Over 100 million years ago a volcano erupted in the Atlantic Ocean and islands were formed. Known as the Islands of Bermuda, itis actually made up of 181 islands, islets and rocks some of which have been filled in over the years. Eight of the larger islands are linked by bridges and a causeway creating the illusion of one island. In reality, Bermuda is the second most remote island in the world - located in the North Atlantic Ocean, 32 20 N, 64 45 W, with the nearest point of land being to the west, at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, 650 miles (1046 km) away. New York City is 750 miles (1215 km) to the northwest and London is 3,460 miles (5568 km) to the northeast. Bermuda is one of the smallest territories in the world; only Monaco and Gibraltar are tinier. |
Bermuda is such an ideal location as a getaway from the harsh winters of the United States, Canada and Europe, it is easy to understand why thousands of travellers come down here for a break at that time of year. And given the beauty of the place, and the weather, it’s even easier to understand why people visit during the rest of the year. Although this fish-hook-shaped island is a mere dot on the map, it is accessible via direct flights from London (seven hours flying time), Boston (under two hours), New York (under two hours), Toronto (just over two hours), Chicago (three hours), Philadelphia (two hours) and Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte, Atlanta, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale in just over two hours. And don’t be thinking you can cover our 21 square miles in a day or so. Bermuda’s landscape is so curvaceous and hilly, you’ll think it’s ten times bigger than it is. The total length of the island is 22 miles and only 2 miles across at the widest point.
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