Want to go far, far away from the madding crowd? Have been stuck in the maddening ruckus of the city and just want to spend time with your family on the golden beaches of the Caribbean? Well, you don’t need to look any further because Virgin Gorda has you covered. One of the biggest islands in the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, this place is sure to soothe your mind and soul. Spread over an area of about eight and a half square mile, you can do many things, with the option of getting homes with a private pool in Virgin Gorda. Often described as “The rich, plump beauty of the British Virgin Islands”, this place is also a home to many famous personalities like Morgan Freeman.

So, in case you are ready to pack your bags and catch the next flight to the Caribbean dream, here’s a list of things to do and see when you get to Virgin Gorda:

1. The Baths

Probably the most famous spot in Virgin Gorda, this beautiful place is a result of the formation of a series of caverns created by volcanic lava over 70 million years ago. These caverns are flooded with seawater and give you a chance to experience the most unique swimming and snorkelling experience. That’s not even the best part, though. It also offers you the chance to take a trek that may as well change your life. In this trek, you trail through the deep, dark caverns, climb boulders, wade through tidal pools and pass through narrow passages to reach the Devil’s Bay, which is a breathtakingly picturesque bay on the south-western tip of this island. Grand and sparkling, Devil’s Bay has quiet beaches and views that have been known to inspire goosebumps in every first time traveller.

2. Savannah Bay

This exquisite site is at a very short distance from the main city, towards the north of the valley. With more than a mile-long route of white sand, Savannah Bay offers you one of the most exhilarating walks you might take in your life. The water is a lustrous and calm shade of blue. If you want some solitary time and take in the rhythm that feels the Caribbean, this is where you would want to be at. But, keep in mind one thing. This peace comes at the price of facilities and the company of people so one must come fully prepared.

3. Spring Bay

This one is situated pretty close to the Baths. Spring Bay offers you the beauty of the Baths but without all the people around. If you have been craving some solo adventure, this is the place you want to go to. The white sand lies strewn with humongous boulders that you may take your time climbing and exploring. And while the crystal-clear waters are popular with swimmers, the best thing about this place is the area called the Crawl. The Crawl is a clear blue pool protected from the sea by the boulders strewn around it and offers one of the best snorkelling experience you can have in the entire Caribbean. As for facilities, again this does not have much, just some picnic tables lining the shade of the sea-grape trees.

4. Gorda Peak National Park

Situated at a height of 1359 feet, Gorda Peak is the highest point on this island. There are two trails that lead you up to this point through the national park (East side and West side). It is one of the last remaining examples of the Caribbean dry forests in the whole region, making it a really special site. As you hike your way to the peak, you can find many endangered plant species strewn on the way. You can also find the Virgin Gorda geckos who are the smallest lizards in the world. Once you reach the peak, you can find the watchtower from where you are rewarded with an exquisite panoramic view of the whole British Virgin Islands and the peninsula. The picnic spots offer good places to rest once you return from your hike. The spots tends to attract zebra butterflies and hummingbirds in dozens, making this land seem like something out of a book.

5. The Copper Mine

If you are a history buff or just intrigued by the cultures of the world, the Copper mine is a place that you will definitely love. Situated at the South-Eastern tip of this island, this place plays a very important role in shaping the history of this island. Amerindians use this place as a copper resource before the Spaniards passing through the British Virgin Islands found it. After the Spaniards, Cornish people used this place for mining. The slopes are still scattered with the ruins of their homes, mining shafts, engine houses, cisterns, operation centres. You’ll also find granite rock outcroppings with deposits of feldspars, tin copper, quartz and other clay minerals surrounding the copper mine. But that’s still not all. The Copper mine is also an abode of the white-tailed tropicbirds who nest here in in the nooks and crannies of the rocky cliffs by the sea. If you’re lucky, you can watch them dive from incredible heights to feed on the marine life here.

Obviously, there are a lot of names missing from this list. Bays, beaches, ponds, peaks with a panoramic view of the archipelago, rare species of flora and fauna, this island is a heaven for everyone coming here. But whether you can fit it all into your plans depends on the dreaded return date. Do not worry if you miss out on anything, though, because once you set foot on this charmed land, you will be sure to keep returning here again and again.