 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The beautiful island of Antigua, recognised as one of the top holiday and vacation destinations in the world. Known for its 365 stunning white sand beaches, one for every day of the year, Antigua also has an array of major events and activities. You can choose to take it easy during your stay and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the island, or take a more active role exploring the country on foot, by boat, by all terrain vehicle, or take a plane or ferry to our sister island, Barbuda. See some of the highlights below. For more information visit the Antigua and Barbuda official website.
Shirley Heights
This rambling array of gun emplacements and military buildings is best known
today for the absolutely breathtaking prospect that it offers. From the
Heights one can look far out over English Harbour, and on Sunday afternoons
the view is accompanied by barbecue, rum punch, and the plangent strains of
steel band and reggae music, a must do during your stay.
Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
This charming museum tells the story of Antigua and Barbuda from its
geological birth through the present day. A cool oasis in the middle of St.
John's, the museum contains a wide variety of fascinating objects and
exhibits, ranging from a life-size replica of an Arawak dwelling to the bat
of Viv Richards, one of the greatest cricket players of all time.
Nelsons Dockyard
English Harbour, Antigua's graceful and evocative historic district, is
focused on the fifteen square miles of Nelson's Dockyard National Park.
Developed as a base for the British Navy in the great age of sail, the
harbour served as the headquarters of the fleet of the Leeward Islands
during the turbulent years of the late 18th century. Today Nelson's Dockyard
has been completely restored, and it is now the only Georgian dockyard in
the world. Visitors to Nelsons Dockyard can enjoy numerous restaurants,
bars, a multimedia presentation of Antigua's history at the Dow's Hill
Interpretation Centre, shops and a museum.
Barbuda's Frigate Bird Sanctuary
Barbuda's Frigate Bird Sanctuary is located in the island's northwestern
lagoon and is accessible only by boat. The sanctuary contains over 170
species of birds and is home to over 5,000 frigate birds. Fregata
magnificens, the most aerial of waterbirds, possesses the largest wingspan
(four to five feet) in proportion to its body size of any bird in the world.
While on the island, enjoy secluded pink sand beaches, fresh lobster and
conch, and an abundance of shipwrecks and beautiful reefs.
St. John's, the capital city
The skyline of St. John's, the capital and largest city of Antigua and
Barbuda, is dominated by the magnificently evocative white baroque towers of
St. John's Cathedral. Built in 1845, the church is now in its third
incarnation, as earthquakes in 1683 and in 1745 destroyed the previous
structures. With its recently completed cruise ship dock and several hotels,
St. John's is a lively hub for shopping and dining. On Friday and Saturday
mornings, be sure to visit the vibrant farmers market on the southern edge
of the city. Folk crafts, colourful tropical fruits, and a buzzing crowd
make for a lively morning.
Golf
Jolly Harbour Golf and
Country Club and Cedar Valley Golf Course are the island's well known
courses for beginners and the more experienced. Lessons are also available.
Boat tours and cruises
From island circumnavigations on
catamarans, party cruises on pirate ships, deep sea fishing excursions,
scuba diving and snorkelling, to an exploration of the off shore deserted
islands, hidden caves and wild sea life encounters on eco boat cruises,
there are a host of activities by sea. Visit the
Antigua and Barbuda official website for details.
Excursions
On land there are numerous activities
including island safari jeep tours, zip line canopy tours, helicopter tours
of Antigua and its neighbouring island Montserrat, an active volcanic
island. Visit the
Antigua and Barbuda official website for details.
Antigua Sailing Week
This has become one of the top three regattas in
the world. The 43rd annual event commences on April 24 2010, with
7 days of racing and 7 nights of partying. For further information and 2009
results, see their website at
www.sailingweek.com.
Carnival
A ten-day festival of colourful costumes, beauty pageants, talent shows, and
especially good music. The festivities from the July 24 to August 3,
2010, which celebrates emancipation, are exciting and extensive, ranging
from the Party Monarch and Calypso Monarch competitions of Calypsonians, the
Panorama steel band competition, and the spectacular Parade of Bands to the
Miss Antigua Pageant and the Caribbean Queen's Competition.
Romantic Rhythms International Music Festival
In its inaugural year in 2008, the music festival attracted top musicians
including Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, Shaggy and many more, and is expected
to attract even bigger names for the June, 2010 edition. For information on
the artist line up check
www.antiguamusicfestival.com.
Antigua and Barbuda Literary Festival
In its 4th year,
the Festival caters for the serious literary lover, with three days of
intimate workshops with internationally renowned novelists, publishers,
agents and a growing cadre of successful Caribbean authors. There is also a
Festival Village focussed on families with readings of popular books along
with displays of magical wizardry, competitions, cooking demonstrations,
book signings and live music. Now scheduled for November 2010, visit
www.antiguaandbarbudaliteraryfestival.com for more details.
