Antigua

Antigua and Barbuda

The volcanic islands of Antigua and Barbuda truly encapsulate the Caribbean way of life. Holidays in the twin island nation are characterised by pristine beaches, impossibly beautiful landscapes and a carefree and relaxed atmosphere.

While only a few miles separate the two islands, both have drastically different characters. Antigua is dotted with louche hotels and typically Caribbean towns bustling with activity. The island also boasts over 365 wonderful beaches, with plenty of isolated shores waiting to be explored by those with a taste for wanderlust.

Barbuda, on the other hand, is much more remote consisting of long stretches of sand amidst reef-filled waters. With a population of about 1,500 people, it has a real ‘desert island’ feel, where magnificent frigate birds greatly outnumber the human occupants.

Life on these paradise islands generally revolves around the tepid aquamarine waters that surround them. Diving expeditions show off forests of coral and some of the 200 wrecks in the waters around the idyllic isle. For nature lovers, a boat ride can be taken into the mangroves to see thousands of frigate birds in the beautiful sanctuary on Barbuda.

Antigua is brimming with wonderful Caribbean charm with lush national parks teeming with wildlife, hundreds of excellent sandy beaches and friendly and colourful inhabitants. These beautiful islands are possibly as close to tropical paradise as it gets.

The Beaches of Antigua
Antigua boasts a staggering 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Renting a car or boat is a wonderful way to explore the fabulous coastline and discover an empty beach to call your own. A real highlight is Dickenson Bay in the northwest a wide strip of powder-soft sand and tranquil blue-green waters.

Nelson’s Dockyard National Park
One of the eastern Caribbean biggest attractions, Nelson’s Dockyard is the world’s last remaining Georgian harbour. This enormous dockland is a spectacular symbol of the British Empire’s once formidable naval power in the West Indies, which is documented in the excellent dockyard museum.

Take in the Natural Beauty
Both islands contain a wealth of natural beauty just waiting to be explored. Take a leisurely stroll along winding nature trails through tropical rainforests or, for those with nerves of steel, traverse the high wire course made up of zip lines, swings, suspension bridges and a controlled parachute jump.

In Barbuda, diving excursions take adventurers through remote caves and inlets, while climbing expeditions yield stunning views of the island from the peaks of the Highland

Explore the Towns
Explore the colourful markets in the towns and villages dotted around Antigua, which sell unique trinkets as well as succulent fruit and exotic island wares. Quirky restaurants and bars are scattered around the dockyard area, offering reggae and jazz music accompanied by the famous local rum cocktails. A wide variety of restaurants offer eclectic menus with a combination of international cuisine and local flavours.

Please have a look at the Antigua tourist board website http://www.antigua-barbuda.com