Caribbean · Destination Guide
Antigua
Caribbean
They say Antigua has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Whether or not the number is exactly right, the sentiment is. The island's scalloped coastline creates an almost endless series of sheltered bays, each with that particular shade of Caribbean turquoise that no photograph ever quite captures accurately. But Antigua is much more than its beaches. It has a fascinating colonial history, a genuinely warm and welcoming culture, and enough to keep you busy for a fortnight without ever feeling like you need to rush.
For British travellers, Antigua has a special connection. The island was a British colony for over three centuries, and that history is visible everywhere from the English Harbour to the street names.
Dickenson Bay on the north-west coast is home to the island's finest beach and some of its best hotels and resorts, making it an ideal base for first-time visitors. The English Harbour area in the south is the most historically atmospheric part of the island, with the extraordinary Nelson's Dockyard at its heart. For a more secluded and intimate experience, the west coast around Valley Church and Darkwood Beach has beautiful boutique properties and pristine beaches.
Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour is genuinely unmissable. The beautifully restored Georgian buildings, the working marina and the surrounding hills dotted with historic forts make it one of the finest heritage sites in the Caribbean. Shirley Heights Lookout above the harbour is the best place on the island to watch the sunset, with live steel pan music, rum punch and views across both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
The island is one of the Caribbean's great sailing destinations. A day sail around the coastline is an extraordinary way to see the beaches, many of which are only accessible by boat. Swimming with stingrays at Stingray City is one of the most memorable experiences in Antigua, gentle and magical in equal measure.
Sunday at Shirley Heights is one of the great Caribbean experiences. Rum punch, steel pan, a sunset that turns the sky pink and gold. Make sure you get there.
The capital St John's is worth exploring for its colourful Creole architecture, the cathedral and the excellent local market. If you visit in late July or early August, Antigua Carnival is one of the most joyous street festivals in the Caribbean.
December to April is the peak season, with warm, dry weather and calm seas. May and June offer good value with excellent weather before the Caribbean rainy season begins. Hurricane season runs from mid-August to mid-October, when travel insurance is particularly important.
Direct flights from London Gatwick serve VC Bird International Airport year-round, with journey times of approximately nine hours. A hire car gives you the most flexibility for exploring the island's beaches and coastline.
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