The largest of the Leeward islands, Antigua has a cosiness and charm that welcomes the first-time visitor to the Caribbean and yet has an ease and sophistication that makes it attractive for those returning for rest and relaxation. Antigua is a low-lying island of yellowish green rolling hills that are gentle on the eye but it is the spectacular coastline of long sweeping white sand beaches, inlets, bays and coves that is undeniably glorious. Antigua is surrounded by a sea of turquoise green and deep dark blue protected by coral reefs and on the eastern Atlantic edge cliffs and boulders form excellent perches for pelicans. The cosiness of Antigua is enhanced by the cheerful villages with names such as Liberta, Tyrells and All Saints with their numerous churches and colourful gardens surrounding the gaily-coloured houses, many painted vibrant greens, blues, yellows and pinks. About 30 miles north of Antigua is its dependency, Barbuda, a flat island of lagoons, coral reefs, an important colony of frigate birds, wild roaming deer, donkeys and guinea fowl and above all miles of the softest, finest, pink-tinged white sand washed by gentle translucent turquoise water. Antigua and Barbuda are perfect for a relaxing luxury holiday.
Facts
Capital
St. John`s
Airport
About 30 minutes by taxi.
Size
16 miles long and 3 miles wide
Currency
Eastern Caribbean dollar (£1 = 4EC$)
Population
65,000 approximately
Average temperature
26 degrees Centigrade
Local highlights
Cricket is the national sport. Falmouth, English Harbour and Nelson`s Dockyard for one of the most picturesque and beautiful harbour areas in the Caribbean. Exceptional number of places of interest to visit including museums, quaysides, old plantations. A few of the outstanding beaches on the island include Dickenson Bay, Soldiers Bay, Hawksbill Beach, Galleon Beach and Darkwood Beach. Carnival is at the end of July. Wadadli is the local beer. Fig Tree drive between Old Road and Liberta is through the rainforest. Parham Harbour and St Peter`s Church. Betty`s Hope old sugar plantation. Harmony Hall, restored Great House with a craft centre.
Getting out and about
The roads are fine except for a few potholes. Car hire is easily arranged and highly recommended. Traffic on a Saturday can be quite heavy in St John`s but you can find parking places. Distances are not too great so it really is easy to get around. Signposting is lacking and an ordnance survey map is more accurate than tourist maps provided locally.
Travel arrangements
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.