Hide Index
Long stretches of idyllic beaches, crystal clear waters, deep blue sea... that's Antigua! We are talking about a small island in the Antilles discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, who named it after the Church of Santa Maria La Antigua in Seville. Tourists often flee to this Caribbean island to relax and enjoy the breathtaking sea, especially when it is winter here but the temperatures are very high.
However, if you think that Antigua is just that, you are wrong, because there are historical relics and important monuments to discover.
Let's find out all about this beautiful destination... it could be the destination of your next holiday!
Informed travel: useful info
Inhabitants: about 80,000
Capital: Saint John's
Languages: English, Creole-English
Local currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) (€1.00 = 3.01 XCD / 1 XCD = €0.33)
Time zone: -5 hours compared to Italy, -6 hours when daylight saving time applies here
Climate: tropical influenced by trade winds, with constant temperatures between 22 °C and 31 °C
Vaccinations: no vaccination required
Entry requirements: passport, return ticket. Visa not required for stays of less than 90 days
Distance from Italy: about 7,500 km (Milan reference) for 10 - 12 hours flight time
Where it is located
Antigua, belonging to the state of Antigua and Barbuda, is an island in the Lesser Antilles in Central America. It is the largest island of Antigua and Barbuda with an area of 281 square kilometres. To the north and east it is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the south and west by the Caribbean Sea.
How to get there
The island of Antigua is served by the V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU), which is located in the north of the island, about 10 km from the capital and is connected to Europe by flights from London, Malpensa and Frankfurt. The flight duration is about 10-12 hours, but can change depending on the number of stopovers. From Italy you can fly with companies such as British Airways (with stopover in London), American Airlines (with stopover in New York), Blue Panorama (charter every Friday from Malpensa). Flights from Rome from €529.00 - Flights from Milan from €519.00.
There is no bus connecting the airport to the city on the island of Antigua, so you will have to take a fixed-rate, government-controlled taxi or rent a car, which is the best way to visit the island. Directly at the rental agency, you can obtain a 90-day temporary licence.
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 22 / 28° | 11 days / 55 mm |
February | 22 / 28° | 9 days / 45 mm |
March | 23 / 29° | 7 days / 45 mm |
April | 23 / 29° | 7 days / 70 mm |
May | 25 / 30° | 9 days / 90 mm |
June | 25 / 31° | 8 days / 60 mm |
July | 25 / 31° | 12 days / 85 mm |
August | 26 / 31° | 13 days / 100 mm |
September | 25 / 31° | 12 days / 130 mm |
October | 24 / 31° | 13 days / 140 mm |
November | 24 / 30° | 12 days / 135 mm |
December | 23 / 29° | 12 days / 85 mm |
Climate: tropical with frequent rainfall, so it is hot and humid almost all year round. A dry and relatively cool season is from January to April, when the trade winds (winds regular in direction and constant in intensity) blow. From mid-June to mid-November, the season is hot, sultry and rainy. The average temperature is 25-28 °C. The sea fluctuates between 26 and 29 degrees, so you can swim all year round!
Best period: December to April, less rainy and with ideal temperatures, with preference being given to February and March.
Period to avoid: August, September and October, due to the risk of hurricanes.
Tips: from December to April pack light clothes, a sweatshirt for the evening. From May to November, light clothes, a light sweatshirt and a mackintosh for possible thunderstorms. Don't forget a hat for the sun and sun cream, snorkelling equipment, water shoes for the reef.
Most beautiful beaches
1 - Hawksbill Beach, Five Islands Village
This is the most popular and famous beach on the island, a long strip of white, sometimes golden sand stretching into the crescent-shaped bay of the same name. The entire beach is divided into four smaller beaches, all secluded and quiet, one of which is the only nudist beach on the island known as Eden Beach.
This stretch of coastline is wild and natural, ideal for swimming and snorkelling among the Caribbean reefs. The beach is also particularly suitable for romantic and relaxing stays, thanks to the large and comfortable luxury resort behind it, the only structure present close to the beach and completely immersed in the thick tropical vegetation. A curiosity is the origin of the name given to the beach, which derives from the rock formation that emerges from the water in the shape of a sea turtle's head, whose species is actually called Hawksbill!
Where is it: located along the west coast, on the Five Island peninsula, very close to the main township Five Island Village from which you can get to the beach in 5 minutes by taxi plus a one minute walk - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation and snorkelling
Type: white and golden sand
2 - Fryes Beach, Saint Mary
This is the perfect example of what one imagines a Caribbean beach to be like: fine white sand, turquoise, crystal-clear sea, and a coral reef scattered along the entire stretch of coastline. This is a modestly sized beach that packs a lot of beauty into a totally wild environment in which there are just a couple of bars in the vicinity and no other services.
It is also located far from the main population centres, yet there are a few hotels and restaurants nearby, so you will not find yourself in a completely deserted area. This is definitely a plus point for those who do not like tourist beaches and are looking for relaxation. Fryes Beach is also a great spot for snorkelling!
Location: located on the west coast, a 5-minute drive from Bolands, the nearest town - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation and snorkelling
Type: white sand
3 - Rendezvous Beach, Falmouth
It stretches into the bay of the same name in the south of Antigua. It is one of the island's most natural beaches, completely surrounded by rocks and hills, consisting of rocks and white sand with sandy bottoms worthy of the Caribbean. The waters here are also as calm and turquoise as one can imagine, allowing for wonderful diving and snorkelling among the coral reefs. The beauty of this beach is its remote and hidden location, which not everyone is willing to discover because of the difficulty in reaching it except by sea from Falmouth harbour or by guided excursions, especially on horseback, to get through the thick vegetation that surrounds it. Another paradise in Antigua, isolated, natural and not very touristy as it is ideal for spending a day there but not a whole stay as there is only a resort nearby and nothing else.
Where is it located: in the south of Antigua, it is most easily reached by sea from Falmouth harbour, otherwise by guided excursions through the hills above it - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation, diving, snorkelling
Type: white sand and rocks
4 - Jabberwock Beach, Royal Gardens
Another sandy, brightly coloured beach, this time in the north of Antigua. The beach is located in Judge Bay where it enjoys good exposure to currents that create the right waves for various water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. There are also some less windy days during which the waters lend themselves well to discovering the seabed by snorkelling and diving.
But this beach is also ideal for relaxing, thanks to its one-and-a-half kilometre length that is home to a beautiful palm tree ornamentation and nothing else but a few centres for renting sports equipment. It is very popular due to its location close to the main airport and several settlements where hotels, restaurants and nightclubs can be found.
Where is it located: on the eastern side of the north of the island, just a 7-minute drive from VC Bird International Airport and 5 minutes from the main population centre nearby, Royal Gardens - Get directions
Ideal for: sport, relaxation and snorkelling
Type: white sand
5 - Deep Beach, Five Islands Village
It is located on the Five Islands peninsula and extends into the bay of the same name as a long tongue of sand bathed on both sides, one by the sea and one by a salt lake. It almost goes without saying that this is yet another beach with typical Caribbean features such as white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, with a colourful seabed thanks to the presence of the ever-present coral reef that attracts many divers. Also on this beach, there is no lack of lush vegetation, mostly consisting of palm trees that provide a beautiful backdrop and keep the coastline sheltered from currents. In addition, its location close to Five Island Village allows one to enjoy the local life and entertainment among excellent restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Location: located along the west coast, on the Five Island peninsula, just a 3-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Five Island Village - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation and snorkelling
Type: white sand
6 - Green Island, Green Bay
As the name already indicates, it's an island that literally translates to'Green Island' and it really is! Off Nonsuch Bay there is another smaller bay, Green Bay, where in the middle stands this small island covered entirely by dense forest, which reaches the coastline leaving room for long white stretches of fine sand. As always, the sea has colours ranging from turquoise to emerald, with clear, limpid waters and a shallow, sandy seabed rich in colourful marine fauna and flora. The island is in fact an absolute paradise for snorkelling! Of course, there is no restaurant, bar or anything else here, and the place is only suitable for a day trip by boat to discover the local nature.
Where is it located: in the east of the island, off Nonsuch Bay and Green Bay, only accessible by organised excursions and a short boat trip from the main ports in the vicinity - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation and snorkelling
Type: white sand
7 - Galley Beach, Five Islands Village
This beach on the Five Islands peninsula is ideal for relaxing and enjoying natural scenery thanks to its long stretch of white sand and the vegetation that surrounds it, while also allowing for entertainment in the clubs of the nearby village. It also lends itself well in winter, when its exposure allows the winds to create beautiful waves that are very popular with surfers! During the rest of the year, however, it goes without saying that its waters are calm, warm and beautifully coloured.
Location: located along the west coast, on the Five Island peninsula, a few minutes' walk from Five Island Village - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation and surfing
Type: white sand
8 - Pigeon Beach, Falmouth
Located in the south of Antigua. It is a very natural beach, but this time not the classic white sand! Here the sand is more golden in colour, but it is still thin and soft, while the sea remains as blue as ever, crystal clear, calm and ideal for snorkelling. All around there is thick tropical vegetation and the colours of the coral reef amidst the magnificent seabed. What makes this beach special, however, is its location close to most of the island's historical sites such as Fort Berkley, a very impressive 1704 fortress in Nelson's Dockyard National Park. This makes it preferable to other beaches for those interested in discovering Antigua's history as well as beach life. However, it is mostly frequented by families and locals thanks to the long avenues in its vicinity dotted with hotels, restaurants, bars and local excursion agencies.
Location: located along the south coast, a 10-minute drive from Falmouth - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation and snorkelling
Type: golden sand
9 - Carlisle Beach, Old Road
In the south of Antigua, it is situated in a coastal recess enclosed between two headlands. Although it is very close to the Old Road village, this beach is also very natural and particularly good for relaxing. In fact, it seems to be plunged into nothingness thanks to the many palm trees behind it. The sea is inevitably turquoise and crystal clear in this area too, pleasant for swimming or diving, while the sand is obviously clear without any stones or rocks. There are no particular tourist facilities in the immediate vicinity, except at Old Road, only a luxurious resort of the same name as the beach.
Where is it located: on the south coast of Antigua, a 5-minute drive and 15-minute walk from the nearby Old Road - Get directions
Ideal for: relaxation, diving and snorkelling
Type: white sand
10 - Half Moon Beach, Freetown
On the east coast of Antigua is this particular beach, which owes its name to its half-moon shape. It is a long strip of white sand that sometimes takes on pinkish hues, which opens out into the bay of the same name, bordered by dense forest and nothing else. Its shape means that the waters remain well enclosed and are always very calm, ideal for relaxing bathing, pleasant swimming and snorkelling. Further out to sea, on the other hand, the sea becomes cool and creates good waves for surfers. There are no services, restaurants or hotels in the area except in the nearest town, the tiny village of Freetown.
What to see and do
As we have seen, Antigua's coastline allows for swimming, water sports and various activities, but you can also visit towns such as the capital Saint John's, and various attractions along the creeks.
There are several tours and excursions that can be taken in Antigua, with an Italian guide. For more information, please visit antiguachiamaitalia.it.
Here are some interesting places and activities:
English Harbour: is a natural harbour rich in history in the south of the island of Antigua, which once sheltered the British fleet. It is certainly the most visited attraction by tourists: the museum and restored buildings of Nelson's Dockyard evoke the battles waged against the French, Spanish and Dutch by Horatio Nelson and the Royal Navy.
Shirley Heights: from this hill, which was once a majestic fortress whose ruins remain today, one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the entire bay can be admired. From its 150 metres above sea level, one can see the island of Guadalupe, the volcano Monteserrat and enjoy the sunset of Antigua.
Devil's Bridge: a spectacular limestone formation, the Devil's Bridge was formed by the force of the sea over the years. It is located in the east of Antigua, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. Be sure to think twice before walking on it: it is very slippery indeed!
Saint John's Cathedral: a tour of the colourful and lively capital is a must! Among the narrow alleys, small shops, street vendors and wooden houses, you can breathe in the Caribbean spirit that characterises the centre of this city. Don't miss the Anglican cathedral, the Antigua and Barbuda museum and the two neighbourhoods Redcliff Quay and Heritage Quay. The former is a favourite spot for tourists because it is full of souvenir shops, and not only, the latter encloses a shopping centre in which, in addition to duty free shops, you will find bars, restaurants and even a casino.
Betty's Hop Estate: located in the north of the island, it is an old sugar cane plantation which, after British colonisation, became a successful agricultural enterprise with many workers employed by the owner family, named Codrington. You can see the two towers, one of which has been restored with propellers, and the museum, where the history of the plantation since 1650 is reconstructed through pictures and maps (admission 2 USD - €1.77).
Stingray (bathing with stingrays): a day in touch with nature that includes bathing with stingrays, a visit to the Devil's Bridge and some relaxation on Long Bay beach with snorkelling equipment included. Also, lunch on a sea-view terrace and a visit to the wild Half Moon Bay beach. Hours: 8am to 6pm, from approximately €130.00 per person
Antigua Island History Tour: tour stops are St Barnabas, Blockhouse and its ruins, Shirley Heights, English Harbour with a visit to Nelson's Dockyard. Possibility of extending the tour with stops at the beach. Duration half day (departure in the morning or after lunch), from approximately €70.00 per person
Barbuda Excursion: Excursion to the smaller island of Antigua (1 hour and 30 minutes by road) Barbuda, on board the catamaran. Lobster lunch included at Low Bay and visit to one of Antigua's most beautiful beaches, Lady D Princess Beach. Duration: 10 hours, approximately €188.00 per person (including lobster meal and alcoholic open bar)
Other excursions, tours and activities:
How much does a holiday in Antigua cost? Info and prices
It is well known that when choosing a destination, especially an exotic one, the most expensive part of the trip is the airfare. The cost of the one to Antigua, on average, is around €1,000.00, while staying in a 4-star hotel costs around €800.00 per week. It rises to €1,000.00 and more for luxury resorts close to the beaches and, of course, choosing a 3-star hotel drops to around €300.00 to €400.00 per week.
Let's say that, overall, one can find offers with flight + hotel packages for €3,000.00 per couple.
The strategic areas in which to stay are Dickenson Bay and Jolly Harbour, which have the most beautiful beaches and various places of interest nearby.
Once on the island, as there is no real transport system, it is worth hiring a car to get around (rates can range from €20.00 to €35.00 per day). There are some privately run buses, which can carry a maximum of 10 passengers and have no specific timetables or routes, or regulated taxis.
Where to stay: hotels and b&b from €50.00 per room - see offers
Low cost flights: from €600.02 - look at the offers
Flight + hotel: 10 nights from €925.00 per person - look at the offers
