Cockburn Town, capital city of Turks and Caicos Islands

Cockburn Town is the capital city of Turks and Caicos Islands

Cockburn Town is the capital of Turks and Caicos, a Shangri-La just 90 minutes by air from Miami. The slice of paradise boasts clear blue waters, white-sand beaches and a divine climate. Located on the island of Grand Turk, Cockburn Town has a slow pace but offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. The entire island is only seven miles long and just over a mile wide, but visitors will find much to love there.

A stroll through the capital will reveal the history of the island. Historic homes line Duke Street, including the 200-year old Freeman House and the famous Turks Head Inn. Built in 1840, the restored manor was the original residence of the island's salt overseer and later served as the guest house of the British governor.

Strolling down Front Street is like stepping back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries. The well-preserved buildings reflect the traditional Bermudan style of architecture during the salt era, and many of the town's oldest buildings are located there.

The Turks and Caicos National Museum is just a short walk away. There, visitors can uncover the fascinating history of the islands, roam through well-curated exhibits on the natural environment and delve deeper into the islands' culture. The collection of messages in bottles is particularly intriguing, and the exhibition on slavery details the development of the islands in a moving, unforgettable manner.

The island basks in the sun for an average of 350 days a year, and locals and visitors alike flock to the waters to cool off. Governor's Beach is a favorite stretch of sand for sunbathing, snorkeling and swimming, and just off the coast are pristine coral reefs thriving with a myriad of colorful marine life.

At nearby Gibb's Cay, an unspoiled and uninhabited stretch of white sand beckons visitors to explore the exquisite island. A colorful coral reef lives about 50 yards from the shore, and snorkelers can swim with the resident stingrays. The gentle, endearing creatures often snuggle up to swimmers as soon as they reach the water.

If you prefer a bit more separation between you and the marine life, take a clear-bottomed kayak tour in the tranquil waters of North Creek. The shallow, gentle waters are home to an abundant variety of animal and plant life, and you will learn about mangroves and their role in the islands' ecosystem as you paddle.

One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Grand Turk is on horseback. The horses that live in the beach-front stables take visitors past bluffs overlooking the beaches, on leisurely rides along the coast and even into the ocean for an exciting horseback swim.

For more on-land exploration, rent a bicycle, scooter or 4 x 4 from the center of town. There are few delights more wonderful than whizzing by the Atlantic coast and the historic homes with the warm sea breeze in your hair. Embark on an unguided tour and head to the north to catch breathtaking views of the entire island. You really cannot get lost because the island is so small!