wet seasons are distinguished. The dry seasons include winter and summer, but autumn and spring are considered to be rainy seasons. Most precipitation falls in September - November. Although it is worth noting that there are rarely long rains here.

Hurricanes are possible in July - October.

Nature

The US Virgin Islands are located in Caribbean... They include over 60 islands and reefs. The three largest of them are - Saint Thomas, Saint John and Santa Cruz.

The islands are hilly. The highest point is 475 m above sea level. They are of limestone origin, but in some places volcanic and crystalline rocks show through. There are no rivers and lakes.

The islands are covered with dense subtropical forests, the coasts of the bays are covered with mangrove swamps.

Earlier US Virgin Islands could boast of a rich animal world - now it is practically destroyed. Now, from the wild animals here you can only find lizards, mongooses, rats. Various species of birds live here.

The coastal waters are rich in shellfish, crustaceans and fish.

The climate is good for the cultivation of sugar cane, vegetables and citrus fruits.

sights

Saint thomas, the main island, attracts tourists Fort Kristjan... Also worth seeing are Blackbird Castle and Market Square in Charlotte Amalie... Be sure to visit the mountain Saint Peter Greathouse, because it offers amazing views of the surroundings! On the slopes of this mountain there are botanical gardens, as well as an old distillery and souvenir shops.

In the north-east of the island there is a unique beauty Coca Bay as well as an aquarium with a variety of tropical fish and marine life.

On St. John's Island worth a look for the sake of being here Virgin Islands National Park. Here you can get acquainted with rare species of birds and animals.

Main attraction Santa cruz- this is Christiansted town, which was formerly a town of Danish colonialists. It is also worth visiting here winery Kruzan, and then enjoy your vacation on the local beaches to your heart's content.

To the northeast of Santa Cruz lies a tiny islet Buck... It is uninhabited, but regular excursions are organized there for tourists.

If possible, visit Wim- sugar plantation in Santa Cruz. It is here that you can plunge into the atmosphere of the past Virgin Islands, find out how the planters and colonizers lived.

Nutrition

Perhaps there is nothing surprising in the fact that the basis of the cuisine of the islands is seafood dishes. Soup kalalu, which you cannot help but try when you come here, is prepared from stewed vegetables, seafood, meat, herbs and spices.

Traditional dishes of local cuisine include sause... This is an assorted pork offal. However, there are dozens of recipes for this dish, so every chef will have his own signature sause secret.

Taste conch- seafood pancakes, as well as soups and chowders of their shellfish (you can hardly find such exoticism anywhere else). Also, you will always find on the menu ... fish steaks! The recipes for their preparation are very intricate.

Well, you should definitely try shark soup, grilled fish on coals and fish fillet with fruits and vegetables, which is called "Old-waif".

They usually serve potato pudding or fungi- cereals prepared in a special way. Sometimes fish or meat dishes are accompanied by fried bananas or local bread, similar to pita bread. It is often used as a basis for a dish: such bread is stuffed with various seafood and vegetables, and then fried or baked.

For dessert, tropical fruits are usually served.

Of the drinks on the islands, the local analogue of mate is used, which is called here bush tee(tea made from local herbs). Also, locals love coffee and freshly squeezed juices.

From alcohol, rum and cocktails made from it are preferred. Local strong rum is popular Cruzan.

Accommodation

The number of hotels on the islands is quite large, but rest here, frankly, is not cheap. Local hotels and guesthouses can be classified in the upper price bracket. The price in the range of $ 250-300 per day per person is considered the minimum if you are targeting resort hotels.

There are, of course, options with a more modest budget, but even here you should not count on a cheap vacation: simpler hotels charge $ 150-170 per day, and budget guesthouses will cost $ 80-100. However, it should be noted that the service in any of the local hotels is of high quality.

Tent camps are popular among tourists. But not every island has them.

If you are not constrained in funds, then you can rent an apartment or a villa on the coast. If the apartment will cost your wallet from $ 1000 per week, then you will have to pay at least 5 times more for the villa.

Entertainment and recreation

Beaches US Virgin Islands just created for a peaceful, calm, almost heavenly rest. The finest white sand is washed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Here, nature has created excellent conditions for diving: coral reefs and underwater caves stretch along the shores, which beckon to dive and learn their secrets.

Of the entertainment here, undoubtedly, carnivals will seem the most colorful. For example, in St. Thomas, a carnival is held in April, which is especially colorful. During it, you can see masquerade parades, dance competitions and musical performances. Believe me, this sight will remain in your memory for a long time.

And also on St. Thomas all yachtsmen gather in April Caribbean to the International Rolex Regatta.

On Saint John a similar festival takes place, but in the summer, at the end of June, and its celebration smoothly turns into Fireworks Week.

On Santa cruz at the beginning of the year, the Crucian Carp Festival is organized - a fun and exciting holiday for the whole family.

Another interesting entertainment is a helicopter tour. Take a bird's eye view of the islands - these views are impressive even for those who have seen many beautiful places on the planet.

To active rest on US Virgin Islands sports fishing is worth mentioning. Even beginners can do it here: there is a lot of fish, the conditions are excellent, and equipment can be rented on any of the islands.

But there are few nightclubs in the Virgin Islands - they are mainly located in Charlotte Amalie... So, fans of active nightlife, you should go there.

Purchases

Without collecting duties from the islands, you can export goods and souvenirs, the value of which does not exceed $ 1200. It is also worth noting that prices for a number of goods are lower here than in many European countries. For example, it is profitable to buy watches, jewelry, photo and video equipment, perfumery, leather goods and porcelain here.

Shops are open here from Monday to Saturday and strictly according to the schedule - from 9:00 to 17:00. Shops are closed on Sundays, with rare exceptions.

It is customary to bargain at local markets - you will please the sellers and spend less on souvenirs. By the way, among the souvenirs most popular among tourists are handicrafts of local artisans, rum, spices, local tea.

It is also beneficial to buy fresh fruits and vegetables in the market.

Transport

Automobile transport is actively used on the islands, and sea and air communication is developed between them.

True, the cities and resorts here are relatively small, so tourists like to walk or ride bicycles that can be rented.

If you wish, you can rent a scooter or a car. Taxis are also available on the islands and are popular.

Connection

On US Virgin Islands mobile communication is well developed. You can use the services of local operators by purchasing a SIM card in shops and supermarkets.

Russian mobile operators also provide roaming services to the US Virgin Islands, so you can always stay connected.

The call can also be ordered from the hotel - its cost will then be included in the final invoice.

There are internet cafes in cities, and wi-fi is available for tourists in hotels and public places.

Security

Nothing threatens your life and property on the islands. There is no violent crime, and petty theft and fraud are rare. The usual precautions will be enough: do not display jewelry and money in crowded places, do not walk alone on the outskirts of the city at night, and just be careful.

Water should be consumed only bottled, otherwise you can catch an intestinal infection. Food is safe.

Business climate

Every year, the islands are visited by up to 2 million tourists, so tourism and the service sector are actively developing here and attracting foreign investors.

Industry has recently also begun to play an important role in the economy. They are engaged in oil refining here: one of the largest oil refineries in the world is located on one of the American Virgin Islands.

In the light industry, they are engaged in the production of rum and textiles, pharmaceuticals, assembly of electronics and watches.

Agriculture is poorly developed.

Today, a number of measures are being taken to develop the financial sector.

The business climate is generally favorable, as it largely depends on the US economy.

Real estate

Real estate in the US Virgin Islands is not so easy to buy. There is not much of it here, the demand is great - accordingly, prices continue to rise.

According to official figures, the average cost of a home in the smallest of the US Virgin Islands is Saint John- now equal to $ 1,800,000. Such high prices are also justified by the environment: the absence of large industries on some islands, a minimum of transport make these places ideal for life.

True, real estate here is worth buying only for living or as a cash investment: you won't earn much on renting out here.

The best time to visit the Virgin Islands is January ‒ April. This period is the peak of the season. If you decide to go here to snorkel, then it is better to do it at the beginning of summer: at this time there are no storms here, and prices for accommodation go down.

Vladimir Dergachev

US Virgin Islands (ABO) are located 60 km east of Puerto Rico. The islands of St. Thomas, St. John's and Santa Cruz stand out. ABOs have the status of an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, in other words, an American colony. They are part of the Virgin Islands, which also includes the British Virgin Islands.

The population of the AVO is 106.4 thousand people (2010). Residents have the status of citizens of the United States.

***
The Virgin Islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. The islands were successively owned by Great Britain, Spain, France and the Order of Malta. In the future, Denmark took possession of the island of St. Thomas, captured the island of St. John and bought the island of Santa Cruz from France. However, the local sugarcane plantations, with the exception of Santa Cruz Island, did not generate income, so the slave and rum trade flourished. The port of St. Thomas became the base of the Caribbean pirates. After the decline of the slave trade and sugar production, the Danish West India Company in 1917 sold the islands to the United States for $ 25 million, which was equal to the half-year budget of the Danish state.

The Russian Empire also considered the purchase of St. John's Island to house a naval base; Russian warships entered the local harbor. But, probably, in St. Petersburg they thought for a long time, unlike the Americans.

The world's oldest Knightly Order of Malta of the Roman Catholic Church has left its mark on the history of the West Indies. In 1651, the Hospitallers acquired several islands, including the island of St. Martin, and later received ownership of the island of Santa Cruz from a private person. But in 1665, the Order sold their holdings to the French West India Company.

***
The US Virgin Islands consists of three counties of Santa Cruz (50.6 thousand inhabitants) with the administrative center of Christiansted County, Ment Thomas (51.6 thousand inhabitants) with the administrative center of the possession and the Charlotte Amalie County, and Saint John's ( 4.2 thousand inhabitants).

The population is 76% black and 13% white. The language is predominantly English (75%). Baptists (42%) and Catholics (34%) predominate. The average life expectancy under the tropical sun for women is 82 years, for men - 76 years.

ABO President Barack Deception, chief executive - governor. Three parties are fighting for a seat in the Senate.
The basis of the economy of the territory is tourism (80% of GDP), revenues exceed more than $ 600 million. More than 2 million tourists visit ABO annually. St. Thomas and its beaches are included in the world's TOP 10 most beautiful islands and beaches in the world. The island is one of the main tropical resorts in the United States, where Americans escape from winter.

Information on the main drawback of Caribbean cruises. Many tourists go to the West Indies to meet face to face with unspoiled nature. But when two or three cruise superliners dock daily to the island, local beaches turn into overcrowded ghettos or psychodromes.

One of the largest refineries of the American company Amerada Hess with a capacity of 23 million tons per year was located on the island of Santa Cruz. The refinery worked on Venezuelan oil. Despite Hugo Chavez's confrontation with the United States, Venezuela sold oil to the United States. An agreement was reached with American President Bill Clinton on a price corridor for Venezuelan oil. Later on, a law was passed that transnational corporations should keep 30% of profits from oil sales (instead of 16%). By 2007, the nationalization of oil companies was completed.
Losses of the joint venture between the American corporation Hess and the Venezuelan state oil company (Hovensa) were for the period 2009/11. $ 1.3 billion. This was caused by the nationalization of American oil companies in Venezuela, as well as reduced demand due to the global crisis and increased production in emerging markets. The refinery is converted into a storage tank for petroleum products.

The earliest human settlements in the Virgin Islands date back to around 1500 BC. e, although there is evidence of the presence of people here at least a thousand years earlier. The Chiboni, Arawaka and Cariba Indians successively replaced each other for almost three thousand years. In 1493, Columbus' ships approached the eastern part of the archipelago, now known as the British Virgin Islands, and after him a wave of European settlers poured into the islands - the British, French, Danes, Spaniards and Knights of Malta attempted to seize the islands for almost two centuries. ... It was only in 1672 that the Danish West Indian Company established its presence in St. Thomas, and in 1694 - in St. John. In 1733, the same company acquired the island of Santa Cruz from the French, uniting all three islands under the jurisdiction of Denmark. The sugar industry that developed here was completely dependent on slavery, so African slaves were intensively imported to the islands, and the largest slave auctions in the world are held in Charlotte Amalie (suffice it to say that in 1797, for example, out of the thirty thousand population of the islands, slaves made up 25.5 thousand !). After the abolition of slavery in 1848, the surging labor costs of freed slaves, drought, hurricanes and falling sugar prices sharply deteriorated the economic situation of the Danish West Indies, and the rapidly growing United States turned its attention to these conveniently located islands and their deep-sea harbors. Only the beginning of the Civil War did not allow the Senate to allocate the required $ 7.5 million for the acquisition of St. Thomas and St. John from Denmark. After the outbreak of the First World War, when there was a real threat of the occupation of the islands by German troops and thereby establishing control over the eastern entrance to the Panama Canal, Denmark sold its holdings in the Virginia territory for 25 million dollars in gold - the highest price the United States has ever paid for Caribbean land.

Today, this small piece of land is a recognized center of duty-free shopping and tourism. Despite the fact that the US Virginian government has never sought to give tourism a dominant position in the economy, it employs more than a third of the total working-age population of the islands, and the development of recreation infrastructure continues at a rapid pace. The scenery of the Virgin Islands is colorful, with dense subtropical forests in the St. John Hills, barren and arid succulent vegetation along the coastal hills, vast mangrove swamps and beautiful beaches, making the Virgin Islands one of the best beach areas in the Caribbean. Luxurious resorts, an armada of cruise ships that regularly visit the islands, excellent conditions for diving, windsurfing and mass yachting regularly attract over one and a half million tourists a year.

Saint thomas

St. Thomas is strategically located in the Anegada Strait, a key sea route of the Panama Canal. Boasting one of the finest deep-sea harbors in the Caribbean, St. Thomas, with its picturesque capital and tax-free zone, is well-developed as a resort area and is literally overcrowded with shops, hotels and restaurants. The island itself is strikingly beautiful - the wooded slopes of the picturesque hills form numerous capes separating the beautiful bays and bays filled with turquoise blue water. There are more than forty beautiful beaches here, and excellent diving sites are found almost at every turn.

Charlotte Amalie

The capital of the possession - Charlotte Amalie was founded by the Danes in 1672, and its modern name was given by the name of the Danish queen, wife of King Christian V, in 1691. Today it is a lively and bustling city, with extremely polite locals (this property is considered a national feature islanders), always touristy and very restless. The center of the city, as you might guess, is its port, which in some incomprehensible way retains the Danish style and is constantly filled with giant cruise ships. Framed by a string of duty-free shops, tidy old warehouses painted in pastel colors, green parks and various services buildings, it is crowned by the modest Fort Christian, the city's main historic landmark. The fortress was built in 1672 as a combined post to protect the port from the raids of pirate armada, the government house, the church and the meeting room of the city community at the same time. When the threat of pirate invasion disappeared, the fort became a prison, and since 1987 has hosted the Museum of the Virgin Islands with an extensive collection of the region's natural heritage and art (open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm) ... The fort complex is now considered the oldest European structure on St. Thomas.

The medieval outline of Skitesborg, better known today as Blackbird Castle, looms on nearby Government Hill. One of the many fortresses built by the Danes in the 17th century to protect the island, Skitesborg is the only fortification of its kind and age in the Caribbean. Local legends give a special flavor to this building, according to which the famous pirate of the 19th century lived here, which served as the prototype of the famous literary character - the misogynist Bluebeard (which is why it is often called Bluebeard Castle).

Farther south, on Veterans Drive, rises the green Legislative Assembly (open daily, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm), where the current office of the Island Government is located. And further north, on Norre Gade, rises the Frederick Lateran Church Gregorian Church (built in 1850 on the site of the first Danish Church of the Virgin Islands, which was destroyed by fire and hurricanes). To the northeast of the church, on Köngens Heid, rises the imposing white mansion of the Government House (1866, open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, admission free), which originally housed the Danish Colonial Council. It is now the office of the US Virgin Islands Administration and the Art Museum with works by renowned local artists. A little to the west begins the Palm-lined Ninty-Nine Steps staircase (as if in defiance of its name, it has not 99, but 103 steps), leading north to the summit of Government Hill, from where a beautiful panorama of the harbor and the surrounding city blocks opens.

A little to the west, on Crystal Geid, stands the unique synagogue Beracha-Veshalom-Vegimilat-Hasidim (Beracha V "Shalom V" Gimilath Chasidim), which was built by Jews who fled from Spain. The first synagogue was erected on this site in 1796 and after a fire in 1804 destroyed it to the ground, rebuilt in 1833 - thus it is the oldest synagogue in the United States and the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere (open Monday through Friday, from 9.00 to 16.00). Next door is the Weable Museum (open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm), an interesting exhibition of three hundred years of Jewish community history on the islands, as well as the Camille Pissarro Gallery, housed in the same building where the artist, one of the founders of the artist, was born in 1830 French school of impressionism. Farther east, on Nyi Heid, is the modest church of St. Thomas Reformed Church (19th century), and further south, on Main Street, rises the majestic three-story Crown House (18th century) - the home of Peter von Scholten, Governor General Danish West Indies.

Also, at the foot of Government Hill, you can find the Seven Arches Museum, or the Danish Museum, the "Pillar of Venus" on Magnolia Hill, the green Emancipation Park (1848), the Lavalette House mansion and a semicircular green quarter at its western wall (locals they call it simply - Park), the beautiful Vendors Plaza and Drakes Sit - the place where the famous captain Francis Drake first landed on the island at the end of the 16th century (the beach itself is located outside the capital). A huge number of duty-free shops are concentrated in the port area, between Raadets Gade, Main Street and Post Office Ellie - here you can buy almost all imaginable goods from all over the world, and at very liberal prices.

In the eastern part of the bay stretches the Havensight Ellie area, where there are several picturesque alleys, a dock for cruise ships and the famous Atlantis submarine, which dives to a depth of 30 meters with tourists on board, as well as the Skyride Paradise Tramway terminus lifting tourists to the summit of Slag Hill (210 m). Double Danish-English street signs here seem to emphasize the rich historical past of the area, and shady alleys create a uniquely romantic atmosphere.

Around the city

Water Island is famous for its beautiful beaches and is a favorite Sunday getaway for the capital's residents. Here you can see the Segarra underground fort, built to protect the shipping zone during the Second World War (excursions are conducted through the tunnels and underground casemates of the fort), an observation deck (a former correction point of the same fort), Botanical gardens in the very center of the island, the ruins of old plantations (considered unique in its way, since the island and plantations belonged to free (!) immigrants from Africa), primarily the well-preserved Caroline Point Plantation. The most popular beach on the island is Honeymoon Beach with soft white sands in the sheltered Dryf Bay.

The Botanical Gardens are located 3.5 km west of the city, on the slopes of the "Mount St. Peter Greathouse" (open daily, from 9.00 to 16.00). In addition to a beautiful plantation complex of about 200 specimens from all over the region, you can find an old distillery and a shop selling local arts and crafts. At the same distance to the east of the city limits, in the town of Tata, there is a green area called Taylet Gardens - a real "city of craftsmen", where you can see all types of local crafts and artisans themselves at work, as well as buy their works in a small shop Mexican restaurant "Pollis"). And north of the capital, in the very center of the island, rises Mount Drakes Seat (413 m) with a memorial sign installed on its top, from the place of which, according to local legends, Sir Francis Drake himself watched the surrounding waters and the ships passing by the strait. And the view from here is really amazing. At the northern foot of the Drakes Seat is Magens Bay Beach, touted by National Geographic Magazine as one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. To the west is the huge Mountain Top shopping complex offering unprecedented discounts and a huge selection of goods (by the way, it is the "homeland" of the world famous banana daiquiri cocktail, which is mixed exclusively with the local Cruzan rum).

Red Hook

The small town of Red Hook, lying in the very east of the island, is often called "the little capital of St. Thomas." Indeed, it has all the "amenities" of Charlotte Amalie, albeit on a smaller scale. Ferries come here from St. John, Tortola and the many resort islands of the east coast, there is a popular yacht parking and many shops, several shady alleys and a huge number of good restaurants. But the main attraction of the city is the famous Coral World Marine Park in Coca-Point (open daily, from 9.00 to 17.30; entrance - US $ 18 for adults and $ 9 for children). This 4.5-acre park contains the Underwater Observatory, the Marine Trail (an underwater tunnel with transparent walls leading to a sunken tanker converted into an artificial reef; admission for a fee - $ 68), a special aquarium that contains sea turtles and iguanas, as well as Coca Beach itself in Smith Bay, is probably the best snorkelling beach on the island. The nearby bays of St. John's Bay, Red Bay, Cocky Bay, Great Bay, Compete Bay and Nazareth Bay are surrounded by a large natural reef, which makes it possible to find here many places for sea recreation.

The shores

The rugged coastline of St. Thomas offers a huge variety of coves, bays, headlands and peninsulas, where beach areas can be found, each with its own natural setting. On the northern coast, the best place to relax by the sea is considered to be the protected by two capes of Magens Bay with its almost two-kilometer strip of beach, as well as the Hull Bay area. In the west, Hull Bay Beach with its Inner Brass and Outer Brass reefs is very popular, especially with windsurfers. In the east, Sapphire Beach (especially for windsurfers and divers) and the entire coast of Wessup Bay near Red Hook deserve attention.

The shores on the south side of the island are not so good - there are more rocky areas and mangrove swamps, but not far from the capital you can find good (and deserted!) Beaches of Brevers Bay, 5 km west of the city, the beautifully equipped Morningstar Beach in Frenchmans -Ref (1.5 km south of Havensite), quiet Limetri Beach, as well as the excellent Bolongo Beach and the eponymous resort area around it, which can be reached by ferry "Reifer" ($ 3 each way). Bluebird Beach is known for its excellent windsurfing conditions, while Coca Beach on the northeast coast is popular with snorkeling enthusiasts. There is only one good surfing spot on the islands - Hill Bay west of Magens Bay.

Saint John

St. John's Island is the smallest of the group's main islands and is the oldest. The summit of an ancient underwater volcano, rising from the water 364 meters in the form of Kemelberg Peak, forms with its slopes a complex system of promontories and bays that are very prominent in the sea, which are a real paradise for nature lovers. Once known as a thriving agricultural community founded in the early 18th century by Danish settlers, today this rocky and wild island with its stunning white shores is considered the best place for outdoor activities. Its main attraction is the Virgin Islands National Park, densely overgrown with lush rainforest. The history of its origin is somewhat unusual - in the middle of the 20th century, American financier Lawrence Rockefeller visited St. John and, inspired by its beauty, simply bought part of the island and built a private resort and a small (then tent) camp on the site of an old sugar plantation. Rockefeller donated the remaining undeveloped 2,000 hectares to the government of the country, and today this territory, which occupies almost two-thirds of the island, has been turned into a protected area of ​​a national park.

One of the best excursions around the island is the Bordeaux Mountain Trail, which leads to the top of the mountain of the same name, as well as the Kemelberg and Mami peaks, offering quite strenuous excursions and magnificent scenery, while a walk to the old Annaberg plantation allows you to get acquainted with partially restored the ruins of an 18th century plantation and sugar factory. The national park also covers a large area of ​​the adjacent reef zones, so there are excellent diving spots with lively marine life. Especially popular are the very beautiful Trunk Bay, as well as the Reef Bay and Salt Pond Bay.

Cruz Bay

The main city on the island, Cruz Bay, was founded at the beginning of the 19th century by Danish soldiers from St. Thomas, who equipped an observation post and an outpost on the southwest coast. Now home to half of the island's nearly 4,000 inhabitants, it is home to Saint John's best shopping, dining and nightlife venues. Unlike the other capitals of the islands, there are no particular examples of architecture or history, but it is a very suitable place for a quiet and cozy pastime. The center of the city is, of course, the port in the unusual L-shaped bay, the Municipal Park and its pavilion, where all guests of the island like to gather for a glass of beer, as well as the Mongus Junction shopping mall in the northeastern corner of the port area. Warfside Village Beach is the only beach within the city limits, although swimming is not recommended as the traffic in the city's harbor is quite busy. But here, right on the shore, there is an extensive shopping area, which is not inferior in its variety of retail outlets to the Mongus Junction area.

A five-minute walk from the city center rises the Elaine-ion-Sprouve mansion (XVIII century), which now houses a library and a fairly extensive collection of materials and things on the history and culture of the countries of the Caribbean region. 7 km northeast of the city, above Leinster Bay, you can find the well-preserved Annaberg plantation (1733, entrance - $ 4). And almost in the very center of the island, you can visit the ruins of the old plantation and the Katerineberg sugar factory, which served as the headquarters for the leaders of the slave uprising in the 1730s. On the opposite, southern coast of the island, in Reef Bay, there are several more interesting ruins of old plantations (all of them lie within the National Park of the Virgin Islands).

Apart from the capital, the only major city on the island is Coral Bay- the location of the first Danish colony on St. John, which today is a fairly actively growing commercial area with a large number of restaurants and shops (however, they are, for the most part, popular only with locals). The oldest church on the island is also located here - Emmaus-Moravian-Church (until 1733).

West of the Bay of Reef Bay, near a small cascade of waterfalls of the same name, a whole group of petroglyphs was discovered, which, presumably, were left by the Taino Indians about a thousand years before the appearance of Europeans in these parts. In Sinamon Bay, excavations have uncovered a Taino ceremonial center, on the territory of which numerous samples of earthenware with symbols identical to the petroglyphs of Reef Bay have been discovered. On the eastern side of the island, in the area of ​​the Rams Head cliff protruding into the sea, there is a favorite viewpoint of all guests of the island, from which a majestic panorama of the adjacent islands and straits opens, as well as a beautiful view of the nearby thickets of cacti, sometimes blooming in whole groups.

The shores

At first glance, the rocky shores of St. John provide excellent conditions for relaxing by the sea for all categories of tourists. The white sand beach of Leinster Bay, the famous Maho Beach, Francis Bay and Watermelone Cay are perfect for a civilized beach holiday. The shores of Watermelone Cay, Great Limeshaw Bay and Little Limeshaw Bay are excellent for diving and snorkelling, and the ever-crowded coasts of Trunk, Caneel Bay, Hawksnest and Sinamon Bay are the focal points of local social life.

Santa cruz

The island of Santa Cruz (locals say Santa Croix or Saint Croix) is much less developed in terms of tourism than Saint Thomas, but it is an excellent place to "disconnect" from the benefits of civilization and relax on the isolated shores of the tropical coast. The largest, flattest and most southerly of the American Virgin Islands, Santa Cruz is surrounded by magnificent coral reefs, and about a hundred of its old sugar plantations and stone towers of numerous windmills significantly diversify the rather calm local landscape. The island's landscape is a mixture of low rocky hills ("sierras") of the north, the vast fertile coastal plain of the south, rainforest and, of course, scenic shores. Almost the entire territory of the island has been managed by the National Park Service since 1948 and has retained its natural and historical charm.

Christiansted

A former capital of the US Virgin Islands and an old Danish colony, Christiansted has won the title of "prettiest city in the Caribbean" on several occasions. The city was founded by Danish settlers in 1735 and named after Christian VI, King of Denmark. Situated in a vast bay on the north coast of the island, Christiansted is so simple and smart that it is impossible to get lost on its territory. The austere lines of old Danish warehouses, customs, government buildings and churches cluster around the beautiful harbor, with some of the city's oldest houses built of bricks that were brought to the islands as ballast by sea ships 500 years ago.

Nearly all of Christiansted's historic sights, interspersed with small restaurants and picturesque courtyards, are centered around the old fort, at the junction of Christiansted Harbor and Gallows Bay. Fort Christiansvaern (Christiansted) was built between 1749 and 1774. and defended the city from pirates and naughty slaves until 1878, when it was converted to a police station. From the battlements of the fort, a beautiful panorama of the harbor and the ramparts, abundantly filled with old guns, opens up. Today, the fort complex is surrounded by the green zone of Hamilton-Jackson Park, around which all the old buildings of the city are concentrated. Here you can see the Stipple Building - the first church built by the Danes after the colonization of the island (now it houses the Historical Museum with an extensive collection of exhibits from pre-Columbian times to the colonial era), the imposing Government House (1747), the Old Customs building (now used as an artistic gallery), Scale House, the post office building, Alexander Hamilton House and the immaculate St. George Village Botanical Garden, which contains over 1,500 plant species planted around old plantation buildings, workshops and distilleries.

Just a block to the southwest rises the imposing building of the Lord God of Sabaot Lutheran Church, the Florence Williams library complex, the City Tourist Office and the Commerce Square, and a little further north, along the coast of the bay, stretches the picturesque seaside promenade Boardwalk. Even further south-west, in the area of ​​the former city outskirts, you can see the Gothic Anglican Church of St. the oldest of the temples of these confessions on the land of the United States). Among the imposing churches, another historical monument of the city is almost lost - the Christiansted Pharmacy, founded by a young Danish pharmacist in 1828 (the pharmacy itself was closed in 1970, and its equipment was transferred to the Wim Estate Museum, but in the late 1990s everything was returned to its former the place where the Historical Hall was opened). To the west is the new Senate building.

Across the Gallows Bay is Christiansted Marina and the small Cay Beach, and further northwest, in Cane Bay, is a large beachfront complex with a restaurant and dive center. The old Aquarium Santa Cruz, located almost in the center of the city, is currently closed, and its inhabitants are preparing to move to a new location. Approximately 5 km west of Christiansted, there is the Salt River, a freshwater canal, through which yachts pass to the port. The area is included in the complex of the National Ecological Historical Park, since it was here that sailors from Columbus' caravels first landed to explore the island, and it is here that many interesting archaeological finds of the pre-Columbian eras have been discovered. Further west on West Airport Road is the Cruz Rum Distillery, where you can sample any brand of local rum and watch the production process. The green Kramer Park is nearby with a beautiful beach and picnic area.

Fredericksted

On the west coast, in a vast bay that almost entirely occupies this part of the island, there is a slightly smaller port city of Fredericksted than Christiansted. Founded at about the same time as the capital of the island, the city fell victim to a huge fire in 1879, which almost completely destroyed all buildings. Therefore, many of its modern historical monuments are only carefully restored copies, standing on the foundations of the middle of the 18th century. Its main monument is the large Fort Frederick next to the pier, which was built in 1760 (now there is an art gallery and museum, open from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 to 16.00). It was in this fort that on July 3, 1848, Governor General Peter van Scholten signed a decree abolishing slavery in the Danish West Indies. Favorite local attractions also include the Anglican Church of St. Paul (1812), the Catholic Church of St. Patrick (1842), the old Danish school (mid-1830s, all on Prince Street), Lutheran and Moravian churches, and St. Ann's Catholic Church on Center Island.

Not far from the city are the 35-meter Krek Dam and the 15-acre Rhine Forest with a small workshop of woodcarvers (it is worth noting that local craftsmen use only the wood of dead trees as a starting material), as well as planted with exotic species of Mahogany trees -Road (the forest itself around the road is a private property, access to its territory is possible only with the permission of the owner).

In the eastern part of the island, Fort Frederick (XIX century) and the surrounding picturesque area of ​​old houses, the only Santa Cruz lighthouse (XIX century) on the top of the Hams Bluff cliff, the neoclassical mansion of the Wim Estate plantation (XVIII century) with a wind farm a windmill, unusually curved walls and a unique dry moat that served to ventilate this huge building (now there is a small museum), as well as the famous Point Adall and its Millennium Monument - the easternmost point of the United States. Nearby is the "Celestial Eye" - a colossal radio telescope antenna for exploring the Universe (one of 9 similar antennas of a single system of radio telescopes that flank the entire United States). And to the north, behind the narrow Buck Island Channel, lies the vast area of ​​the Buck Island Reef National Reserve (1962), consisting of 700 acres of pristine reefs and 180 acres of land (Buck Island itself). The whole island and the surrounding reef have been declared a conservation area, in which diving is nevertheless allowed, and there are even real underwater excursions - the Turtle Bay Trail and the East End Trail (antler coral, which is found in abundance in these waters, belongs to the best examples of this species on the planet).

The shores

The island's attractions also include its excellent beaches and excellent diving sites. The best beach areas of Santa Cruz are located along its northern coast, in the areas of Caine Bay Beach, Buccaneer Beach, Cheney Bay Beach, Coakley Bay Beach, Columbus Landing Beach, Gentle Winds Beach, Grapetree Bay, Isaacs Bay, Jacks Bay, West End Beach and Suge Beach. The main places for diving and snorkeling are concentrated in the same regions. Colony Cove Beach is widely known for its beautiful reef, in addition to which there is also an artificial reef made from old tires. Cormoran Beach Club and Hibiscus Hotel Beach west of Christiansted, Kramer Park public beach at the end of Route 82, Reef Beach at Teague Bay, and the beautiful isolated Sandy Point beach in the southwest are also excellent beach areas. " the corner of the island, the quiet sandy Shoy Beach east of Christiansted, and the 1.5-mile Sprat Hull and Rainbow Beach Club north of Fredericksted.