Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ยป Although everything looks close on the map, the ruggedness of Tortola's topography
makes for slow travel. It takes at least 45 minutes to travel the 14 miles from Sopers
Hole at the West End to the airport on Beef Island at the East End.
Road Town
Let's be honest: the BVI's capital is nothing special - no mega sights to see or scenery to
drop your jaw. But there's nothing wrong with Road Town, either (unless it's all the traffic
and exhaust fumes). It's a perfectly decent place to spend a day or night, and most visitors
do exactly that when they charter their own boat or take the ferries to the outlying islands.
The town takes its name from the island's principal harbor, Road Bay, which has served
as a 'roadstead' (staging area) for fleets of ships for centuries. It remains a convenient place
to stock up on food, drinks and money before journeying onward.
Most of the town's pubs and restaurants are along Waterfront Dr. Main St, Road Town's
primary shopping venue, is a nice retreat for anyone seeking shade and quiet. The narrow
street winds along the western edge of town and has a collection of wooden and stone
buildings dating back about 200 years.
Be aware that while Road Town has little street crime, the main areas can become sud-
denly desolate after dark.
