Top Destination Guides: Antigua
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Antigua is a place to take things easy with a beach for every day of the year, a fabulous climate, luxurious waters and plenty of shopping opportunities. With its great reefs and wrecks it has some of the best diving opportunities in the Caribbean while its neighbour, the stunning Island of Barbuda, is home to the large Frigate Bird sanctuary, one of the worlds largest. Much of the activities revolve around the water and the beaches are among the best in the Caribbean with bright white sands and turquoise hues.
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It’s not all about beaches but…with a beach for every day of the year, Antigua is one of the leading destinations for watersports in the world. With great reefs and wrecks, the diving opportunities are plentiful. The superb beaches with their wealth of options are ideal for many travellers - whether families with small children or couples looking for secluded escapes, there really is something for everyone. |
Beaches most conveniently situated near St John's are Fort James and Deep Bay, both of which offer superb swimming and snorkelling. Galley Bay attracts surfers during the winter months and joggers during the evening, and the four crescent beaches at Hawksbill, one of which is nudist, are also highly regarded. The beaches of the hilly southwest corner of Antigua are generally less developed than those around St John's. Rendezvous Bay and Doigs Beach are especially quiet and worth the rough travel necessary to reach them. Pigeon Point, near English Harbour, is a convenient spot after a day's sightseeing at Nelson's Dockyard.
On the southeastern corner of the island is Half Moon Bay, now a National Park and a good choice for a family outing. Long Bay, on the easternmost point of the island, is another good choice for families, as it is completely protected by its reef.
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This colourful island is known as the Gateway to the Caribbean. There is plenty to discover away from the beach which makes Antigua one of the most rounded destinations in the Caribbean, particularly if you are a fan of shopping and good nightlife. A gem of an island, Antigua is a gateway to a fabulous holiday.
While visiting in Antigua it's well worth taking a day trip to the Island of Montserrat, which is a lush mountainous area and a volcanologists dream. |
You should also take some time to explore Barbuda, a well loved holiday destination of Princess Diana who was mesmerised by the pink tinged sandy beaches. Barbuda is one of the very few islands in the Caribbean that remains undeveloped it’s often seems positively deserted!
The most popular tourist attraction in Antigua is the English Harbour which was once a naval base and now is the home to a number of historic sites. There are many hilltop forts, restored buildings and museums to discover for anyone who fancies a break from simple relaxation. It's also worth heading to Nelson's Dockyard, which is full of inns, shops, bars and markets and is one of the most popular areas of Antigua.
Flights & Transport
Antigua has the shortest flight time of the main Caribbean Islands, taking a little under eight hours on average from the UK. Many airlines operate flights out of the UK from various airports. A number of airlines operate these routes including British Airways, BMI and Virgin Atlantic to name but a few
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VC Bird International Airport is located on the northeast corner of Antigua, five miles (8km) from St. John's. There are no main public transport available to or from the airport but taxis are available outside the terminal and take around 10-15 minutes to St John's for a fixed fare. Most major car hire companies are represented at the airport. By far the easiest and cheapest option is to pre-book your transfer with your agent before you travel.
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Antigua Climate
Average temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C throughout the year, and it is also one of the driest islands in the Caribbean.
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Visa and Passport Information
UK nationals require a passport valid for 6 months after the return date. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months. |
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