Road Town, British Virgin Islands

Three-quarters of the island's inhabitants live in ROAD TOWN, either downtown, along its outskirts or in the hills above. The harbour, which over the centuries has provided shelter for fleets of Dutch, French, Spanish and English ships, fills with cruise ships, yachts and ferries unloading their cargo of tourists into the town's bustling and traffic-packed maze of streets. Road Town's sights are all low-key and fairly close together; most sights of interest, including the Folk Museum and Botanic Garden, together with the majority of shops and restaurants can be found on the two principal thoroughfares: historic Main Street and the more-touristy Waterfront Drive; both run parallel to the water.

Maps and brochures are available at the BVI Tourist Boardoffice on the second floor of the AKARA Building (Wickhams Cay I; Mon– Fri 8.30am–4.30pm; Tel:284/494-3134; Web: www.bvitourism.com ) at the ferry terminal, at the airport and in most hotels.