Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with this travel editor-curated Turks and Caicos guide.

It’s an archipelago of 40 islands and cays, but eight main inhabited islands exist.

There’s no shortage of luxury hotels here.

Drone photo of pier in Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Credit: JoaoBarcelos/Getty Images

However, referring to the island chain as just “Turks” or “Caicos” is incorrect.

When visiting, plan on spending lots of time at the beach and in the water.

Unlike on some Caribbean islands, shopping and city tours take a backseat to the great outdoors here.

Aman Resorts Amanyara Turks and Caicos Villa Suite

Courtesy of Aman Resorts

The main activities are snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and soaking up the sun.

Amanyara

Amanyarais a memorable stay if you could swing it.

Black infinity pools and timber-shingled pavilions perfect the indoor-outdoor balance of the resorts modern minimalist design ethos.

Entrance to da Conch Shack

Courtesy of da Conch Shack

The full-service spa is slated to open in 2025.

TheMediterranean-inspired propertyhas 46 accommodations, from studios to two-bedroom villas some villas even come with private pools.

Its most notable feature is the 130-foot jetty that leads into the ocean.

Diver at Northwest Point Wall of Providenciales, TCI

Underwater Outdoors Photography/Jason Sawicki/Getty Images

(The daily continental breakfast is delivered to the villa every morning.)

This award-winning property has four- to seven-bedroom beachfront and hilltop villas ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 square feet.

you’re free to even go on a natural salt-pond expedition with the resorts saltmelier.

Exterior of National Museum in the British West Indies

Peter Gridley/Getty Images

Ribs, rum punch, and housemade hot sauces?

Its the perfect vacation barbecue feast.

This French-inspired spot offers indoor and outdoor dining in a beautifully designed space.

Interior of Conch Bar Artisans Studio

Courtesy of Visit Turks and Caicos Islands

It is open for dinner only, and reservations are recommended.

Their newly reopened on-site restaurant,Bay Bistro, is no different, promising good food without an attitude.

Expect freshly caught seafood and house-made desserts.

Grand Turk Island beautiful beach

eyfoto/Getty Images

The dining room, patio, and beachfront seating are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

No reservations are required at this casual spot.

), here are the best activities to check off on your trip.

A guide is required to escort all visitors; visits can be arranged throughBig Blue Collective.

Here, you’ll find gift shops, jewelry stores, clothing boutiques, and art galleries.

At Saltmills Plaza, visitWellington Michael, which features handmade jewelry and art made from local sand.

Its one of the best places to shop for authentic souvenirs in the Turks and Caicos.

Hurricanes are possible between June and November during the Atlantic hurricane season.

To find the best deals, steer clear of holiday weekends.

It began with a royal visit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1966.

The festival celebrates the islands national symbol and top export.

All flights arrive at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS).

From there, visitors can fly Caicos Express or InterCaribbean for inter-island travel.

Both offer daily flights.

Grace Bay is one of the islands' most central and commercialized areas.

It’s a 30-minute ferry ride from Providenciales, making it popular for day trips.

The limited hotel options in North Caicos include the family-owned boutiquePelican Beach Hoteland the nearby private islandCOMO Parrot Cay.

However, it is sparsely populated, with fewer than 300 residents.

Its the only resort-style accommodation option in the Middle Caicos.

Visitors love Grand Turk for its heritage, culture, rustic charm, and diving.

Salt Cay:Salt Cay is the answer for a rugged experience off the beaten path.

People get around via golf cart, and remnants of the island’s salt industry past are all over.

It’s also the best place to watch whales in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The island is only open to hotel guests or visitors staying at one of the homes.

Parrot Cay:Parrot Cay is a private island resort home toCOMO Parrot Cay.

It spans 1,000 acres and has over 4 miles of powdery white beach.

Visitors get there via a 25-minute boat ride from Providenciales.

Dont plan to get around on foot.

Taxis:Taxis available on Providenciales, Grand Turk, and North and Middle Caicos are typically quite expensive.

Car service:Fast Track TCI is the way to go if you want private transportation.

With larger groups, it can be more affordable than taxis.

Car or scooter rental:If you want transportation at your fingertips, consider renting a scooter or car.

Study up onTurks and Caicos driving informationbefore hitting the road.