Antigua holidays: a guide to the island
Antiguans say they have a beach for every day of the year. Add a historic naval dockyard, steel bands at sunset and a pink beach on neighbouring Barbuda.
Antigua
Photo: Royce Fonseca / Unsplash
Antigua: the island of beaches
Antigua is a low, dry island in the eastern Caribbean, with a coastline full of bays and coves. That means you can almost always find a beach sheltered from the wind, and it is why the island is so loved by sailors. Together with tiny neighbouring Barbuda it forms the country of Antigua and Barbuda.
The capital, St John's, has colourful wooden houses, a market and a cruise port, but most visitors spend their time on the beaches and around English Harbour in the south. The island feels very British: English is spoken and people drive on the left. There are direct flights from London.
The best beaches in Antigua
Dickenson Bay on the north west coast: a long, lively beach with hotels, bars and water sports.
Half Moon Bay on the east coast: crescent-shaped, wild and beautiful, with waves when the trade winds blow.
Darkwood Beach and Turner's Beach on the south west coast: calm water and views of Montserrat.
Pigeon Point near English Harbour: small and sheltered, good for families.
Valley Church Beach: clear, pale blue water and soft sand, often quiet.
Things to do in Antigua
Explore Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour, a restored British naval base and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Watch the sunset from Shirley Heights on Sunday evening, with a steel band and barbecue.
Take a day trip to Barbuda for the pink beach and the frigate bird colony in Codrington Lagoon.
Sail, or watch the sailors, during Antigua Sailing Week in spring.
Snorkel with stingrays on a sandbank at Stingray City.
See the waves crash through the natural arch at Devil's Bridge.
The beaches
Photo: Kelcie Papp / Unsplash
The hotels we would book in Antigua
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Curtain Bluff, south coast
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Curtain Bluff: all inclusive on the south coast
A classic all-inclusive hotel on a headland on the south coast. Every room has a balcony or terrace, and Carlisle Beach is close by.
Book your stay: See rooms at Curtain Bluff
Carlisle Bay: modern design in a quiet bay
A contemporary beach hotel on Carlisle Bay on the south coast, with suites facing the beach and rainforest-covered hills behind.
Book your stay: See rooms at Carlisle Bay
Jumby Bay Island, Long Island
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Jumby Bay Island: your own private island
A luxury hotel on a private island off the north east coast, reached by boat from Antigua. Breakfast is included and every unit has a terrace.
Book your stay: See rooms at Jumby Bay Island
When is the best time to visit Antigua?
December to April is dry, sunny and high season, with Sailing Week towards the end. June to November is hurricane season. Antigua is one of the drier Caribbean islands, but the weather is still less settled in autumn. Check the current entry requirements before you travel.
Read more about the region in our Caribbean holidays guide and our pick of the best Caribbean islands.
Antigua holidays: frequently asked questions
Does Antigua really have 365 beaches?
That is what Antiguans say, one for every day of the year. Whatever the exact number, there are plenty of bays to choose from and you can nearly always find a sheltered beach.
What is Nelson's Dockyard?
A restored 18th-century British naval base in English Harbour, now home to hotels, restaurants and yachts. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When is the best time to go to Antigua?
December to April is driest and most popular. Hurricane season runs from June to November.
How long is the flight to Antigua from the UK?
Direct flights from London take around eight and a half to nine hours.
Can you visit Barbuda from Antigua?
Yes, by boat or a short flight. Barbuda is known for long pink beaches and a large frigate bird colony.