Destination information
Very laid-back. With 365 stunning beaches on the island of Antigua, holidays here provide the perfect blend of sand, sun and crystal water. There’s a nearly unbroken wall of coral reef that makes for a fantastic scuba diving or snorkeling experience. And several of the beaches are really well protected by the reef, making them especially good for families. You have the choice of the busier North West coast, with its more developed resorts; or the tranquil South West corner, where your Antigua holiday will be a real escape to peace and quiet.
Holidays to Antigua aren't just about beaches either. Elsewhere, Horatio Nelson's fully restored dockyard makes for a great day out, as does the capital St John's with its lively market and duty-free shops. Or you can take to the sea on a hired boat and explore Barbuda, about 30 miles north. For panoramic views, climb Boggy Peak, the highest point on Antigua. Or visit Sea View Farm Village to see how folk pottery is made here.
Holidays in Antigua tend to be nice and slow, and the nightlife is low-key, involving lots of time chilling out in the many restaurants or bars – although some of the hotels boast casinos if you fancy your luck. Read on for more information about our great selection of Antigua holidays!
Sightseeing ideas
Key Events
Feb - England Cricket Test Match 13-18 Feb '09.
Apr-May - Antigua Sailing Week.
May - Annual Tennis Week.
Jul-Aug - Antigua Carnival.
01 Nov - Independence Day.
Star attractions
- 365 Beautiful Beaches
- Heritage-Filled Nelson's Dockyard
- English Harbour with Restaurants
- Barbuda, Antigua's Little Sister
- Golf at Jolly Harbour
Postcards from... Top ideas from our travel experts
Our Top 5 hotels
This is a truly superb hotel with elegant surroundings, outstanding service and an enviable location on 2 white sand beaches lapped by gentle aqua waves, epitomising the Caribbean fantasy. The 17 tropical acres of gardens are beautifully tended and each of the buildings is romantically draped with brightly coloured bougainvillea - just adding to the delightful ambience.
The beach here at Dickenson Bay is a real beauty with its white sands and gentle lapping waves. The most romantic place to dine is at candlelit Warri Pier and everyone loves the weekly beach barbecues accompanied by a steel band. There are a number of bars and restaurants within walking distance, so you can choose between room only or all inclusive here.
Opened in October 2007, this rather wonderful hotel is in an idyllic spot, up on the secluded northeast coast, and everyone gets a lovely suite with its own large, furnished veranda. The suites are all in single-storey villas (2 suites to each villa) scattered throughout the beautifully landscaped, 30-acre resort.
This beautifully positioned resort has a range of individual pastel-painted cottages with some of the most spectacular views on the island. There's an infinity pool perched on the cliff edge, and you'll find yourself relaxing here as soon as you see the view.
This lovely, low-rise hotel is spread over 40 acres of tropical landscaped gardens, offset by almost a mile of the beautiful white sands of Jolly Beach. The 8,000sq ft fantasy pool is an inviting place to relax. The in-house entertainment team will keep you occupied during the day with activities such as volleyball, water polo and pool aerobics.
Additional info
Best Beaches
Half Moon Bay on the east coast is recommended, as is Darkwood Beach for snorkelling and beachcombing. At Long Bay, there are coral reefs in water so shallow you can walk out to them!
Sailing and Water Sports
Book a catamaran trip and sail around the island. Dutchman's Bay is great for windsurfing or head to Jabberwock Beach at St John's, one of the first beaches to introduce the sport of kite surfing.
FREE Island Experience
Guests can enjoy a FREE visit to Shirley Heights on Sun afternoon/evening. The place to be, it offers amazing views, great live reggae, delicious rum cocktails and a festive atmosphere! (Transportation not included)
Days Out
St John's is the capital city with museums, a cathedral and duty-free shopping. Nelson's Dockyard will fascinate, as will natural landmark, Devil?s Bridge on the east coast. Barbuda is home to Coco Bay, the finest of beaches.
Total Flexibility
Tailor-make your ideal Caribbean holiday by combining hotels we feature in different destinations. Try a twin- or triple-centre holiday across different islands or combine with a US city.
Taste of Adventure
The Natural Caribbean - The island of Dominica is one of the most diverse and spectacular of the Caribbean islands.
The Orinoco and The Angel The adventure-hungry among you will find thrills galore on this fantastic holiday in Venezuela.
Weather and climate
Getting there
Flight Details - You fly direct to Antigua from Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic. Local airport departure tax is currently EC$50 (approx £13) per person over 11 years and payable in local currency or US dollars (US$20).
Flight Time - Approx 8 hours 40 min.
Time Difference - GMT -4 hours.
Language - English.
Currency - Eastern Caribbean Dollar EC$.
Handy stuff
Local Living
Small beer - £1.00
Can of coke - £1.00
Loaf of bread - £0.50
Bottle of wine - £5.80
The above are approx local supermarket costs.