Whether you are on a family vacation, romantic getaway, honeymoon, or business trip, Antigua and Barbuda's towns and villages will inject unforgettable experiences and indelible moments into your visit. Set amidst a tropical haven with fantastic shores, amazingly transparent waters, stunning marine life, warm winds, and a plethora of magnificent attractions, expect to be pampered with luxury accommodation, boutique shopping, shores featuring pink sands, fine dining, and a cluster of historical and cultural sites, waiting for you right next to the surf! Below are a few of the towns in Antigua and Barbuda that never fails to inspire awe, one way or another!
St. John's – Cosmopolitan and Lively
One of the most developed towns in Antigua and Barbuda, St. John’s is the nation's bustling capital that welcomes visitors with pristine sugary beaches, historic sites, museums, gaming, and exquisite dining and shopping scene. Feel free to stroll along the sandy shores just before sunset and treat your eyes to a spectacular sight. Or enjoy a candlelit dinner with mouth-watering local tastes, including salt fish and conch, accompanied by delicious rum or beer. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda will probably speak directly to your heart if you are a museum fan. At the same time, you could even explore historical sites and famous landmarks, such as Fort James and St. John’s Cathedral, before you head to Heritage Quay for an exciting shopping spree.
All Saints – Exclusive and Refined
All Saints is the ideal place to be if you feel an infatuation towards anything culture or history-related. The charming town on the north of St. John’s is home to iconic museums, village areas, historic locations, and heart-stopping fine-sand beaches. For many travellers, an All Saints experience is a continuation of St. John’s ventures! While here, you can soak up spectacular seascapes from Long Island, Pear Island, or Falmouth Harbour, or wander around the quaint streets of All Saints and feel the pulse of Antigua beating strongly here. For unique handcrafted pottery, you can choose from an impressive plethora of artisan-crafted pieces at Pottery Village nearby. Whatever you do, though, we suggest not leaving All Saints without visiting Betty’s Hope museum, which is housed in the first large-scale Antigua sugarcane plantation.
Codrington – Haunted and Spooky, yet Alluring and Magnetic
Once a bustling town, Codrington is now a ghost city in Barbuda that gives visitors a unique opportunity to challenge themselves by walking to an authentic spooky place. Abandoned in 2017 after Hurricane Irma struck the island, leaving behind severe disasters and damage to the core of Barbuda, Codrington witnessed its destruction by the fury of the elements.
You can come to this small town to explore its once-thriving, now-empty streets, wander through the remains of a formerly glorious castle that was also damaged by an 1843 earthquake, and learn a lot about what has led to its eradication from the Barbuda map (for the time being, at least). A beam of hope comes from the open-air restaurant on the site that still stands and spoils visitors with tasty treats.
Liberta – Incredibly Diverse and Alluring
A delightful town already counting two centuries into existence was created by enslaved Africans that managed to free themselves from their masters. Today, it is a charming place that pleases all types of travellers, from sports and architecture enthusiasts to history buffs, fun-seekers, and nature lovers.
What is also noteworthy about Liberta is that although its land is dotted with several churches, they are all uniquely designed, yet all highlight the region’s superbly diverse culture! And let’s not forget that Liberta is the loving house of the Liberta Sports Club, probably the biggest attraction for sports fans, which hosts numerous sporting events, including volleyball, football, and basketball! Lastly, you may also visit Liberta for remarkable dining and shopping endeavours.
Potters Village – Tranquil and Peaceful
Far from the crowded and noisy tourist destination of Antigua, Potters Village is a serene getaway, perfect for romantic and tranquil escapes. You will find it tucked cosily in the laps of Saint John Parish and a little southeast of the vibrant capital of Antigua and Barbuda. Counting only around 1,500 inhabitants, Potters Village is a well-suited starting point for excursions to nearby Brimstone Hills Fortress National Park, a real gem in St. Kitts and Nevis’ tiara and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on your itinerary, Potters Village could be your bridge to reach Saint John’s, Piggotts, Falmouth, Bolands, Parham, and other popular and lesser-known (yet, amazingly hypnotising) sites.
Parham – Steeped in History
One of the most interesting places in Antigua and Barbuda, with modern houses adorning its outskirts and some buildings nestled on the feet of a scenic hill that vanishes into the azure of the idyllic harbour. If you take the road to the seafront, you will be amazed by the charming architecture and beautifully designed homes.
Fringing the bay are mangroves that once served as natural shields for the US army, which carved channels into them to protect their subs from enemy view in the last war. Nowadays, those very same mangroves are used as barriers to protect the locals’ boats from the adverse effects of a hurricane. And, if all that is not your cup of tea, and you would much rather have a fun night out, Parham will grant your wish with the lively bars that create an upbeat atmosphere after sunset.
Tip: While here, do not omit a visit to the local church. Just make sure you look upward! Breath-taking, isn’t it?
English Harbour – An Evocative Historic District
Although not actually a town or village, English Harbour is undeniably a fascinating and utterly graceful district that should be in every visitor’s itinerary when exploring the towns of Antigua and Barbuda. Back in the 18th century, it used to serve as the headquarters of the Leeward Islands fleet, while its sole purpose of existence was to provide a base for the British Navy in the great sail age. Today, it is a significant historic landmark sitting quietly and patiently to remind travellers of British rule and treat them with authentic Antigua and Barbuda cuisine as they enjoy a one-of-a-kind relaxing experience.
Whether you are on a family vacation, romantic getaway, honeymoon, or business trip, Antigua and Barbuda's towns and villages will inject unforgettable experiences and indelible moments into your visit. Set amidst a tropical haven with fantastic shores, amazingly transparent waters, stunning marine life, warm winds, and a plethora of magnificent attractions, expect to be pampered with luxury accommodation, boutique shopping, shores featuring pink sands, fine dining, and a cluster of historical and cultural sites, waiting for you right next to the surf! Below are a few of the towns in Antigua and Barbuda that never fails to inspire awe, one way or another!
St. John's – Cosmopolitan and Lively
One of the most developed towns in Antigua and Barbuda, St. John’s is the nation's bustling capital that welcomes visitors with pristine sugary beaches, historic sites, museums, gaming, and exquisite dining and shopping scene. Feel free to stroll along the sandy shores just before sunset and treat your eyes to a spectacular sight. Or enjoy a candlelit dinner with mouth-watering local tastes, including salt fish and conch, accompanied by delicious rum or beer. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda will probably speak directly to your heart if you are a museum fan. At the same time, you could even explore historical sites and famous landmarks, such as Fort James and St. John’s Cathedral, before you head to Heritage Quay for an exciting shopping spree.
All Saints – Exclusive and Refined
All Saints is the ideal place to be if you feel an infatuation towards anything culture or history-related. The charming town on the north of St. John’s is home to iconic museums, village areas, historic locations, and heart-stopping fine-sand beaches. For many travellers, an All Saints experience is a continuation of St. John’s ventures! While here, you can soak up spectacular seascapes from Long Island, Pear Island, or Falmouth Harbour, or wander around the quaint streets of All Saints and feel the pulse of Antigua beating strongly here. For unique handcrafted pottery, you can choose from an impressive plethora of artisan-crafted pieces at Pottery Village nearby. Whatever you do, though, we suggest not leaving All Saints without visiting Betty’s Hope museum, which is housed in the first large-scale Antigua sugarcane plantation.
Codrington – Haunted and Spooky, yet Alluring and Magnetic
Once a bustling town, Codrington is now a ghost city in Barbuda that gives visitors a unique opportunity to challenge themselves by walking to an authentic spooky place. Abandoned in 2017 after Hurricane Irma struck the island, leaving behind severe disasters and damage to the core of Barbuda, Codrington witnessed its destruction by the fury of the elements.
You can come to this small town to explore its once-thriving, now-empty streets, wander through the remains of a formerly glorious castle that was also damaged by an 1843 earthquake, and learn a lot about what has led to its eradication from the Barbuda map (for the time being, at least). A beam of hope comes from the open-air restaurant on the site that still stands and spoils visitors with tasty treats.
Liberta – Incredibly Diverse and Alluring
A delightful town already counting two centuries into existence was created by enslaved Africans that managed to free themselves from their masters. Today, it is a charming place that pleases all types of travellers, from sports and architecture enthusiasts to history buffs, fun-seekers, and nature lovers.
What is also noteworthy about Liberta is that although its land is dotted with several churches, they are all uniquely designed, yet all highlight the region’s superbly diverse culture! And let’s not forget that Liberta is the loving house of the Liberta Sports Club, probably the biggest attraction for sports fans, which hosts numerous sporting events, including volleyball, football, and basketball! Lastly, you may also visit Liberta for remarkable dining and shopping endeavours.
Potters Village – Tranquil and Peaceful
Far from the crowded and noisy tourist destination of Antigua, Potters Village is a serene getaway, perfect for romantic and tranquil escapes. You will find it tucked cosily in the laps of Saint John Parish and a little southeast of the vibrant capital of Antigua and Barbuda. Counting only around 1,500 inhabitants, Potters Village is a well-suited starting point for excursions to nearby Brimstone Hills Fortress National Park, a real gem in St. Kitts and Nevis’ tiara and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on your itinerary, Potters Village could be your bridge to reach Saint John’s, Piggotts, Falmouth, Bolands, Parham, and other popular and lesser-known (yet, amazingly hypnotising) sites.
Parham – Steeped in History
One of the most interesting places in Antigua and Barbuda, with modern houses adorning its outskirts and some buildings nestled on the feet of a scenic hill that vanishes into the azure of the idyllic harbour. If you take the road to the seafront, you will be amazed by the charming architecture and beautifully designed homes.
Fringing the bay are mangroves that once served as natural shields for the US army, which carved channels into them to protect their subs from enemy view in the last war. Nowadays, those very same mangroves are used as barriers to protect the locals’ boats from the adverse effects of a hurricane. And, if all that is not your cup of tea, and you would much rather have a fun night out, Parham will grant your wish with the lively bars that create an upbeat atmosphere after sunset.
Tip: While here, do not omit a visit to the local church. Just make sure you look upward! Breath-taking, isn’t it?
English Harbour – An Evocative Historic District
Although not actually a town or village, English Harbour is undeniably a fascinating and utterly graceful district that should be in every visitor’s itinerary when exploring the towns of Antigua and Barbuda. Back in the 18th century, it used to serve as the headquarters of the Leeward Islands fleet, while its sole purpose of existence was to provide a base for the British Navy in the great sail age. Today, it is a significant historic landmark sitting quietly and patiently to remind travellers of British rule and treat them with authentic Antigua and Barbuda cuisine as they enjoy a one-of-a-kind relaxing experience.