Famous for its striking crimson-hued sandy beaches, Bermuda has captivated visitors for generations. Beyond its picturesque shores, the island boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, historic sites, and vibrant festivals that are equally compelling. Covering just 21 square miles, Bermuda offers a diverse array of neighborhoods and natural landscapes, ensuring every traveler finds something to enjoy at any time of year.
Optimal Seasons for Visiting Bermuda
Horseshoe Bay, renowned as one of the world’s most breathtaking pink sand beaches, is a must-see destination.
Summer: June marks the start of Bermuda’s lively Carnival season, a celebration filled with parades, boat parties, and street festivals featuring soca and reggae music. Visitors can relax on the iconic pink sands of Horseshoe Bay or indulge in water sports such as reef diving, deep-sea fishing, or sailing beneath Somerset Bridge. August is highlighted by the renowned Cup Match Cricket Classic, an event that embodies the island’s deep-rooted love for cricket and community spirit.
Spring: May is a festive month with Bermuda Day festivities, celebrating the island’s heritage through parades, art exhibitions, and cultural showcases. As temperatures rise, outdoor activities like golf at world-class courses such as Port Royal become popular. Spring is also ideal for biking, hiking, rock climbing, whale watching, paddleboarding, parasailing, and exploring Bermuda’s famous Crystal Caves.
Autumn: October features the Taste of Bermuda and Art Month festivals, offering culinary delights and artistic experiences. The month-long food festival includes wine tastings, chef competitions, and guided tours of Hamilton’s top eateries. Art lovers can participate in unique events like Sip n Paint sessions inside underground caves or meet local artists in intimate settings.
Winter: Although cooler, Bermuda remains inviting with special events like Restaurant Week in January, where top restaurants serve discounted menus and tasting experiences curated by renowned chefs. The island’s equestrian scene comes alive with weekly polo matches at the Bermuda Equestrian Centre, and golf enthusiasts can enjoy night play at Turtle Hill Golf Club, illuminated by glow-in-the-dark balls and lighting systems.
Must-Visit Destinations in Bermuda
The Clocktower Mall at Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard, once a naval warehouse, now serves as a vibrant shopping and dining hub, featuring local boutiques and art galleries.
The bustling streets of Hamilton’s downtown showcase pastel-colored buildings, upscale restaurants, and art museums. A notable monument, “We Near,” commemorates the 72 slaves freed in Bermuda in 1835, symbolizing the island’s diverse history and the African Diaspora Heritage Trail.
For an authentic Bermuda experience, three key regions offer distinct attractions:
- Royal Naval Dockyard & The West End: The historic naval base now functions as Bermuda’s primary cruise port, offering sightseeing, shopping, and dining options. The National Museum of Bermuda here presents over five centuries of the island’s history through engaging exhibits and artifacts.
- Hamilton & Central Bermuda: The island’s vibrant capital features colorful streets, lively markets, and cultural landmarks. The waterfront hosts the “We Near” sculpture, honoring Bermuda’s history of emancipation and the African Diaspora.
- St. George’s & The East End: Recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited English settlements in the New World, St. George’s is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cobblestone streets, historic cottages, and landmarks like St. Peter’s Church-the oldest Anglican church outside the UK-offer a glimpse into Bermuda’s colonial past.
Where to Stay in Bermuda
For luxurious accommodations, consider The Loren at Red Beach, a boutique resort offering 45 suites and villas with ocean views on a soft pink shoreline. Its private estate includes a six-bedroom villa with exclusive beach access, situated near top golf courses like Tucker’s Point and Mid Ocean Club.
Alternatively, Rosewood Bermuda provides five-star service atop a scenic hill, following extensive renovations. The 92-room property features a stylish lobby bar with a retractable roof and an elegant seaside club. With 250 acres of lush grounds, guests often find it hard to leave this luxurious retreat.
Gastronomic Delights of Bermuda
Reserve a table at Courageous, located within Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, renowned for its premium steaks and fresh seafood. Experience the island’s signature rum cocktail, the Swizzle, at The Swizzle Inn, Bermuda’s oldest pub. For a hearty meal, visit Art Mel’s for a fried fish sandwich on homemade raisin bread or enjoy traditional fish chowder flavored with local spices like Sherry Peppers and dark rum. Popular eateries such as The Lobster Pot and Wahoo’s Bistro serve steaming bowls of fresh seafood, perfect for a taste of Bermuda’s culinary heritage.
Getting Around Bermuda
By Bus: Bermuda’s reliable bus network covers 14 zones with 11 routes, providing an affordable way to explore the island. Visitors can purchase unlimited ride passes valid for one to seven days. Check the schedule for current timings.
By Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside major hotels, at the airport, and in key towns like Hamilton and St. George’s, offering convenient point-to-point transportation.
Electric Vehicles: Rent an electric car for a flexible, eco-friendly way to discover Bermuda at your own pace. Suitable for drivers aged 18 and above, these vehicles reduce emissions and provide a quiet, comfortable ride.
Ferry Services: Bermuda’s ferries depart from Hamilton’s Entrance Bay, offering unlimited rides with passes valid for up to a week. They are an excellent way to visit beaches, historic sites, and other key locations across the island.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Use the Hitch app, similar to Uber or Lyft, to request rides with GPS tracking and fare estimates, ensuring safe and efficient travel around Bermuda.
Travel Tips & Sustainability Practices
Note that many shops and restaurants operate on limited hours on Sundays, and public transportation may have reduced schedules. Driving is on the left side, with speed limits of 15 mph in Hamilton and 21 mph elsewhere. To travel sustainably, consider supporting reef conservation efforts through organizations like the Living Reefs Foundation, which promotes coral restoration and marine protection. Eco-friendly transportation options include electric buses, e-bikes, scooters, and microcars.
Many hotels, such as Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, incorporate sustainability initiatives like refillable water stations and solar panels. Rosewood Bermuda holds Green Globe Certification, recognizing its commitment to eco-friendly management. Guests can participate in coral reef restoration activities, such as guided snorkeling or kayaking tours, and even adopt and plant corals to directly contribute to marine conservation.
Kristin Braswell is a seasoned travel journalist and founder of Crush Global Trail. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Bon Appétit, USA Today, NPR, Architectural Digest, and the Los Angeles Times, among others.
