Introduction to Tortola, BVI

Road Town, on Tortola's southern shore, is the capital of the British Virgin Islands and the site of the Government House and other administrative buildings. Wickham's Cay, a 28-hectare (69-acre) town center project, has brought in a large yacht-chartering business and has transformed the sleepy village capital into more of a bustling center.

The entire southern coast of this 62-sq.-km (24-sq.-mile) island, including Road Town, is characterized by rugged mountain peaks. On the northern coast are white-sand beaches, banana and mango trees, and clusters of palms. To the northeast lies Beef Island and the airport.