Antigua Bay, Antigua

Antigua & Barbuda Holidays

Islands that are serene and exciting in equal measures. While away your trip aboard a yacht in crystal clear waters or skirt around the edge of the boisterous Montserrat volcano by helicopter.

With one of the driest climates in the Caribbean, gentle trade winds and crystal clear waters, Antigua offers some of the best water-based activities in the West Indies, especially sailing.

Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda

A little more about Antigua & Barbuda

Part of the Leeward Islands, Antigua is 70 square miles and boasts some 365 beaches. Antigua is also a walker’s paradise with an abundance of trails which take you all over the island and to some hidden gems along the way. The smaller sister island of Barbuda sits to the south and is made up of 62 square miles with stunning powder pink beaches which are some of the most beautiful and peaceful in the Caribbean. Travel to Barbuda from Antigua on board the daily Barbuda Express, a 61ft catamaran taking 1hr 45mins, or travel by plane which takes about 15 minutes. For a touch of adventure, you could even go by helicopter.

English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda
English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda

Why we like Antigua

The island has a lovely feel, as you would expect of the West Indies. However, Antiguans are possibly the friendliest people in the Caribbean and if you happen to stumble across a cricket match on one of the village greens, you will be encouraged to take some time out to join in or sit awhile and cheer the teams on. English Harbour still has that lovely old feel of a bygone era and is certainly worth investigating. Antigua has definitely much more to offer than the stereotypical Caribbean beach stay.

aerial view of Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua

Having long been on the tourist map, there are many hotels, large and small, that cater to families and couple alike. For those not wanting to relax on one of the numerous beaches or sail the Caribbean seas, there is much in the way of history to explore. Nelsons Dockyard at English Harbour (named after Horatio Nelson), is the only restored Georgian dockyard in the world and dates back to the 18th century when it was a British Naval base. Betty’s Hope, once the largest sugar plantation on Antigua, is now the only working sugar mill in the Caribbean and is well worth a visit to see how Antigua, and indeed most of the Caribbean Islands, once made their fortunes.

Experiences

Discover some of our suggested activities to include on your Antigua and Barbuda holiday

Antigua Bay, Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua Sailing Week

In April, celebrate Antigua Sailing Week and the Classic Yacht Regatta.

aerial view of Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda

Helicopter Experience

See the islands from the skies, take an unforgettable helicopter ride and soak up the sights.

Caribbean Carnival float
Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua Carnival

Join in with Antigua Carnival in July, a 10-day celebration of food, music, art and festivities.

Sunset, English Harbour, Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda

Sunset over Antigua

Watch the sunset over English Harbour as the steel bands and reggae music ring out over the ruins of the old 18th century English guard-post.

Turtle swimming in Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda

Turtle Watching

Every Friday evening between July and October, take to the beaches and watch turtles.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Carlisle Bay £££££

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Frequently voted one of the top 25 hotels in the world in numerous travel awards and a member of ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, the privately owned Carlisle Bay is nestled in a secluded white sand bay on Antigua’s south coast with a backdrop of pristine, rainforest covered hills. Typically Caribbean in style with plantation shutters and hammocks in the trees this hotel is tranquil, contemporary and sophisticated.

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The Inn at English Harbour £££££

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Beach and Island Escapes

The Inn at English Harbour is ideally located between undulating slopes, along the English Harbour coastline on the southwestern tip of Antigua. It’s positioned on both a beautiful wooded headland, which stands guard to the entrance of historic English Harbour and on Freeman’s Bay, a fine white sandy beach, considered one of Antigua’s most picturesque locations.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

John Faithfull

Antigua and Barbuda are classic Caribbean getaway islands, boasting idyllic seafront hotels. However, John suggests a break from the beach with a visit to historic Nelson’s Dockyard or a Sunday “jump-up” at Shirley Heights.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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