ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

The leeward islands of Antigua and Barbuda are located between Guadeloupe to the south and St. Barts to the north. Antigua measures 170 sq. miles making it the largest of the leeward islands. Its claim to fame is its 365 magnificent beaches, one for each day of the year. Its beautiful weather and great beaches which give way to a hilly interior make for an abundance of activities to do and see on the island. Antigua and Barbuda are both English speaking and the U.S. dollar and most major credit cards are widely accepted. Direct flights to its international airport by major airlines makes Antigua very accessible and easy to get to.

Antigua has a very jagged coastline which yields everything from smooth white sandy beaches to rocky cliffs to inlets and cays and many offshore islands. The miles and miles of idyllic white sand beaches and shimmering turquoise water beckon visitors to take part in every water sport imaginable. Diving, snorkeling, boating, fishing, parasailing, jet skiing, and horseback riding can be done in most locations around the island. Excursion companies offer power boats and sailboats to take you on offshore island cruises, day trip island tours and sunset cruises.

Discovering Antigua's interior is a pleasure for your eyes to behold. Travelling the roads around this hilly island offers one panoramic vista after another and contains the remains of many sugar mill plantations and sleepy fishing villages. The many secluded harbors, hidden coves, and offshore islands will make this drive a memorable one. St. Johns is the capital city and economic center of the island. It is located in a sheltered cove on the northwestern tip of the island. The cruise ship terminal is here and visitors can enjoy an abundance of duty-free shopping. The city features a mix of architectural designs which have been altered through the years by earthquakes, fires, and hurricanes. St. Johns features a wide variety of cuisine choices at its many restaurants, bistros, and bars that include everything from pizza to lobster. These restaurants, clubs, bistros and bars can handle your food and drink needs during the day and take you into the night with outstanding dinners accompanied by fiery sunsets, tropical drinks, and island music. Antigua is host to a number of festivals included the Summer Carnival and the annual Sailing Regatta.

Barbuda is Antigua's sister island and lies 25 miles to the north. The island has only 1,200 inhabitants, very few cars, and only a handful of hotels so serenity and seclusion are the main reasons why people come here. Barbuda is not as hilly as Antigua and its beaches are world class. Accommodations are mostly exclusive resorts and private condos and villas. Barbuda can be reached by small plane or by boat from Antigua. The island is ringed by beautiful white and pink sand beaches and is a very popular day trip destination for visitors coming from Antigua. Its serenity combined with its gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters are a memorable experience and Barbuda is growing in popularity.

The controlled growth on these two islands gives you the look and feel of an unspoiled Caribbean island. Antigua and Barbuda, although very different, are both exciting tropical destinations to visit. For the savvy visitor you can enjoy both islands and bring back a pile of memories and pictures.