Antigua

In a nutshell

The beaches really are as fabulous and numerous as everyone says, but there's much more to discover here on Antigua as the young Horatio Nelson found out. You can explore his fully restored dockyard - it's the only Georgian naval dockyard in the world, and is still a fully working marina, though the quaint gift shops, restaurants, bars and art galleries are pleasant for pottering through if you're less of a sea dog. In the capital St John's you can stroll around the markets and the duty free shops - housed in colourful buildings - and check out the cathedral, known as 'Big Church'. This island is a sailor's paradise so you have to join in the fun circumnavigating the island on a catamaran. Here you'll pass all the tiny fishing villages and countless pristine sand beaches. Walking up to a couple of the forts, or up to Boggy Peak, will work off some of that fine food, though at Shirley Heights the rum-and-reggae combination will have you reeling - especially the following day! A day trip to the little sister island of Barbuda with its untouched beaches and unique bird life is a must - and if you managed all that then you can have some time off to discover all the rest of Antigua's beautiful beaches!