Lush rainforests, brilliant beaches and rolling hillsides crowned by the Pitons
Antigua and Barbuda offer a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Antigua’s capital city, St John's, is reminiscent of 18th-century England and its coastline is abundant with pristine, sandy beaches. Barbuda is half the size of Antigua and relatively untouched by development with a distinct call to nature, with coral-tinted pink sand and turquoise water.
Antigua and Barbuda are the largest of the Leeward Islands in the northeast Caribbean. Antigua, so named by Columbus, is about 14 miles long by 11 miles. Barbuda is almost half the size and lies 25 miles away; Codrington is its capital city. Redonda, a flat coral island 30 miles due north, is a rocky outcrop of Antigua that is home to birds and reptiles. Antigua is divided into six parishes and two dependencies with English place names originating from the British colony. St John's is a quaint capital city shadowed by the towers of St John's Cathedral (+268 462 0480). The main shopping area offers duty-free brand name goods at the small yet busy waterfront Heritage Quay (+268 462 3925) and in the vibrant-coloured Georgian buildings of Redcliffe Quay on the south side. There are also the historic attractions of delightful St Clarence House (+268 462 1469), an 18th-century Georgian house built by Prince William Henry, and the popular Betty Hope's Plantation (+268 462 1469). Popular resorts and nightlife located on the northwest coast include the lively sports bar Steely’s Bar & Restaurant (+268 462 6260) and the pizza loving, popular Abracadabra Restaurant & Bar (+268 460 2701). For a breathtaking view and unforgettable sunset, hop a short ride to Shirley Heights Lookout (+268 462 1469) overlooking English and Falmouth Harbour where the elegant yachts dot the ocean.
Barbuda, a relatively flat island, is a 12-minute flight from Antigua and is an unspoilt haven for birds as seen at the Frigate Bird Sanctuary (+268 462 0480 Tourist Board). The island was a favourite haunt of Princess Diana when it offered the ultimate in private seclusion resorts for the rich and famous.
Local history
Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493 naming the island ‘Antigua’ and the English arrived in 1632. Antigua was then invaded by the French for an eight-month stay in 1666 after which the Treaty of Breda returned ownership to the English. The dockyards became a strategic port led by England’s Lord Horatio Nelson in 1784. Antigua joined the Commonwealth in 1967 and gained full independence on 1 November 1981.
Local politics
In November, Antigua will host the first ever Caribbean Literary Festival. It is aimed at bringing together regional and international writers and editors to participate in workshops, seminars, and tours. It is being organised by Carib-World Travel in the hope of improving and educating writers, editors and the public about the skill of writing and the impact of words.
Bahamas from £608
Barbados from £580
Jamaica from £663
St Lucia 