Antigua

Reasons to visit Antigua

They say the beach is just the beginning, but on Antigua you may never get past that beginning. The island has 95 miles of Caribbean coastline and someone once told us there are 365 beaches: one for every day of the year. It seems unlikely, but it would be nice to spend a year testing the theory.

However many beaches there may really be, there is an infinite variety. One day you could be sampling exclusive places like English Harbour and Jolly Harbour, where the super-yachts moor. The next day you could be on a deserted strand with only the crabs and pelicans for company. No matter which, the weather is warm, the water is warm, the food is good and the locals are friendly.

Sailing is BIG on Antigua so there are many important regattas during the year, like Antigua Sailing Week and the Classic Regatta, and many of the Trans-Atlantic races finish in Antigua. A visit to English Harbour could satisfy every desire: a tour of the historic Nelson’s Dockyard, stopping-off at an exclusive bar or restaurant, gaze at the beautiful yachts backed by the green hills and blue, blue water, and finish it off with snorkelling at Pigeon Point beach.

St Johns is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, yet a stroll through its streets and along the waterside feels more like a large village than a capital city. (Try to avoid St Johns when a cruise ship comes in, though.)

Inland there are visits to old sugar plantations or the rainforest that lies in the middle of the island. Another great trip would be to Devil’s Bridge where the crashing Atlantic waves have formed a natural arch and the blowholes and spouting surf make a spectacular sight. Organised trips come in many forms; adrenalin-filled buggy rides, power-boat trips along the coast, kayak tours among mangroves and tiny islets, the Barbuda ferry, diving excursions for everyone from complete novices to fully-qualified divers, day charters on yachts and catamarans, deep-sea fishing and much more besides.

Whether you are a water-lover, sports enthusiast, sailor at heart, history buff, nature lover, foodie or avid beach bum. There is something for everybody!