Virgin Gorda is the third largest and second most populous of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The island has approximately 3500 residents. Virgin Gorda covers an area of about 8 square miles (21 km2). Christopher Columbus is said to have named the island “The Fat Virgin”, because the island’s profile on the horizon looks like a fat woman lying on her side.
The southwestern part of the island is known as The Valley or alternatively Spanish Town. In this area of low hills you will find most of the island’s population and businesses as well as the island’s yacht harbor, airport, and primary ferry dock.
In and around Spanish Town, the landscape and seascapes are strewn with giant granite boulders. These boulders provide a dramatic setting for accommodations, restaurants and beaches.
In the center of the island, a mountain rises from the sea to about 1350 feet. A national park located on top of the mountain is called Gorda Peak. This park has hiking trails and features a three-story observation deck at the island’s highest point. The views from this vantage point are truly spectacular. Except for a few small business and a residential neighborhood called North Sound, this part of the island is undeveloped and sparsely populated.