Antigua is one of the driest Leeward Islands, but there are still plenty of ways to get wet. With 365 beautiful beaches, Antiguans boast that their island offers a beach for every day of the year. The neighboring island of Barbuda is largely undeveloped, but dotted with its own wonderful collection of solitary beaches – including the spectacular, 17-mile-long Lighthouse Bay.
In 1981, both islands gained independence from Britain. The effects of a tug-of-war history stand staunchly about the island of Antigua in the form of forts: Fort James, Fort George, Fort Barrington and Fort Berkeley. Shirley Heights was once used to keep watch on ships trying to attack Nelson's Dockyard and English Harbour. Walking through history, however, is not the only pastime on Antigua. Water sports, golf, tennis, horseback riding, shopping, gambling and good food all abound here. It’s certainly an island for the active.
When bedtime finally rolls around, Antigua offers a variety of hotels. There are quaint inns bedecked in antiques and exclusive resorts with spas. Many of the properties have entertainment at night, either in the form of a laid-back piano bar or a hopping reggae band. Those that don't always have the trade winds to rock their cozy hammocks.
DON'T MISS ...
– Britain's days of naval glory revisited at Nelson's Dockyard
– The Sunday afternoon barbecue and reggae party at Shirley Heights
– The beaches: one for every day of the year
– Great shopping at Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay
