• Delight in West Indian houses and a colourful market in Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands, on the south coast of Tortola. Tour Callwood's Rum Distillery or explore Fort Recovery, built in the 1640s.

• Gain excellent views of the island and its coast from Sage Mountain, 550m (1,800ft) above sea level. The mountain sits in a gorgeous national park lined with mahoganies, hanging vines, white cedars and kapok trees (website: www.bvinationalparkstrust.org).

• Stroll through Tortola's Botanic Gardens and breathe in the scent of lush, tropical plants native to the British Virgin Islands.

• Sink into the sand and gaze upon shimmering aquamarine waters in beaches such as Smugglers' Cove, Long Bay, Brewer's Bay and Marina Cay.

• Look upon Salt Island, where salt is harvested each year and a bag sent to the British monarch.

• Enter a world of sea-shanties and tales of treasure in Norman Island, the legendary setting for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island.

• Head to a hilltop in Jost Van Dyke and watch whales and dolphins in autumn and winter.

• Look out for wildlife on Anegada: the island is home to several rare species, including the endangered Anegada rock iguana.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.