Want to escape to a road less travelled that will lead you to paradise with kind and welcoming people and all-year-round sunshine? Sounds almost surreal, doesn't it? Today we are taking you to a pristine island called Antigua in the West Indies. Antigua is one of the major islands in the Caribbean and is part of a group of two islands, Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua is also known as Waladli or Wadadli by the native populace.
Antigua is wonderfully connected to the rest of the world with flights and cruises. V.C Bird International Airport is where everyone will arrive and exit Antigua unless you’re on a cruise. The best time to visit is mid-December to mid-April. From the airport, there are taxis that you can rent to get to your accommodation
It is one of Antigua's most easily accessible beaches among a series of four crescent-shaped beaches - Hawksbill Bay, Landing Bay, Pinching Bay and Eden Beach - which requires some walking. There is also parking right next to the beach. Very popular with party lovers, this beach is an excellent choice if you like the conventional and at the same time have an unforgettable experience.
Jolly Beach
This beach is a gorgeous palm-fringed white sand beach on the west coast of Antigua. With its many activities, water sports and chic bars and cafes, this beach is perfect for sunbathing on the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea with your loved ones.
Half-Moon Bay
As whimsical as it sounds, this beach has pink and white sand that almost looks like sorcery. Located on the east coast of Antigua, this beach is protected by a reef that shield it from the strong Atlantic Ocean, making the water calm and suitable for swimming. This beach is fairly unexplored and is a 45-minute drive from Freetown.
Pigeon Beach
Another fan favourite beach. With its delicate white sand and shallow water, this beach is perfect for people with children. Surrounded by sea-grape trees, this beach is splendid and offers many activities including cool restaurants.
Unmissable DOs in Antigua
Hug a Stingray
You can travel to the stingray city from Antigua and from there you will be on a boat that will take you to the middle of the Caribbean where you can experience swimming and feeding stingrays. The stingrays are accustomed to human presence and you will be accompanied by a supervisor, so you don't have to worry about safety.
Try the zipline tours
Get your adrenaline pumping on a zip-line tour through Antigua's rainforests. It's one of the most common kinds of adventures, but each experience has its own uniqueness. Rushing through the lush greenery that is home to countless wildlife species is a must.
Hike to Fort Berkeley
A hiking trip is always exciting and full of exploration. These hikes can be arranged by tour operators or you can organise your own hike. During the hike, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the harbours and the sea! Make your visit to Antigua more memorable by adding variety to your trip.
Do a road trip
Be unconventional! Take a road trip in and around the tiny island, which can be a lot of fun. The beaches are impressive, but so are the roads for a relaxing drive and discovering the landscape.
Take a boat to Barduba
How can you not visit the sister island of Barduba when you're in Antigua? Barbuda is just as beautiful and has a lot to offer, making it a must-see visit. You can take the Antigua-Barduba ferry service, which runs 6 days a week. The trip takes 90 minutes and the journey on its own is thrilling.
Indulge yourself in the local cuisine
It's an absolute necessity, even if we don't mention it. You must not forget to devour the local cuisine and delicacies during your stay on the island. Antigua was the site of sugar plantations and rum distilleries, although in recent years it has grown to become a culinary hub because of the great seafood and the quality rums served. Don't miss the rum and conch.
