Yet a short distance away from the glitter and bustle of Port-of-Spain - the islands' modern capital - another world exists. A drive along the North Coast Road, shaded by the lush forested canopy of the Northern mountain range, will yield breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea; or head to Central Trinidad where the Caroni swamp - home to Scarlet Ibis and other exotic species - waits to share its secrets.

But if Trinidad is the energetic heart of these islands, Tobago is its serene soul. Just two hours away from Port-of-Spain by fast ferry, or 15 minutes by air travel, Tobago offers the weary traveler a change of pace. Blessed with warm azure blue seas that lap against pale pink sands of secluded beaches, Tobago is the perfect place to relax in the embrace of lingering, golden sunsets. For the nature lover, Tobago is home to the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere and, for those with an adventurous spirit, the waters surrounding the island hosts stunning coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Home of Carnival, the greatest show on earth, and Machel Montano, the Soca King of the World, Trinidad and Tobago has also given the humanity steelpan and world class athletes, including record breaking cricketer Brian Lara and star football striker Dwight Yorke, the Soca Warriors, Ato Boldon and Hasely Crawford.

Arima
The gem of Trinidad 's eastern region, Arima is strongly influenced by its Amerindian and Spanish settlers.

Nestled in the foothills of the Northern mountain range, the borough is home to the remaining descendants the Carib Indians, an Amerindian tribe that once flourished in the Caribbean .

Once a trading post for farmers this town has developed into a busy commercial hub for residents of the picturesque villages that dot Trinidad 's idyllic east coast.

Arima is also the home of parang, the infectious Spanish influenced music that characterizes our Christmas celebrations.  

Chaguanas
Flavoured by the descendants of indentured labourers, Chaguanas is the main centre for commercial activity in central Trinidad and a haven for bargain hunters.

Surrounded by rolling hills cultivated with sugar cane, the borough was one of the first places settled by indentured Indian labourers following the abolition of slavery.

Today, Chaguanas is known for its dynamic shopping district and fresh produce markets. Another integral part of Chaguanas is 'Hanuman House' the inspiration for the novel A House for Mr. Biswas by Trinidadian author, and Nobel Laureate, Sir VS Naipaul. 

Charlotteville
Like much of Tobago , Charlotteville, a fishing village on the northeastern tip of the island, is a study in serenity.

Bordered by lush forests and sparkling blue bays, the former sugar cane estate is home to the pristine Man of War Bay and spectacular dive sites at the nearby Pirate's Bay.

For those seeking an escape from the beaten tourist track, Charlotteville awaits discovery. 

Point Fortin
Home to a natural gas plant, Point Fortin is a focal point for Trinidad and Tobago 's natural gas industry. The borough may be at the centre of the island's energy industry, but it remains delightfully rustic.

An evening stroll through Point Fortin will reveal a mix of modern steel and glass architecture alongside adobe or wood buildings dating back to Trinidad 's colonial past . 

Port-of-Spain
Trinidad and Tobago 's vital capital city is a mix of Caribbean warmth and modern efficiency. It is a city where shining glass, high-rise towers overlook tree lined parks, promenades and ornate gingerbread houses.

Ringed by the hills of the Northern Range and the Gulf of Paria , Port-of-Spain is a lively city bustling with music and people. Here you can find some of the best shopping in the Caribbean , historic buildings and lots of great food.

Once a sleepy seaside port, Port-of-Spain has undergone many changes but with streets running North-South and East-West, it is easy to learn your way around this sprawling city.

With the main retail areas tightly concentrated along Independence Square , the city's main thoroughfare, and some of the most competitive prices in the Caribbean , Port-of-Spain is a shopper's paradise. 

Roxborough
Located on the Windward side of Tobago , Roxborough takes its name from a former estate. From this quiet village you can access the island's pristine nature reserves, one of which is Speyside with its offshore island of Little Tobago , a protected roosting site of seabirds.  

San Fernando
Designated a city on November 18th, 1998 , San Fernando is a key oil and energy centre. Bordered by the calm waters of the Gulf of Paria , San Fernando is a major centre for shopping and commerce in southern Trinidad . Rambling over sharp, hilly terrain a walking tour through San Fernando can be a challenge, but for the intrepid explorer the magnificent views of the Gulf, and on clear days Venezuela , are worth the effort. 

Sangre Grande
A bustling, thriving town, Sangre Grande derived its name in the late 1770s from Spanish surveyors who, charting the island for the purposes of creating a map, found the waters of two tributaries of the nearby Oropuche River were red as blood. Once a thriving cocoa economy, Sangre Grande is now the eastern doorway to the seaside villages of Manzanilla, Toco, Salybia and Mayaro.  

Scarborough
The capital of Tobago , Scarborough is the chief port and administrative centre of the island. Rich with history, Scarborough , the most fought-over settlement in the Caribbean , lies under the shadow of British-built Fort King George, which continues to guard her from an impressive height. Spread over an undulating landscape and dotted with craft shops, quirky pubs and small restaurants, Scarborough was made for exploring.