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The tropical islands of Antigua and Barbuda are located in the heart of the Caribbean about a thousand miles to the east of Jamaica and half that distance from Trinidad on the coast of South America
The island of Antigua was born out of the sea by a volcano about 30 million years ago. A young island in geologic time. On the northern flank of this volcano, reefs were formed, hence the greater part of Antigua is low lying and is composed of limestone rock.
The highest point of Antigua is 1,319 ft in the south-west and is called Boggy Peak, but the limestone Highlands of Barbuda rise to only 125 ft. The area of Antigua is 108 square miles, while Barbuda is 62 square miles.
Reef-fringed Barbuda may be one of the best kept ecological secrets in the West Indies. Her rugged scenery, beautiful beaches, (one at least 12 miles long), lagoons and abundant wildlife may be a resource as valuable as its fisheries.
Key Facts
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Legend has it that when Columbus was near Redonda on November 11th 1493, he sighted the island and named it ‘Santa Maria de la Antigua’, supposedly after a chapel dedicated to a famous miracle-working virgin in Seville Cathedral, Spain
Antigua means ‘ancient’ in Spanish. Despite giving it a name, Columbus never actually landed on the island. Even the briefest of visits to Antigua and Barbuda can reveal how rich the islands are in wonderful sightseeing opportunities. On Antigua and Barbuda, you will find a variety of breath-taking, natural and historical sites that continue to tell of our rich history and culture.
In this tropical paradise, romance is almost inevitable. Even more so, is the perfect romantic wedding that can be created. With some of the world’s most romantic and secluded locations, Antigua and Barbuda provides the ultimate setting for dream weddings and honeymoons with all the facilities and expertise available to ensure you get hitched without any problems.
Visitors to Antigua will find a varied and interesting choice of dining spots on the island from first-class, gourmet restaurants as fine as you would expect to find anywhere in the world, to colourful waterfront cafés, beach bars and fast-food outlets.
Whether you are simply ravenous for a burger, adventurous enough to try some local fare or in the mood for some romance, Antigua and Barbuda has a restaurant for you. The islands are best-known for their friendly and welcoming people, pink and white-sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and the most satisfying and enjoyable climate in the world.
The Capital City
St. John’s, a cultural hot spot with a fascinating history. Its outskirts feature scenic beaches, while the city center is filled with museums and religious institutions that reveal the nation’s fascinating past.St. John’s, a cultural hot spot with a fascinating history.Its outskirts feature scenic beaches, Its outskirts
feature scenic beaches, while the city center is filled with museums and religious institutions that reveal the nation’s fascinating past. Climb the stairs and admire the handmade wooden features of the cathedral’s interior. Learn about the indigenous and colonial history of the city at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.
Walk southwest from the cathedral through the city to reach the Heritage Quay outdoor shopping mall. Its two floors contain many stores, offering such items as souvenirs, jewelry and watersports. Relax in the 39ers Public Square and try games of chance at King’s Casino, which overlooks the Caribbean Sea on the western flank of the mall.
A trip to St. John’s combines the charm and history of its institutions with the utter serenity of white-sand beaches.
An idyllic Caribbean beach
Dickenson Bay is on the Northwestern coast of Antigua, and is the most developed beach on the island, with hotels restaurants and water sports facilities. It is a popular meeting place. The shallow calm waters and white sand provide a perfect setting for an active day.
A string of large resort hotels give Dickenson Bay one of the island's largest collections of rooms. The beachfront is lined with restaurants, beach bars, and water sports concessions. Several small uninhabited islands and a one-mile long coral reef can be found off the coast of the bay.
Antigua’s original British maritime hub
Fully restored to its original splendor, the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century buildings of the Dockyard house modern amenities such as shops, hotels, and marina businesses. Outside the dockyard, historic forts dot the landscape of the park accessible by hiking trails which allow visitors..
to enjoy the park’s scenic and natural beauty. There is endless opportunity to capture the beauty of the parks. With many glorious boats in the dockyard, the beautiful harbour, the historic sites and the unforgettable views from places such as Shirley Heights, bring your camera or have regrets that you didn’t.
The Dockyard Museum, located in the former Admiral’s House, presents visitors with exhibits regarding the Dockyard’s history and current archaeological research on the island. The Copper and Lumber Store Hotel offers five-star accommodations and is a magnificent venue for special occasions. Businesses including gift shops, art galleries, and restaurants also reside in the Dockyard and demonstrate how the park preserves the area’s unique cultural heritage while meeting modern needs.
