Travel Guides: All Countries / Caribbean / Antigua
 |  | Destination Guide : Antigua |
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| | | Typically tropical |  | Why go on holiday to Antigua?
Tourists are attracted to a typically tropical taste of the Caribbean. Beach lovers are spoilt for choice with 365 glorious stretches of fine sand - one for each day of the year. It is also a yacht-lovers' paradise, with excellent sheltered harbours.
Sister island Barbuda has pink sand beaches, coral reefs that are still unspoilt by motor boats, a lagoon and a sleepy, laid-back Caribbean atmosphere.
How much does it cost?
There is a range of accommodation so prices fluctuate. In general, expect a two-week package holiday to start from about £750 on a room-only basis, or £1,100 all-inclusive. Flights only can be found as low as £400, but expect to pay from £600.
When should I go?
Antigua is hot and humid year-round, although tradewinds make it most comfortable from January to April when day temperatures usually hover around 85F/28C. Expect rain at any time of the year, although it is heaviest from September to November.
Hurricane season is from June to November. Carnival starts at the end of July and finishes August 1. Antigua Sailing Week runs for a week from the last Sunday in April.
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| | | From beaches to Betty's Hope | | What should I do when I'm there?
Laze on the beach. Swimming and diving are excellent, with coral canyons, wall drops and sea caves along the Cades Reef and Ariadne Shoal. Snorkelling is recommended along Paradise Reef.
Windsurfers enjoy the sheltered west coast as well as open east coast - depending on experience. Game fishing is popular - marlin, tuna and wahoo are all caught in Antiguan waters.
Hike around the island or join the Hash House Harriers club for a weekly run. Enjoy a game of golf. Twitchers will love the bird sanctuary on sister island Barbuda.
Which are the best beach resorts?
The main resorts are Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay. Both are fairly low-key by Caribbean standards but Dickenson is the livelier of the two.
The south coast , particularly Falmouth and English Harbour, is popular with yachties. The east coast, where the sea tends to be a bit rougher, is the most isolated part of the island.
What if I'm bored with the beach?
Spend a day at Nelson's Dockyard, named after the British hero, who spent time here. The 18th century harbour has been restored and is now a fashionable yacht marina. Visit Betty's Hope - an old sugar plantation with a fully restored sugar mill.
Rope-swing or walk the plank during a Jolly Roger cruise around the island. Drive to the greenest part of the island with the remnants of rainforest at Fig Tree Hill or to Devil's Bridge - a spectacular outcrop of rocks overhanging the sea.
Take the ferry to Barbuda to sample a truly laid-back Caribbean lifestyle on the tiny unspoiled island and see the Man 'O War birds skimming the water.
Where else is worth a visit?
In the capital, St. John's, see the cathedral, the daily market, the museum with its Arawak village reconstruction and the harbour's Heritage Quay shopping mall for souvenirs and places to eat.
The new Jolly Harbour resort is Antigua's own take on LA, with modern water sports, golf, international cuisine and strange new architectural follies such as mini Spanish castles.
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| | | Heights? Shirley some mistake | | Where's good for nightlife?
Shirley Heights, overlooking English Harbour, vibrates to the sound of steel bands and reggae music every Thursday and Sunday evenings.
Milers by the Sea at Fort James, Spinnakers at Dickenson Bay and Margaritas at Redcliffe Quay in St John's all have live music. The Carnival in late July and early August makes the whole island vibrant, with colourful parades and street parties.
What's the food like?
There's a good range of West Indian, French, Italian, English and North American food. Best is fresh seafood - try the catch of the day. For snacks try roti, large pancakes filled with curry - they're filling, cheap and delicious.
Eat as much Caribbean fruit as you can - you will never taste anything as good outside the region. Antigua has small black pineapples - they look odd but taste good. Wadadli is the local lager, and Cavalier and English Harbour are local rums.
What should I buy?
In St. John's, head for Caribelle Batiks for quality Caribbean-made wall hangings and clothing. At Nelson's Dockyard, The Art Centre sells local artwork, inexpensive prints, T-shirts, jewellery and other souvenirs.
Calabash art is popular - watch for cracks as, contrary to what the seller tells you, if the calabash is still green it will crack more as it dries out. Harmony Hall at Nonsuch Bay has fine arts and crafts with exhibitions of work by local artists.
Rum is a good buy everywhere on the island, both white and dark.
What is there for children to do?
Kids should enjoy the Jolly Roger Cruise and Jolly Harbour's attractions, as well as Nelson's Dockyard, Betty's Hope and glass-bottomed cruises (don't take trips if you are encouraged to walk on coral as it is illegal and kills the reef).
Some large all-inclusive hotels may have kids' facilities - check with your operator as other large hotels have an expressly "adult" ambience.
Tourist office
Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office, 15 Thayer Street, London W1U 3JT. Tel: 020 7486 7073.
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| | Available rental properties in Antigua |
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| |  | | Jolly Harbour, Marina Villa
200M FROM BEACH+CARIBBEAN ON YOUR STEPS!8 RESTAURANTS/BARS,SHOPS,18 HOLE GOLF COURSE,TENNIS,SQUASH,SHUTTLE SERVICE & GATED 24HR SECURITY
|  | | Beachfront apartment next to Sandals
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION...frontline beach apt on Dickenson Bay. Can sleep upto 4. Private balcony with sea views - onsite pool, watersports, restaurants, shop. 10 min a'port transfer 5 mins golf
|  | | The Carib House
Luxury villa 5 bedroom rental with pool. Includes daily maid service
|  | | Jolly Harbour Villa
Fully furnished, two bedroom villa in Jolly Harbour, Antigua. Located in between the marina and Antigua's longest beach, the villa is ideally situated for a fantastic holiday.
|  | | Jolly Harbour Villa South
2 bedroom ensuite luxury waterside townhouse villa on the exclusive Jolly Harbour Marina & Golf resort. Private deck and mooring.
| | Click here for more properties... |
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