Information Pages
The Nation State of Antigua & Barbuda consists of two islands located between
St.Maarten/St.Martin in the North and the French island of Guadeloupe in the South. 63.500 people live on the 108 square miles of Antigua, while the island of
Barbuda, 32 miles North of Antigua, is shared by only 1500 inhabitants and by a large amount of birds. Antigua and Barbuda is an independent country and member of the British Commonwealth.
Already upon arrival, visitors are impressed by the immaculate turquoise co lour of Antigua's sea, by the endless succession of white beaches and secluded bays. While Antigua's West Coast consists mainly of a succession of sandy beaches, the East coast is crowned by dramatic cliffs offering breathtaking views of surrounding cays and small coral islands. A drive to the South will take you through a chain of mountains and a tropical forest, ending in world famous English Harbour. The roads are never crowded and most of the pristine beaches are nearly empty, left for you to enjoy. Even the beach bars and restaurants on the road resemble an oasis of tranquility, where you can admire the sunset while enjoying a Caribbean cocktail.
On the way, powdery white sand beaches alternate with banana and pineapple plantations. The North of Antigua is covered by green hills, a privileged place for golf courses and the finest villas on the island. Wherever you go, the road will take you trough charming and colorful villages, green hills and tropical plantations. Old churches, sugar mills and historical sites are just some places to visit during a stay on the island of Antigua. Every road ends in the busy capital of St.John's, with its imposing cathedral and its cheerful market place with its abundance of Caribbean fruits and vegetables.
Located at about 1,425 miles southeast of Miami, the former British colony of Antigua & Barbuda is famous for its 365 beaches, one for each day of the year.This does not include the beaches of Barbuda!
Historical sites like Admiral Nelson's dockyard in English Harbor take you back to the times of the British colonial empire. Just listen to the sound of steel bands or calypso on Shirley Heights and look down at the harbour: imagine the Admiral's float living the docks or watch the smoke over the volcano on the neighbor island of Montserrat. Nowadays, the several well equipped marinas of Antigua attract luxury yachts and elegant sailing boats from all over the world, especially during the several yearly sailing events and boat shows. Click on our section "Art/Events/Lifestyle" for more information.
Like most of the West-Indies people, Antigua's people are big lovers of cricket. Don't miss the opportunity to watch them play, either on the beach, or in the brand-new cricket stadium. Please read our article about cricket in Antigua for more information about this sport.
And after a day of sailing, diving, windsurfing or 'liming' on the beach, a large choice of excellent restaurants, casinos and beach bars, -with British or native flair - provides for a romantic or exciting end of the day. The little jewel or evening dress for such occasion can easily be found while strolling through the duty free shops of Antigua's capital, St.John's.
 |
