Antigua
EXPLORE MORE OF ANTIGUA
Would you believe that in Antigua there is a beach for every day of the year, yes, this wonderful Caribbean island has a staggering 365. So, you quite literally can easily find a deserted beach at any time of the year. You can enjoy plenty of water activities, from swimming with stingrays and romantic sunset catamarans to jet-skiing adventures and day excursions to Barbuda, means you’ll never be short of something to do in Antigua.
It’s an island that is famous for its picturesque views, sunshine and gorgeous beach resorts – but you may not be so familiar with its intense history, lively carnivals and active excursions, which is where we come in. Let us tell you more!
EXPLORE CAPITAL CITY, ST. JOHN’S
Antigua isn’t short of history; you’ll find walking tours and UNESCO World Heritage Sites aplenty here – especially in the relaxed capital, St. John’s City. The moment you arrive, you’ll see magnificent towers dominating the skyline, that sit side-by-side with preserved old sugar factories and windmills – it’s a photographer’s delight! It’s a shopper’s paradise too; souvenir stalls, lively harbourside public markets, duty free shops which will allow you to treat yourself to some beautiful quality jewellery at exceptional prices, we purchased my engagement from here and Barbados for an eternity ring! And we hope you will enjoy the buzzing atmosphere – it’ll be sure to give you a true taster for chilled and friendly Antiguan life.
Looking for views? Head to the Fort James or Fort Barrington and appreciate views of the harbour and city below you as well as the history, dating back to the 18th century. Or if you’re short for time, take a trip to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda to get an overview of the island’s immense history.
A DESTINATION FOR THE SUMMER – JOIN THE CARNIVAL!
Whilst Antigua’s a destination for all seasons, the summer hosts an array of not-to-be-missed events that’ll give you a flavour for the local traditions, with Antigua Carnival being the main attraction from July to August. In fact, it’s been held for over sixty years, branding itself as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival.
Extravagant parades are one of the main attractions, with bright and bold costumes at every turn. We’re in no doubt you’ll get into the party spirit! The parades have been an integral part of the celebrations on the island since it began; in fact, there are seven in total with crowds as large as 20,000 people! There are plenty of unofficial parades too, as well as parties and fetes to get stuck into and meet the locals.
GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
There’s lots to see beyond the beaches and cities in Antigua and Barbuda – and plenty of excursions available to get out and explore. 4×4 tours are becoming all the rage for seeing the best sights. Opt for one in Antigua and you’ll ride to see Devil’s Bridge – a natural limestone bridge crossing the rough and raging waters of both the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, following by a visit to the crystal blue waters of the beautiful Long Bay Beach. You’ll also see restored stone sugar mills, sample seasonal fruits and much more!
Or perhaps you’re an adventure seeker? There’s plenty of other excursions available too, including zip-lining through the rainforest and horseback rides. The options are endless!