Antigua Holidays

The Verandah

Overview

Set in the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua claims to have 365 beaches - one for every day of the year! Gorgeous swathes of sandy beaches, backed by gently swaying palm trees are a definite attraction, but not all that's on offer. Natural wonders are an in abundance too with well-trodden hiking trails allowing you to easily discover it's lush green interior and crystal clear waters, home to a nearly unbroken wall of coral reef that divers will love.

Culture

Laid back and easy - that's the way to go in Antigua! It's also considered one of the safest places in the world. Rich in cultural heritage, it is one of the few places in the Caribbean that can trace its culture right back through to it's African roots. Music, artistic traditions and carnival celebrations are heavily African influenced. Everywhere you go you will hear calypso music, steel drums and reggae drifting out.

Cuisine

Antigua has something for everyone with a good range of West Indian, French, Italian, English and North American dishes on offer. The seafood is, of course, fantastic and for snacks try roti - large pancakes filled with curry - which are cheap, filling and delicious. Rum is very much the local tipple with Cavalier and English Harbour the recommended local brands.

Beaches

The great majority of Antigua's beaches rest inside the calm, protected waters of the islands Caribbean side and all are open to the public. On the northwest coast you have the lively Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay - these are great for the full-on beach resort experience with shops, bars and restaurants galore. On the East coast is Half Moon Bay, now a National Park and regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Climate

Antigua is one of the driest islands in the Caribbean and enjoys plenty of 'liquid sunshine' as the locals like to call it all year round. January and February are the coolest months and July and August are the hottest with temperatures often in the 90s, but refreshing trade winds will help keep you cool. Rain falls mostly between September and November but only in short refreshing bursts.

Facts

Flight Time - Approx 8 Hours

Visa - No visa required for UK passport holders

Currency - Eastern Caribbean Dollar (US$ accepted)

TIme Zone - GMT - 4 hours

Language - English and Antiguan Creole dialect.