Tobago may only measure 25 miles by 8 miles but in spite of its size, it offers a wealth of landscapes, sceneries and vistas to be enjoyed and explored.

Apart from a clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine, what do you want to see as you step out of your door on the first morning of your holiday? Stretches of golden sand and a sapphire-blue sea? Rolling green hills? languid Tobagonian village life? Local restaurants, bars and shops?

To be sure you holiday exactly how and where you want, making the right choice when it comes to environment is essential. A brief overview of the island’s main residential areas is given below to help you in your choice.

The low-lying western tip of Tobago is known as the ‘lowlands’ and is home to most of its residents and commercial activity.

Canaan / Crown Point / Bon Accord

Tree-lined roads and open fields belie the bustling activity of this area, which is closest to the airport of all the main tourist destinations. Here you’ll find local supermarkets with their distinctive aroma of dried fish and ‘chadon beni’ (island culinary herb), craft shops and a wide range of bars, restaurants and small hotels. The striking beach of Pigeon Point - everyone’s idea of the typical Caribbean beach - is close by, putting the finishing touch to an environment perfect for families and the more lively visitor!

Buccoo Junction to Plymouth

This stretch comprises the championship golf course of Mount Irvine; the villages of Buccoo, Pleasant Prospect, Black Rock and Carnbeee; the beaches of Mount Irvine Bay, Stonehaven, Grafton and Turtle Beach and reaches up to the historical ‘town’ of Plymouth, on the Caribbean coastline. Visitors are particularly well-catered for both by the glorious, quiet beaches and the amenities (shops, food stalls, restaurants and local bars) provided by nearby villages.

The Northside Road

As it meanders out of Tobago’s interior to snake down the ‘leeward’ or Caribbean coast, the Northside Road takes in the odd gem.

Englishman’s Bay

If you’re serious about 'getting away from it all’, stop here. The lush hills overlooking Englishman’s Bay offer you the chance to hide away amidst the most breathtaking and beautiful scenery. The palm-lined bay is a beach lover's paradise.

Castara

Alternatively, immerse yourself in village life at Castara, a remote fishing village offering a sleepy existence between its twin beaches. Excellent restaurants and live music on a Friday night might help to jog you out of your island reverie every now and again!

Atlantic Coast

If stunning sunsets and the crashing waves of a dramatic Atlantic Ocean are what you’re after, then head for Tobago’s ‘windward’ side. Expect a less-developed way of life here, a laid-back, very ‘local’ experience awaits you.

Scarborough / Bacolet Suburbs

The island’s capital, Scarborough, is busy, busy and hot with it! You’ll better enjoy its energy and hustle from a short distance and Bacolet suburb is an ideal location. Villas and apartments here can be well-priced and are of sound quality, often enjoying spectacular views over Bacolet Bay Beach and the ocean beyond.

Speyside

Further up the coast road, and past hamlets and villages occupied almost exclusively by locals, lies Speyside. With its easy access to the Forest Reserve, the rocky outcrop of Little Tobago and Tobago’s best reefs, it is a nature lover’s, ornithologist’s and divers paradise.

Charlotteville

Literally at the end of the road as far as Tobago’s infrastructure is concerned, Charlotteville has depended mainly on its fishing industry and the odd adventurous tourist for survival. However, it has recently been made an official port of entry…. expect to see those luxury yachts before too long!