Antigua
really is all about the beaches - and there's 365 of them, enough for a
years vacation. While the interior of the island is a little bit
scrubby (it's not like the lush tropical rainforests on other Caribbean
islands), the beaches in Antigua really are magnificent with turquoise
waters and white sand. The neighbouring island of Barbuda is less
developed and offers some wonderful, secluded stretches of typically
picture perfect Caribbean beaches.
Best Beaches & Where to Stay?
St.
Johns, on the North West coast, is the capital city - here the cruise
lines arrive and there's plenty of tourist shops. To the North of St.
Johns are Runaway Bay and Dickenson Bay - both are well known for their
lovely beaches and are well developed areas. Hawkbill Bay is West of St
Johns - there's four lovely beaches here.
The North East of the coast is where the international airport is, and the scenery is a little dry and scrubby.
The East coast of the island (around Betty's Hope) is rugged, beautiful and battered by the incoming waves from the Atlantic.
The
South shore of Antigua is particularly popular with yachties and
sailors. The heavily visited English Harbour is on the South coast,
along with the historical site of Nelsons Dockyard National Park.
Rendevouz Bay is on Antigua's Southern coast - a lovely beach good for
those seeking some solitude.
The largest resort on the island of Antigua is the Sandals resort - which remains hugely popular.
Barbuda
30 miles
North East of Antigua lies the sister island of Barbuda, which is less
developed and with wonderful pink sand beaches. It's well known as
being one of the top jetsetter destinations in the Caribbean. Barbuda
has a secluded feel to it, and is a very special place to visit on
vacation. There's some the the Caribbeans's best beaches and a range of
luxury resorts catering to an upmarket clientele. Barbuda is also a
nature lovers paradise and a great place for birdwatching tours. It's
possible to visit on a day trip from Antigua - many visitors experience
Barbuda in this manner.
Things to Do in Antigua
Honeymoons
are very popular in Antigua - so to are weddings (you can fly in and
get married the same day, without making and prior arrangements!).
Antigua
is also very popular for hiking of all standards. Likewise scuba diving
- there are a range of diving sites, and visibility is usually very
good.
Constant
winds mean that Antigua is a great island for a windsurfing vacation.
Dickenson Bay is the most popular windsurfing spot in Antigua.
You'll
certainly need a hire car if you plan on exploring even a small
percentage of Antigua's 365 beaches. Fig Tree Drive is a well known
route that winds it's way around some of the volcanic regions of the
island.
When to Visit
Antigua
is a year round holiday destination, seeing fine weather all year
round. The hottest months are the summer months, whilst the hurricane
season (normally July to November) sees increased chances of rain. One
of the busiest weeks is Sailing Week, which is very popular with boat
owners, and can get extremely busy to the extent that it's impossible
to find a hotel room. Sailing Week is usually in April. Carnival, at
the end of July, is celebrated with calypso music, street bands,
partying and beauty shows...
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