Antigua & Barbuda

Historic sites, windmills and sailboats are the icons of Antigua & Barbuda along with secluded coves and beaches accentuated with a lively culture ready to celebrate.
Colorful buildings line the waterfront at the capital of St. Johns on Antigua. Photo: Andrew Gosling/Getty Images

Overview

The natural harbors of Antigua have lured sailors for centuries. Throughout history, British ships found secure anchorage to unload cargo at Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour. Today yachties come to take part in one of the world’s best sailing events, a full week of camaraderie and serious fun during Antigua’s Sailing Week in April. Throughout the year, constant trade winds contribute to ideal sailing conditions. Antigua has its share of sailors, regattas, anchorages and marinas to declare it the sailing capital of the Caribbean.

On land, remnants of sugar mills dot the interior of the rolling grassland that unveils trails throughout undulating hills and a small rainforest that appeals to hikers.  Boasting a beach for every day, the curvy coastlines unveil 365 stretches and pockets of sandy beaches and quiet coves. Some are fronted by calm shallow bays, others by rolling waves, all ready for exploration.  Sister Isle Barbuda remains a single village, however quiet development is underway for an exclusive resort to accompany the frigate bird sanctuary that encompasses the marshy mangroves.

Size

170 square miles (442 square kilometers)

Population

97,000

Int'l Dialing Code

268

Time

Atlantic Standard Time (AST, UTC−04:00)

Capital

St. John's

Driving Side

Left

Currency

Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

Voltage

230V, 60Hz

Government

Parliamentary democracy

Language

English

Airport

V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU)

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