Antigua

Antigua, one of the eastern Caribbean’s Leeward Islands, is the main island of the country of Antigua and Barbuda. It’s one of the Caribbean’s premier tourist destinations, as it’s almost always sunny and has constant trade winds complemented by low humidity.

Also known as Waladli or Wadali by the native population, Antigua is famous for its pink coral sand beaches that attract many travelers year-round. The 108-square-mile island has perfect weather – mid-seventies in the winter and mid-eighties in the summer. The warm, steady trade winds make for ideal beach weather any time of the year.

The history of the island is important and still remembered today. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda has many exhibits to tell the story of the country from its beginning to the present day. It has many fascinating objects from the past, such as a life-size replica of an Arawak dwelling to the bat that belonged to one of the greatest cricket players of all time, Viv Richards. The museum can be found in St. John’s, Antigua’s largest city and the country’s capital.

Another piece of history that should not be missed is Betty’s Hope Estate, the island’s first and largest sugar plantation, established in 1650. It was owned by the Codrington family for almost 300 years. It’s free to visit and gives travelers an important glimpse into Antigua’s history. Today it’s being slowly restored, but is still worth a visit.

Other notable destinations include the botanical gardens near the Parliament building, which are perfect for a light afternoon stroll. The Antigua Distillery on Friars Hill Road is a fun stop. It’s where Cavalier rum is made, so visitors can buy a bottle to bring home as a souvenir. The Public Market in St. John’s harkens back to a simpler time. There are exotic fruits and vegetables as well as ready-to-eat food and drinks. Next to the Public Market is the Craft Market, where travelers can purchase handmade goods to bring home. The markets area bustling and offer a snapshot into Antiguan life.

For adventure-seekers, Antigua has lots of options, especially for water activities. Diving and snorkeling are rewarding are popular when visiting Antigua since there are hundreds of shipwrecks to explore as well as good shelf diving. Wind surfing and kayaking are popular, too.