White sandy beach - from Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office
Antigua Destination Guide
by April Hutchinson
Summary
Countryside dotted with old sugar mills, marinas jammed with exclusive yachts, relaxed Caribbean charm and 365 beaches to choose from - it's no surprise Antigua is such a popular choice as a luxury holidays hotspot.
The island has a rich history, with artefacts from the 1700s, a legacy of when British fleets commanded its harbours. This is also one of the world's best sailing destinations. Eco-tourism and diving are big magnets, while golfers can sign up at the Cedar Valley Golf Club, Jolly Harbour, or the K-Club hotel on sister island Barbuda.
Getting there, getting around Antigua
Consider Caribbean Airlines, bmi, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, XL Airways or First Choice Airways, all of which offer flights from the UK to VC Bird International Airport, five miles from St John's, the capital. Taxis, tours and car hire are readily available.
The Barbuda Express covers the 90-minute ferry crossing to Antigua's sister island. Alternatively, take a 15-minute flight.
Quick facts
Currency: East Caribbean dollar
Language: English
Flight time: Approximately 10 hours
GMT: -4 hours
Weather: Temperature varies little year-round, with highs of around 30C and a rainy season from mid-September to November, with short daily showers. Hurricane season is June to September
Dialling code: 00 1 268
Electricity: Part of the island is 110 volts, part is 220 volts; 60 Hz. You will need an adapter
Market time - from Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office
Beaches in Antigua
In the north-west, head to busy Runaway Bay or Dickenson Bay, one of the most popular resort areas on the island, ideal for honeymoon holidays. Hawksbill - so named for the shape of the land formation it's on - is a stunning area with four beaches, one of which is a nudist beach. Another lovely spot is Half Moon Bay - tucked on the south-east corner within a national park.
The beaches of the hilly south-west are generally less developed - try Fryes Bay, Darkwood Beach and little visited (except by nesting turtles) Rendezvous Bay and Doigs Beach. Also recommended is Pigeon Point, near English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard.
Windsurfing is popular at Jabberwock Beach on the north-east coast, while surfers like Galley Bay during the winter months. Take a boat trip to Prickly Pear or Green Island, popular for snorkelling and chilling out.
On Barbuda's south-west coast, you'll find pink sand beaches, some of which are as much as 10 miles long.
Sightseeing in Antigua
Get a bird's-eye view on a flight-seeing tour of Antigua with Caribbean Helicopters - you could also fly over Montserrat, with its still-active volcano, and the old capital of Plymouth, which was buried by a huge eruption.
It wouldn't be the Caribbean if there wasn't a bit of cricket - Antigua is the birthplace of Viv Richards, Curtly Ambrose and Richie Richardson. Test matches normally run from January to June, so watch a few games at the new and improved Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
In St John's, head to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, and don't miss the huge white baroque towers of the capital's cathedral.
Betty's Hope is an 18th-century plantation with a restored mill, the centre of sugar production for 250 years.
Antigua was once Britain's most important Caribbean naval base, and Nelson's Dockyard at English Harbour is named after the famous admiral - today, the whole area is a national park, with a marina, swanky shops and good restaurants as well as a replica of Captain Cook's ship the Endeavour.
Most sightseeing trips will stop off at Devil's Bridge in Indian Town National Park - the 'bridge' is a limestone rock formation, eroded by the sea to form a natural arch.
Family attractions in Antigua
Stingray City is home to around 30 stingrays, giving kids the chance to interact with these graceful creatures.
Keep the family active on a kayaking tour through the diverse ecosystem of North Sound Marine Park. If the children have seen the Pirates of the Caribbean films, they'll love going on a Jolly Roger Pirate Cruise.
Try the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour - you'll walk two suspension bridges, 'fly' down nine zip lines, take a 36-feet Leap of Faith descent and end with a challenge course.
Day trips in Antigua
Barbuda has some unbelievable beaches. It's also a wildlife haven and the largest nesting colony of frigate birds in the region - head to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the island's Codrington Lagoon to find out more.
Try Eli's Eco Tours - known as the best of their kind on the island. You get a day of beachcombing, caving, guided snorkelling and exploring the reefs, mangrove forests and wildlife. A stop for a beach picnic and some chill-out time is essential.
Space and sea - from Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office
Eating out in Antigua
From beach bars to bistros, Italian to Mexican, there's a great range of restaurants around the island. Antigua and Barbuda are renowned for their piquant hot sauces - eat with caution.
Indigo at the Beach is the restaurant at the stylish Carlisle Bay Hotel and one of the coolest places to eat on the island. Well-respected Harmony Hall has a great location and serves Italian food with a Caribbean twist.
Nightlife in Antigua
Enjoy the sunset from Shirley Heights. Perched above English Harbour, this one-time military installation now attracts hundred of spectators, particularly on Sundays, when bands play and a big barbecue is fired up.
English Harbour and St John's have a decent selection of bars, or you could take a gamble at the Paradise Casino, the largest casino in the Eastern Caribbean. Order a cocktail made with Antigua's Cavalier rum at the hotel bar.
The island loves to party during Carnival (July to August), a 10-day festival of colourful costumes, talent shows, and good music.
Shopping in Antigua
There's duty-free shopping in St John's - but for something more local, Antiguan folk pottery from Sea View Farm Village is a good souvenir to take home. Harmony Hall in Brown's Bay is the place to head to for arts and crafts.
There's a farmers' market, where you'll see everything from crafts to colourful tropical fruits, on Friday and Saturday mornings in St John's.
Related destinations
If you're interested in Antigua you may also like to look at these related destinations:
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