Antigua and Barbuda

Key facts

• Region: The Caribbean
• Capital: Saint John’s
• Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
• Languages: English
• Main airport: ANU — V. C. Bird International Airport, serving Saint John’s
• Best time to visit: December to April, the dry season and the coolest stretch; the hurricane season runs June to November

Overview

A two-island nation in the Leeward Islands, where the main island carries most of the resorts and a restored naval dockyard, while tiny Barbuda remains largely undeveloped. Antigua is marketed as having 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, and its sailing history sets it apart from neighbouring islands. Most trips focus on Antigua, with Barbuda as an optional day trip or quiet add-on.

Airports

V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) is the main gateway, about 8 km northeast of St. John's on Antigua, and handles direct flights from North America, the UK and other Caribbean islands. Barbuda is served by Codrington Airport (BBQ), with small regional flights. There is no second international airport on Antigua, so all long-haul arrivals use ANU.

Main cities

St. John's is the capital and main shopping and cruise port, with the public market and the duty-free area around Heritage Quay. English Harbour and adjacent Falmouth Harbour form the island's sailing hub around Nelson's Dockyard. Jolly Harbour is a marina and residential area on the west coast. All Saints is a central crossroads town, and Dickenson Bay is the main resort strip north of St. John's.

Places to go

Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour is a restored Georgian naval base and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Shirley Heights lookout above it. Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay are the busiest west-coast beaches, while Half Moon Bay on the east coast and Rendezvous Bay on the southwest are quieter. Great Bird Island off the northeast coast is a common day trip and a nature reserve. On Barbuda, Pink Sand Beach and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary are the main draws.

Getting there

Cheapest cached round-trip fare into Antigua and Barbuda, refreshed every 6 hours:

Where to stay

Practical information

Frequently asked