Barbuda is Antigua’s less developed other half, but therein lies this island’s charm. Sitting just north of the main island, Barbuda is well known for its near empty, expansive beaches and untamed natural beauty. The quaint town of Codrington has a certain rustic charm but tourists will surely be won over by the island’s gorgeous coastline. Those travellers wanting to get away from the crowds should spend some time on Barbuda.

Half Moon Bay is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches on Antigua Island, and is situated in a region which boasts hundreds of beaches, this is no small feat. Just outside of Freetown Village, Half Moon Bay is most recognisable by its pink sands. While the bay is perfect for a few lazy days in the sun, there are also several water sports and activities on offer.

The little known and little visited island of Redonda, to the southwest of Antigua, provides a wonderful escape from the humdrum of everyday life on the main island. Practically deserted, the rocky island makes for an interesting and quiet daytrip. Home to several species of indigenous bird species, this island is also an avid birdwatcher’s paradise.

The capital, St John’s, on the main island is the first encounter of Antigua that most travellers will have. This quaint colonial town is filled with landmarks and historical buildings, making it the perfect place to start a sightseeing tour. It also plays host to several events throughout the year, including the annual carnival which takes place at the end of July.

The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in St John’s is an interesting stop on a tour of Antigua Island’s main town. Housing a detailed catalogue of the country’s history, the museum is certainly the place to go for anyone wanting to learn more about the region. There are many interesting artefacts and memorabilia on display but interestingly enough, the museum building is an artefact in itself. Built in 1750, this structure is the oldest on the island.

For a look first hand at the island’s colonial history, tourists should make a turn at the former sugar plantation of Betty’s Hope. Steeped in history, Betty’s Hope has been the home of several different groups of people, including slaves who were brought over from Africa to work on the plantations. Today, visitors to the site can explore the inner workings of the plantation, from the windmill to the can-crushing machines. There is also a helpful museum which provides more information about the site’s history.

St John’s Cathedral, which sits atop a hill overlooking the capital, is not only one of the most impressive landmarks in the country, but it provides a great view of the island. It has undergone several reconstructions after natural disasters threatened to bring it down for good. The current version was built in 1845 and remains an important part of the St John’s landscape.

The Antigua rainforest is probably the most beautiful natural environment and is home to several different fauna, including many indigenous species of bird. The highlight for most travellers to the rainforest is the exhilarating canopy tours which are offered by several companies. Why see the forest from the ground up when you can get the most spectacular bird’s eye view?

The best party on Antigua is held every Sunday night at the island’s most famous lookout, Shirley Heights. The party takes place to celebrate the start of each new week and has been happening for over 20 years. Attracting large crowds - with some people arriving early in the afternoon to reserve a space - the Shirley Heights party is the place to be at the end of the weekend.

The island also has several bars in its resorts and Falmouth and English Harbour which are frequented by locals and tourists alike. The best part about these bars is that most of them are in unusual settings like forts, ancient buildings, hilltops and beaches. This makes the Antigua party experience all the more enjoyable, with some establishments even offering live music, DJs and karaoke.

During the winter months, the area with the most energy is Dockyard Drive, an Antigua stretch of road which leads to Nelson’s Dockyard. St John’s most popular areas are the beachfront, where bars stay open for as long as customers are around, and Redcliffe Quay, which has a similar policy.

Travellers lucky enough to be in the region around the end of July will inevitably become a part of the Antigua Carnival, held in St John’s. Harking back to the celebration of the abolition of slavery, this festival not only offers a good time but forms an important part of the island’s history. Parades take over the streets, parties go on for days, locals don vibrant and colourful costumes, and fun is had by all.

While the islands don’t boast world class restaurants or cuisine, dining out can still be a pleasant experience. There are a range of fares on offer, especially in the upmarket hotels, but it is generally the unique environments in which restaurants are set and the views of the island which make the experience a great one rather than the food.

There are a few local delicacies which should be tried before leaving the islands. The national dish is pepperpot (vegetable meat stew), which is generally served over fungie (dumplings made from cornmeal and okra). Ducana is another local dish which is a sweet potato dumpling made with coconut and an array of spices. These dumplings are served with chop up (mashed eggplant, fish and okra).

Another of Antigua’s specialities is delicious fresh seafood, which is no surprise considering the country’s large coastline. Seafood dishes which appear on virtually every local menu are lobster and red snapper. Seafood is so popular in the region that there is even an annual seafood festival at Urlings Wharf in July which showcases the talents of local seafood chefs.

Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in local confectionary, from peanut brittle to fudge. If you tire of the local fare, most of the large hotels serve international cuisine, from Chinese to Italian. Sunday lunch is considered special by locals, who often gather for a family meal after church.

There are also several local drinks which are worth a try. Cavalier Rum, an Antiguan brew, is popular among both locals and tourists, as is Wadadli, the locally brewed beer. Non alcoholic delights include Ting, which is a refreshing, sparking grapefruit drink.