The Caribbean island of Trinidad is located just off the north coast of Venezuela. It is the main island in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, measuring about 50 miles by 40 miles. According to "Frommer's," it is "completely different from the other Caribbean islands." San Fernando, the second largest city in the country, sits on Trinidad's west coast facing the Bay of Paria. The year-round average temperature of almost 80 F, the plethora of chic shopping boutiques and its reputation as one of the best places to experience the sights and sounds of Carnival make San Fernando an excellent choice for those who want a genuine Trinidad experience.
Shop Till You Drop
- San Fernando offers visitors the chance to explore both modern shopping arcades as well as street markets where local crafts and souvenirs are sold alongside fresh produce. The city is considered southern Trinidad's main shopping district. Most of the established shops, malls and cafes are clustered around High and Coffee streets. Both can be reached from downtown via Penitence Street. A few internationally recognized fashion houses are based on the relatively small island. These include names like Claudia Pegus, Heather Jones, Meiling, Millhouse, Radical Designs and The Cloth. Most shops take major credit cards, so you will not need to carry large amounts of cash.
Stroll Through Harris Promenade
- A visit to downtown San Fernando would not be complete without a visit to the Harris Promenade. The area is arguably the city's most notable landmark. The original promenade was built in the late 1800s to honor Lord Harris, who served as governor from 1846 to 1854. Though some of the original elements have been preserved, new additions have been added over the years. The open-air amphitheater, which features live music and stage performances, is one example. The "Wall of Honour," a tribute to notable locals, and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi are other recent additions. The cheerful ambiance and ample greenery also make it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the rest of San Fernando.
Climb San Fernando Hill
- Climb to the top of the San Fernando hill, a 600-foot hill in the center of a large park at the heart of the city. This 100-acre limestone outcrop is perfect for taking pictures of the surrounding areas of southern and central Trinidad. In fact, you can even see the mountains of Venezuela if you look west over the bay. While most people call it San Fernando Hill, the official name is Naparima Hill because of its location on the Naparima plains. Covered picnic areas, strategically placed benches, children's playgrounds and barbecue grills make it an excellent spot for a day of recreation and relaxation. If the steps to the summit prove a bit challenging, you can also access the top of the hill by car.
Experience Carnival
- Trinidad is world-renowned for vibrantly colored costumes, intoxicating music and round-the-clock parties during the annual Carnival celebration. This lively event takes place every year in February or March, depending on the date of Ash Wednesday. It officially kicks off on the Monday before the holiday at 4 a.m. during the J'Ouvert, or "Day Open" celebration, with a parade of devils and demons bathed in everything from mud to chocolate. On Fat Tuesday the celebration reaches its peak, with thousands of carefree, costumed attendees flooding the streets just before Lent. While the dates for the official party days through 2020 can be found on the Go Trinidad and Tobago website, rumblings of the party begin the day after Christmas, with calypso tents and cultural shows that include limbo contests, live music concerts and a general air of festival fever.
