Antigua

Quick Facts:

Location –  

Antigua is the largest of the Leeward Islands and lies at the heart of the Caribbean. They are best known as the island of 365 beaches – one for every day of the year! Their beaches are picturesque with white sand and turquoise water. Barbuda is Antigua’s sister island and lies 27 miles Northeast, to the North you will find Nevis, St. Kitts, St Barts, St Martin/Maarten and to the south are Guadeloupe and Montserrat.

Weather –

Antigua is sunny and warm year round with average temperatures between mid twenties (Celsius) in the winter and mid thirties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages are low which makes it one of the sunniest islands in the Caribbean.

Getting around –

Taxis are available throughout the island and fares are often fixed and should be decided upon before the trip with the driver. Most taxi drivers are also qualified tour guides which is great for sightseeing. Many tourists also feel comfortable renting cars in destination to get around.

Currency –

 US dollars are widely accepted on the island although their official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar.

Language spoken –

English

Electricity –

Majority of hotels use 110 voltage (same as Canada and the US), however a few do use 220 voltage which would require the use of a convertor.

What To Do:

Excursions –

Nelson’s Dockyard is the only remaining example of a Georgian fort, commissioned by the British in 1775 and is one of the best known tourist sites.

St John’s  (Antigua’s capital) is home to St. John’s Cathedral which can be viewed from many parts of the city.

Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation, built in 1674, offers tourists a chance to step back in time by visiting its restored mills.

Natural Preserves such as Fig Tree Drive and Indian Town National Park – home to Devil’s Bridge.

 

Shopping –

There are two charming shopping districts located in the capital of St John’s – Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay. Antigua is duty-free zone which makes shopping even more appealing offering local arts and crafts, straw goods, pottery and jewelry as well as china, crystals, watches, perfumes, cameras and tobacco.

Nightlife –

Antigua offers a relaxed nightlife atmosphere with steel bands, jazz groups, calypsonians and limbo dancing at most major hotels. If you are looking for a more energetic evening there are several nightclubs on the island as well as three major casinos.

Golf –

There are two 18-hole golf courses on Anituga – Jolly Harbour and Cedar Valley.

Favourite Resorts:

Sandals Grande Antigua

St. James Club & Villas

The Verandah Resort & Spa

Galley Bay

Sugar Ridge