Holiday in Antigua

About Antigua

Antigua, the larger of the two islands of the Caribbean state Antigua and Barbuda, boasts the promise of '365 beaches - one for every day of the year.' And indeed: The coast of this 280 square kilometer small island is a panorama of white sand, turquoise water, and sheltered bays that are among the most beautiful in the entire Caribbean. Dickenson Bay in the north and Jolly Beach in the west are the most famous beaches, but the true gem is Half Moon Bay on the east coast — a crescent-shaped beach framed by cliffs with perfect waves for bodyboarders and a solitude that is unparalleled in the Caribbean. English Harbour on the south coast is the historical heart of the island. Nelson's Dockyard, a fully restored Georgian naval harbor, is the only still-functioning naval base from the 18th century in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, luxury yachts anchor here instead of warships, and the old warehouses house restaurants and bars. The Antigua Sailing Week in April makes the harbor the center of the international sailing scene. Shirley Heights, the fortress ruins above English Harbour, offer the most legendary sundowner in the Caribbean. Every Sunday, there is a BBQ party with steel band music where locals and tourists dance together as the sun sets behind the islands — an experience that perfectly captures the spirit of the Caribbean. Stingray City allows snorkeling with tame stingrays in shallow water, and boat tours lead to the uninhabited islands off the coast, including the tiny Bird Island with its nesting sites for frigatebirds. Antigua is also a paradise for sailors. The constant trade winds, sheltered bays, and hundreds of moorings make the island one of the best sailing areas in the world — from bareboat charters to luxury yachts, everything is possible.