Ever since I got back from Bermuda, people have been asking me “How was Barbados?” and “How did you like the Bahamas?” It seems that Bermuda is quite unknown to many… Which is a shame, because it is a formidable destination. Good thing I went, now I can tell you all there is to know about it. And there is a lot!
***
- First and foremost, Bermuda is not in the Caribbean. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1030 km from the United States’ East Coast. The nearest city from Bermuda is actually Cape Hatteras, NC!
- Bermudians speak English, but the second most-spoken language on the islands is Portuguese.
- Bermuda is not an island, it’s actually an archipelago of about 120 little islets.
- The colonial town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the Americas.
St. Peter’s Church in St. Georges
- Bermudians are the nicest people I’ve ever met in my travels. I had read about their legendary kindness, but wasn’t prepared for how this translated into every day life. From ‘hellos’ and ‘how are yous’ to waving and chatting, everyone would stop by to ask how we were doing and where we were from. Children on the bus would say hi when they passed our seats and teens would engage in conversations about how we were enjoying our time in Bermuda. Everyone was absolutely delightful.
- At 53 km sq, Bermuda is about 10 times smaller than the island of Montreal, but is actually the third most densely populated place in the world, with a population per sq mile of about 3000 people. That’s a lot of nice people to meet!
- There is no public water system on Bermuda, as the island has no natural source of freshwater. Bermudians have to rely on rainfall to fill up their water tanks, greatly helped by the shape of their limestone roofs.
Typical Bermudian limestone roofs
- Tourists aren’t allowed to rent cars. You’ll have to use public transport -a super efficient system of buses and ferries-, hire a cab or rent scooters. This helps limit road congestion on the islands.
- There are no restaurant franchises on Bermuda. No McDonald’s, no Subway, no Pizza Hut. Because all restaurants must be Bermudian-owned, you’ll find none of the usual suspects on the island, except for one single KFC, owned by a Bermudian.
- Bermuda’s sand is pink. Pink!! This pretty hue is due to crushed fragments of shells and invertebrates and makes for the most gorgeous beaches.
PINK SAND!
- If you hear someone mention an Onion, they’re actually referring to a Bermudian. This weird nickname dates from the 19th century when onions were one of the islands’ main exports.
- Bermuda has not one, but two national drinks: the Dark’n stormy and the Rum swizzle, both made with Gosling’s Black Seal rum.
Rum swizzles at the famous Swizzle Inn
- With four centuries of colonial history, the island is a great destination for History buffs.
- Bermuda is CRAZY expensive. From hotels to restaurants, expect a hefty bill. I had a run-in with a quarter of a watermelon at the grocery store priced at $11.99. And it wasn’t a typo.
- Last but not least, Bermuda is Heaven on Earth. It is unique in so many ways; with its old-world charm and rich history, its adorable inhabitants and its breathtaking scenery, it’s guaranteed you’ll never want to leave.
***
There’s been an amazing response to this article and I thank the wonderful soul who’s shared it on Facebook. Whoever you are, you rock! I have plenty more to share about my time in Bermuda, so don’t hesitate to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more articles and photos of this beautiful island!
Catherine
Island gal
Actually, the closest city is Cape Hatteras, NC.
Catherine
Thank you, I’ve corrected my mistake!
Noel
Great article! So true that it’s heaven on Earth, I made this video of the island please watch it you will understand why:
https://youtu.be/afnZniV_KKU
Judy Gibbons Corday
Hi, as a true Bermuda Onion, I thank you for your comments about my island home. I agree it is expensive here, but everything has to be imported. Among the fabulous major hotels and larger guest houses, you can also find mini studio rentals. Serendipity guest apartments would love to meet and greet you on your next visit. See us on facebook. Cheers.
Catherine
Hi Judy, thank you so much for your comment! I’m 100% sure I’ll be going back to Bermuda ASAP so will definitely reach out to you to try out Serendipity guest apartments! Cheers!! Catherine
Lil Onion
Thanks so much for this! I am from BERMUDA and I am very proud of our little island with the big heart!
Notice I said “island” – because Bermuda may be made up of several, the main inhabited islands are linked by bridges or reclaimed land into one beautiful, sub-tropical paradise.
Please feel free to visit (and write about) us again, especially when you need to “defrost”
Catherine
Ha, thank you so much for stopping by! I fell in love with your beautiful island so will be posting a ton of pictures and articles about my brief (but wonderful) time on Bermuda! Stay tuned 🙂
Florence Lombardi
I am Bermudian through and through. I have lived in Italy since 1970. But home will Always be Bermuda. Lucky I can home mostly every year. <3
Catherine
Splitting your time between Italy and Bermuda seems to me to be the most perfect combination!! 🙂
Dot Midgley
I am a Bermudian living in U.K. I totally agree with you that people have the wrong idea about Bermuda and its location.
Until we educate the travel agents and their magazine they will always get it wrong.
I help out at a school and they are learning about Bermuda and doing letter exchange with a school.
Catherine
Absolutely! Bermuda is a destination on its own and if I can help spread the good word about what it has to offer, than I’m a happy camper! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Bermudian Entrepreneur
Thank you for the nice comments about Bermuda. 🙂 We need more positive things said about Bermuda and it’s Proud People…Cheers!
Catherine
It’s my pleasure! I have only positive things to say about Bermuda and its people. Cheers!
Saafiyah Abdul-Aleem
This was an easy read and a wealth of information. I am a Bermudian but now live in Maryland by way of Florida. Bermuda is very expensive but worth it.
I hope your article and pictures encourage others to vacation on this piece of Paradise.
Catherine
Ah, thank you!!! I hope my love for Bermuda inspires others to go! 🙂
Taja Fox
Thank you for sharing this. Cheer to you!! It is quite surprising that many people aren’t aware of beautiful Bermuda! Ever since I moved here, I have been shocked at the lack of awareness of Bermuda. This is why I wrote “10 Things You Should Know About Bermuda” on my blog. Check it out when you can! 🙂
Catherine
Hi Taja! Thank you so much for stopping by. I will certainly read your post as I want to learn all about the island. You’re really lucky to be living in such a beautiful place! Cheers 🙂
Peggy Mark nee the Jenkins family
Have lived in England since 1959 always good to come home to visit the family .was nice to read the history of Bermuda again there is a lot of people who don’t know where it is .Peggy
Catherine
Hi Peggy! Bermuda is indeed quite mysterious but should be on everyone’s radar. Must be fantastic to go back to see your family. Thanks for your comment!
Val Thomas
It’s so true what they say about Bermuda being “another world”
I was born,& raised on the island but left 46 yrs ago,& now make my home in the US but, my travels always take me back to my beautiful island gem Bermuda😊😊
Catherine
Hello Val, it’s true that your island is a gem! Glad to read that you always travel back to Bermuda! 🙂
Svetoslav Dimitrov
Wow,
I knew where Bermuda is, but I was not aware of any of these curious facts! The pink sand is absolutely stunning, while I love how they have banned foreigners of renting a car.
Heaven on Earth, you say? 🙂
Thank you very much for the great article,
Svet
Catherine
Heaven on Earth indeed! The pink sand is gorgeous and can be found on every beach! Thank you so much for your comment and for stopping by.
Kenneth Simmons
First of all I would like to thank you for your kind comments about Bermuda. As a born Bermudian, I am very grateful that you took the time to write about our lovely home. I couldn’t have put it in a better perspective as you have. We the people of Bermuda is what makes this place so warm and friendly as tourism used to be our main industry, so from young we are taught to be polite to our guest, such as yourself. Sorry for the outrages prices that you encountered. Please feel free to visit again, as you’ll be forever welcomed. Thanking you kindly once again.
Catherine
Hello Kenneth, thank you so very much for your comment! No worries about the prices, we managed very well and as people were so kind, they would always help us finding the cheaper options! I will certainly visit again.
Cheers, and thanks again!
Catherine
Reese Lewis
My family lived in Bermuda in the 60’s so I hear all of the stories. My Grandfather was the Minister at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church during that time… or ” The Pink Church ” as it is known to locals and tourists. One day, I look forward to visiting this beautiful destination and attending a church service. There is a plaque on the church wall somewhere with his name on .. REV. W. GEORGE LEWIS . Have to save up for sure!!
Catherine
Hi Reese, wow, what a story! I remember the “Pink Church” very well. It’s in downtown Hamilton, very close to the bus station and the harbor where I would take the ferry. I don’T think I took photos of it and I did not go in, but if I go back to Bermuda, I will visit the church and think of you and your father. I do hope you’ll visit the island.
Best, Catherine
Barbara Finsness
Hello Catherine,
Would you like a job with our tourism authority? These facts were not secrets until a few years ago! Drop by my shop the next time you are on the island, I have been inspired by it’s beauty for over 30 years!
Barbara Finsness
The Island Shop
Bermuda
Catherine
Hi Barbara! Ha, I’d love to become a Bermuda tourism ambassador! I’ll definitely drop by your store next time I’m in Bermuda 🙂
Fiona
Accommodations don’t have to be expensive: rent a little studio or a cottage, and bring some foodstuffs down with you so you can cook at home. As long as you don’t bring fresh produce or fish, you will be fine! It cuts the costs down enormously! Then you can tour around on the bus or mopeds and treat yourself to a delicious meal out when you want to, and not because you have to.
We have 140 properties available. Contact us anytime!
Catherine
Thanks for the tips, Fiona! Will certainly contact you when I go back to Bermuda! Cheers!
Debbra
I write about tropical travel and Bermuda has been high on my list to visit. I hope I can find a way to get there in 2016! I was surprised at a couple of the facts you mention. For example, do you know why Portuguese is the second most spoken language after English? Thanks for this informative post!
Catherine
Hi Debbra, I love your blog! I’m a big fan of tropical destinations myself 🙂
It seems that there was at some point a lot of Portuguese people that immigrated from the Azores islands to Bermuda and that’s why Portuguese is the second most-talked language. I’m afraid I don’t know much more about this fact but will definitely try to learn more.
Thanks for your comment, and for stopping by!
diana
you’ve just convinced me to make Bermuda one of my target stops for next year! thank you!!!
Catherine
Wow! Diana, this is the greatest compliment one can pay to a travel blogger! I’m so happy to have inspired you to travel to Bermuda, that is wonderful news!
Cheers, Catherine
Becky
Call me wind because I am abtolusely blown away.
Madi@Restless Worker
wow cool!! I definitely did not know any of these facts about Bermuda. I’ve wanted to travel there for so long – now I’ve got even more reason to! I really love the layout of your blog as well – where did you get your template?
Catherine
There are so many good reasons to go to Bermuda!! Thanks for your comment 🙂 Oh, and I got my template from Theme Forest: http://themeforest.net/category/wordpress They have a gazillion themes!
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Bill
Fantastic picture from Cut Road above St Georges, we have seen that several times but never like your picture.
Your description of our favourite vacation place is spot on and very descriptive of what we have found which is probably the reason we have returned 6 or 7 times after we discovered it in 1997.
Hope you post more and we discovered this post from twitter.
Thanks Bill & Sheila
Catherine
Hi Bill & Sheila, thank you so much for taking the time to comment on my article! The views from Cut Road were truly incredible. I have a ton more to say about this stunning island, and plenty more photos. I’ll be publishing them very soon! I can absolutely understand why Bermuda has become your favorite vacation place. I cannot wait to go back!
Cheers,
Catherine
Clarke L jones
It would being cheaper to buy a whole watermelon for $15.99 and shared it.
Catherine
For sure! We just ended up not buying any.
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เบอร์สวยราคาถูก
Hey would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working with?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a
lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a honest price?
Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!
Catherine
Hi! I’m hosted by Bluehost and am satisfied with them 🙂
shivansh
wow, I had no idea about all these facts on bermuda! Thanks!
Catherine
My pleasure!! 🙂
Bermuda to the Uk
Love this. Even taught me some things about my own home. Hope you visit again soon!
Catherine
Yay! So glad you learnt something new! I definitely hope to visit soon 🙂
Tamika
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I know this blog has been awhile now but I’m hoping you can help me find an inexpensive vacation rental thats fairly affordable. My husband and I will be in bermuda, July 28 to August 4th 2016 and we was not aware of how expensive the hotels are and we can’t back out now we already purchased our dlights please help!!!!
Catherine
Hi Tamika,
Unfortunately as I’m not a travel agent I wouldn’t be able to help you secure affordable accommodation on Bermuda, but if you contact your local travel agent or browse the web or AirBnb, you should be able to find some pretty interesting places that won’t break the bank!
Have a wonderful trip 🙂
Don
Just got back from a cruise to Bermuda. Spent a full day in St. George and St. Catherine’s Fort and Tobacco Bay Beach. Loved the island and can’t wait to go back. Some great secrets here.
Donella
I was born in Canada but my Mother’s family is Bermudian, so there were many visits and then I went to live there; married and enjoyed this very special place and all my many relatives. Our family has been there for a few hundred years and has lots of interesting stories about life on the Island…some of them may even be true! Wish I could get back to visit more often. Have lived in a few other countries, but none quite as special as Bermuda.
Grenell Stocks
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for summing up our lovely island. I thank you for coming and sharing your experiences which really is the best from of advertising.
You explained the sites so well that I’ll have to get you a pink shirt, so you can work with us. The” Tourism Ambassadors” .lol
Looking forward to meeting you real soon. Look me up I’m Grenell Stocks. I’ll be in a pink shirt in the Dockyard area.
God bless you and keep . I’l see you then!
Phiilip Cook
The population of Bermuda is actually just over 60,000.
Island in the Sun
Thank you Catherine. I am a “born and bred” Bermudian. The picture taken on Cut Road is literally three minutes from my family home. I enjoy that view every day and I have to say it s breathtaking every time. It is amazing to see the hue of this view change, depending on the time of day (or night) and weather conditions. My friends and family are very aware of how blessed we are to live in such a beautiful place and mention it often when we are reminded of its awe. Thanks again for taking time to, as we say “put us back on the map” and please come again soon!
Dave(Pony)Moore
I spent 2 years at HMS Malabar,& loved every minute of my time in Bermuda.Whilst there I had an onion.My daughter Kerry who now has 2 birth certificates.Keep saying must get her back there.
R, Anthony Martin Sr
I have a daughter – in- law there, Louisa Martin, last name may have changed. Hope to visit there one day.
Lilly
I’m also an “onion” who gives thanks every morning when I wake up… the breathtaking views where I live take my breath away. I always remind my children how blessed we are to live where others come to vacation.
My exact words “Tourists pay thoooousands of dollars to enjoy what we can do for free each and every day! Don’t take it for granted. Appreciate the natural beauty and charming culture of our gorgeous island home.”
Catherine
OMG, so true. You are truly blessed to be able to call Bermuda home. Enjoy every minute of it!!
Judy Ann Ciociola
Have been to Bermuda a dozen times and I always seem to find something new to see or do. Just love it there. A few years ago we visited the Lobster Pot Restaurant as my son works at a restaurant in our town 4 star with the same name, he brought his work shirt and they gave him one of theirs. It was a very good time. Was just there again in April, so see you again next year.
Catherine
Oh, so cool! There is just so much to see and do. I just cannot wait to go back. Hope to see you there next year! 🙂
Charlie Dolan
I had the pleasure of working in Bermuda for the last 5.5t years of my career. It was the best and most tranquil (aside from two hurricanes) assignment in thirty-six years.
Catherine
Oh, lucky you. I often wish I’d moved to Bermuda. Might happen someday! Hope those hurricanes weren’t too scary?