Scarborough / Trinidad and Tobago

Tobago is the smaller of the two islands forming the state of Trinidad and Tobago. It is often referred to as the "little sister" of the significantly livelier Trinidad, located 32 km away. Tobago, on the other hand, is full of tranquility and relaxation, attracting people primarily for rest. The island, covering an area of 300 km², lies at the intersection of the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, about 70 km from the Venezuelan coast.

Christopher Columbus, during his third voyage in 1498, visited the neighboring island of Trinidad. It is quite likely that he also visited Tobago, which he allegedly named Bellaforma (meaning beautiful shape). However, this name did not stick, and the island retained the name Tobago, derived from the word "tobacco." Throughout its history, the island changed hands almost twenty times. Due to excellent conditions, sugarcane thrived here, becoming an important source of wealth. The constant tug-of-war over the territory between the Spanish, French, Dutch, and English was finally ended in 1814 by the English, who acquired the island. However, 24 years later, slavery was abolished, and sugarcane production declined so much that Tobago was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1888. For this reason, it was annexed to neighboring Trinidad, with which it shares its fate to this day. In the following decades, Tobago was rather a poor place, until recently when tourism began to develop, finally contributing to the development of this island of over fifty thousand people. And thanks to the fact that Tobago stands outside the main tourist rush of other Caribbean islands, it is a popular destination for tourists seeking peace and solitude.

The capital city is Scarborough, with more than 17,000 inhabitants, featuring a picturesque colonial center and Fort George. Next to the fort is the national museum exhibiting a unique collection of indigenous artifacts. The city's streets offer plenty of shopping opportunities. Nature lovers should not miss the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, established in 1776, making it the oldest protected rainforest in the world. The island also boasts beautiful beaches and excellent diving opportunities. The most visited underwater attraction is Buccoo Reef, praised by the famous oceanographer J. Y. Cousteau. The beaches at Pigeon Point, Englishman's Bay, and Crown Point offer great opportunities for relaxation and pleasant swimming. 

Places worth seeing:

- Scarborough

- Main Ridge Forest

- Pigeon Point

- Crown Point

- Buccoo Reef

Enjoy local specialties…

Rums

Carib – local beer

Calaloo – soup made from local leafy greens similar to spinach

Crab with dumpling – crab cooked with herbs, coconut milk, and curry sauce with dumplings

Pilau – chicken stewed with rice and spices