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Caribbean vacations to Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua & more! |  |
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Go: -> Antigua -> Barbados -> Grenada -> Jamaica -> St. Lucia -> Tobago ANTIGUA  Antigua, the largest of the British Leeward Islands, is roughly 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. The island which lies to the east-southeast of Puerto Rico has the geographic coordinates 17.03° North, 61.48° West. The island dependencies of Redonda (an uninhabited rocky islet) and Barbuda (a coral island formerly known as Dulcina) are 0.5 square miles and 62 square miles, respectively. Antigua for the most part consists of low-lying limestone areas with higher volcanic segments and rises to its highest altitude at Boggy Peak 402 m. The sun-drenched island is known for its profoundly indented shoreline with many natural harbours and beaches. The first people of Antigua were the nomadic Ciboney; later Christopher Columbus explored Antigua in 1493 and named the island after the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua in Seville. In 1632 the British colonized the island. Subsequently in 1958 the country joined the West Indies Federation and reached full independence on November 1, 1981. Antigua has a tropical marine climate with little seasonal temperature variation. Average temperatures on the island range from 70 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of this variation is between daytime and nighttime, rather than between seasons.
One can be astounded by the ten-day summer Carnival that is a pleasurable mixture of revelry, striking costumes, beauty pageants and lyrical calypso music. There are several, fun-filled and enlightening events to take part in and many extraordinary sights to behold in Antigua and Barbuda. Visitors can gain real insight in the natural, historic and cultural elements of the country with a visit to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, enjoy leisurely strolls through the ancient fort Shirley Heights, capture breathtaking views of the picturesque Fig Tree Drive and marvel at the geological wonder Devil's Bridge.
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Antigua is said to have a beach for each day of the year. These are white sand beaches that remain un-crowded and well preserved which allows days of beachcombing. Snorkelling, fishing, and exploring the reefs, mangrove forests and winding backwaters are part of the entertainment on this beautiful island.