The Cayman Islands immediately conjures up images of offshore accounts as it is perhaps best known as being a tax haven, but there is far more to recommend this Caribbean paradise.
The three islands were originally discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503, but he didn't find them appealing enough to take the trouble to go ashore. By 1670 the islands were under the control of the British and had been named Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, and the first settlers began to arrive, even though the Cayman Islands didn't seem to have much to recommend them at the time as they didn't produce any goods.
They still produce very little, as most income is earned from financial services and tourism, and they have to import around 90% of consumer goods and foods. It's only recently that they have become better known as a tourism destination, even though they have stunning beaches.
One of the best-known is Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, which is just over 5 miles long, and it is well worth spending several days at least relaxing here. The islands are well known for their excellent diving and snorkelling, as they have more than 300 marked dive sites and the waters are crystal clear. In fact the Cayman Islands are considered to offer the best diving in the Caribbean.
Each island has its own distinct personality, and Little Cayman is truly tiny at just ten miles square with just one hundred inhabitants. Cayman Brac is a little larger with a population of around 2,000, but most people choose to stay on Grand Cayman.
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