Antigua is wildly colourful, expect to be mesmerised

Sandals Grande Antigua

Antigua map   

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Known as the Gateway to the Caribbean, Antigua is a vibrant island featuring a mix of many fascinating cultures. With its varied cuisine, thrilling night life, and ideal opportunities for tropical vacations, the variety and excitement of Antigua never disappoints. Perfect Caribbean weather may attract you to Antigua, but its friendly people and fun-loving atmosphere will make you never want to leave. Here, Calypso bands mesmerise you, while beautiful views and beaches bring about ultimate relaxation. But when you are ready to thrill to local competitions, check out the many yacht and sailing regattas headquartered here. One thing is sure: no matter what type of entertainment you prefer, the fun never ends on Antigua.

Opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of the colonial homes and culture of Antigua abound in historic English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard—the only Georgian dockyard existing in the world. Two-story plantation homes, with their romantic wrap-around balconies and clapboard facades, grace Antigua's historic district. Meanwhile, the rustic churches and wildly colourful homes of the mostly-African-descended people here are guaranteed to infuse you with the same sense of life's unending joy that locals experience. Each year, the citizens of Antigua celebrate their emancipation from European rule in a ten-day carnival whose gaudy costumes, wild revelry, and unending musical concerts reinforce their love of this uniquely beautiful island.

Forming half of the Eastern Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua takes great pride in its loveliness and undisputed harmony with nature. From the kaleidoscopic ocean and mountain views at Shirley Heights, an old military post, to the famous coral reefs and clear waters that attract divers from all over the planet, Antigua is a treasure trove of sun-kissed entertainments and wonders. No matter how long your stay here, leaving will always be bittersweet, as you sense you have only scratched the surface of this complex and mysterious Caribbean jewel. Its many facets are just waiting to be discovered.

Little or no current exists in most of the island's famous waters, which average 80ËšF (25ËšC). With underwater visibility from 50 to 140 feet, few can resist spending endless enchanting hours diving the many wrecks, reefs, and natural shelves of the underwater world surrounding Antigua. When ready for a rest, try one of the 365 sugar-sand beaches on Antigua. With one for every day of the year, you will surely enjoy hunting for that special seaside perch that best suits your taste. Whether you enjoy chatting with locals at road-side markets or tucking into a meal at one of the island's innumerable gourmet restaurants, there is something for everyone on jubilant, festive Antigua.