As you approach Anguilla by air you notice a very flat, seemingly dry island of scrub and low bushes but also the vibrant hues of blue, green and turquoise of the surrounding sea contrasting with the white sand beaches that seem to stretch all around the island. Anguilla is a beach lover’s paradise and offers numerous water sports too: diving, snorkelling, sailing are all possible around its shores. Anguilla has several excellent restaurants so dining out is an additional pleasure here. Although the scenery is not dramatic, the beaches and the sea and, above all, the incredible charm, warmth and friendliness of the local people make Anguilla a special destination for a luxury holiday.
Facts
Capital
The Valley
Airport
About 20 minutes by taxi.
Size
16 miles long and 3 miles wide
Currency
Eastern Caribbean dollar (£1 = 4EC$)
Population
9,000 approximately
Temperature
26 degrees Centigrade
Local highlights
The beaches at Shoal Bay East, Meads Bay and Rendezvous Bay. Island Harbour and Road Bay are harbours and beaches, lively and picturesque. Two miles offshore from Island Harbour is Scilly Cay where you can spend the day sunbathing, swimming and dining on lobster and crayfish specialities. Anguillan lobsters are renowned in this part of the Caribbean. Commemorative stamps depict birds and fish of the Caribbean. Leading local artist Weme Caster’s paintings and montages of Anguillan life. Boat racing is the national sport.
Getting out and about
Being such a small, flat island, Anguilla is very easy to travel around. There are few roads so finding your way around is quite easy too. Taxis are readily available to take you from place to place or for island tours. Car or jeep hire is useful especially if you think you want to get out and about quite often. Boats can be chartered to take you around the island and to offshore islands and cays for swimming, snorkelling and diving. Ferry trips to St Martin.
Travel arrangements
Access to Anguilla is via Antigua. Flying time London to Antigua is approximately 8 hours. British Airways has direct flights from London Gatwick to Antigua. Virgin Atlantic has direct flights from London Gatwick to Antigua. BMI has direct flights from Manchester to Antigua. Onward flight of between 30 and 50 minutes to Anguilla by LIAT (included) or by private shared charter with Carib Aviation (at a supplement).