Expressions home Caribbean home Our islands			Our Islands Antigua and Barbuda
	Island home Local highlights Factual information Getting out and about Travel arrangements Our hotels To book Contact us			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. 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. It 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 the island 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.