Antigua and Barbuda's main airport does not have its own national airline but many airlines do operate regular direct flights there. The international airport is V.C. Bird International Airport. British Airways (www.ba.com) and Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin-atlantic.com) fly from the UK. Delta (www.delta.com) American Airlines (www.aa.com) and United (www.united.com) fly from the USA.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda
365
Beaches
Overview of Island
Antigua is a twin-island country with Antigua, (pronounced An-tee-ga, Spanish for "ancient") being the largest of the English speaking islands of 440 sq. kms., 108 sq. miles. Its twin Barbuda (Spanish for "bearded") is 62 sq. miles; also surrounded by several smaller islands. This country has nicknamed itslef ‘land of 365 beaches’ due to its many beaches. Barbuda was separated from Antigua by about 28 miles back in 10,000 BC when the sea levels of the world had risen considerably. The Islands are located where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea in the middle of the Leeward Islands. The shorelines of both islands are greatly indented with beaches, lagoons, and natural harbours and are rimmed by reefs and shoals created by volcanic activity in the past.
Capital: St. John's with two dependencies namely, Barbuda and Radonda
Language: English.
Population: 103,050 (Antigua's count is approximately 80,000+ with Barbuda being much less at close to 20,000)
The flag of Antigua and Barbuda was created in 1997 and presents with colours that illustrate sun, sea and sand; Black for African heritage and rich soil; Blue - for hope; and the Yellow Sun that demonstrates a new era; its V shape with red incorporated reflects the blood of the many slaves who died working for the rich British and European planters.
Prior to European colonization, the lands encompassing present-day Antigua and Barbuda were inhabited by varied successive Amerindian societies who planted tobacco. The island was explored by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and named for the Church of Santa María La Antigua. It was later colonized by English settlers in 1632, until raided by the French in 1666. Barbuda island was first colonized in 1678. The Crown granted it to the Codrington family in 1685 who intended to use it as a save breeding colony. Somehow however, the imported slaves got to live self-reliantly in their own community. In 1784 Admiral Horatio Nelson used the bays to hide his fleet and set up Great Britain's most important Caribbean base. Due to the economic problems related to 2 hurricanes and the labour issues related to the emancipation of the slave trade in 1834 Barbuda reverted back to the Crown and eventually became a dependency of Antigua in the late 19th century. It was not until 1958 that Antigua and Barbuda joined the West Indies Federation; and acquired full self-government of internal affairs as an associated state to the UK in 1967. Finally in Nov 1981 Antigua and Barbuda achieved independence.
Economically the country struggled with the decline of the sugar industry earlier introduced by the Europeans, until the development of tourism. Manufacturing plays a small role in the economy mostly of clothing and textiles and concrete blocks. Barbudans have traditionally been fishermen and subsistence farmers some of which is still done today.
Highlights
Things to do
Half Moon Bay
Indian Town National Park
Dockyard National Park
Fig Tree Drive
17 Mile Beach Barbuda
Where to stay
Antigua Yacht Club Marina
Come to AYC Resort to have a taste of our Antiguan hospitality, as well as all the surrounding activities near the marina
Hermitage Bay
A luxury boutique resort nestled on the hillside of a hidden, sandy bay where the scent of fragrant frangipani and the sound of waves surrounds you, and experiences designed to soothe the soul await.
Curtain Bluff Resort
Effortless Island Luxury - Intimate and inviting, Curtain Bluff blends timeless seaside elegance with toes-in-the-sand charm at our premiere all-inclusive destination.
The Inn at English Harbour
Welcome to this elegant and luxurious 5-star Resort built on romance and adventure and allow yourself to be pampered by the genuine charisma of the Inn staff and true Caribbean hospitality.
Hawksbill by Rex Resorts (Adults Only)
The All Inclusive experience that you've been searching for is here at Hawksbill by Rex Resorts - the ultimate affordable vacation in the Caribbean.
Starfish Halcyon Cove
Every Rex resort is located directly on a fabulous beach, and the uniquely fascinating Halycon Cove is no exception.
Hodges Bay Resort & Spa
Enjoy the Endless Opportunities at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa
Ocean Point Resort & Spa (Adults Only)
Come and enjoy all that Ocean Point has to offer you. A trip to Antigua is an everlasting memory!
Siboney Beach Club
A boutique, beachfront escape - your best and most affordable Caribbean vacation yet.
South Point Antigua
Urban chic on the beach! South Point offers a truly unique boutique hotel experience.
Gallery
FAQs
CUISINE KNOWN FOR
National dish of Antigua and Barbuda is Fungee and Pepperpot. Fungee is a dish similar to Italian Polenta. Pepperpot is usually a hearty vegetable stew but to which meat can be added.
Butter bread is also a main staple of the Antiguan cuisine, a soft buttery loaf of bread that requires no butter to eat when baked.
Antigua is proud to claim their locally grown pineapple as one of the sweetest to be found.
Dukuna, another popular Antiguan dishes is a sweet steamed dumpling made from grated sweet potatoes, mixed with coconut, sugar, raisins and flour and spices.
Popular events/ festivals
ANYTIME
What is our terrain like?
Antigua's low lying terrain has been influenced more by limestone formations than volcanic activity. The highest point is Mount Obama, the remnant of a volcanic crater rising 402 meters above ground.
An absence of forest distinguishes it from the other Leeward Islands.
There are no rivers and few springs.
Barbuda is a coral island, flat and wooded with highlands rising to 143 feet at Lindsay Hill in the northeast.
Barbuda receives less rainfall than Antigua.
What is the climate like?
Average year round temperature ranges from 75o F to 85oF (24 -29oC).
Summer highs can reach 90oF (32oC).
What Are The Entry Requirements?
A valid passport is required for entry,
A return airline ticket and/or proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
For COVID-19 Protocol and Travel Advisory please see: https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/travel-advisory/
What Are The Marriage Requirements?
Freedom to marry papers Pre-cana course 3-6 months advance notice required
What Are The Healthcare Options?
Principal Medical facility on Antigua is Holberton Hospital.
A known private hospital is Adelin Medical Centre, as well as the Belmont Health Care Center located in St. John's Medical Centre
Other Useful Facts
Water: safe to drink in Antigua.
Banks: usually open Monday to Thursday 8am to 2 pm and on Friday 8am to 4pm. International Banks include Scotiabank and Royal Bank of Canada. ATM's dispense EC dollars only.
Customs: visitors are allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 litre wine and 6 ounces of perfume.
Telephone: it is recommended to visitors from the US to purchase a phone card at the airport that would allow them to connect to MCI and sprint. Otherwise LIME is responsible for international calls to and from Antigua. There are several on-island cellphone carries for local calls.
Religion: The single largest denomination is Anglicanism, with large congregants of Seventh-Day Adventists, Pentecostals, Moravians and Methodists.