Antigua & Barbuda Twin islands that are gems of the Caribbean
Pearly sand and sapphire blue seas: that’s probably what springs to mind when you think of the Caribbean. Antigua and Barbuda have plenty of both but there’s more to the twin islands than sand and sea. Visit one of the world’s largest frigate bird colonies, unwind in an overwater bungalow and explore the country’s storied history in English Harbour (once the base for the Royal Navy). Yet despite the country’s British connection, the character is distinctly Caribbean, where a welcome comes with a rum punch and a warm smile.
Where it is
Caribbean
When to go
December to April
Why go there
Pristine beaches
Luxury living
Fab food and drink
What to see
Half Moon Bay
Frigate Bird Sanctuary
Nelson’s Dockyard
Relish an (almost) empty beach
Half Moon Bay isn’t a secret but it’s still less-visited than other beaches so you won’t have to share lovely light pink and white sand and azure waters with too many others.
Explore the maritime history
Discover Antigua’s fascinating history at historic Nelson’s Dockyard, the world’s last working Georgian Dockyard that was once home to Admiral Nelson.
Marvel at the magnificent birds
The tiny island of Barbuda is home to a world-famous frigate bird colony. You can admire these giant red-throated birds at the sanctuary in Codrington Lagoon.
Enjoy the view from Shirley Heights
The views from Shirley Heights are worth the trip, especially at sunset – and even better on Sundays with a rum punch and live steel-pan music.
Travel in Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua is a small island of only 280km², so the best way to get around is by taxi. An added bonus is that drivers love playing tour guide. That being said, if you want the freedom to explore at your own pace, Cosa can arrange a car for you. Antigua’s smaller sister, Barbuda, lies around 40km to the north and can be reached by a 90-minute ferry ride on the Barbuda Express.
Antigua & Barbuda facts
Antigua and Barbuda are a pair of islands in the eastern Caribbean’s Leeward chain. The big sister, Antigua – originally called Wadadli by Arawaks – is home to 365 beaches and the Antiguan racer, one of the rarest snakes in the world. Barbuda is famous for its pink sand, and both islands are known for producing world-class cricket players. Like many of their Caribbean cousins, Antigua and Barbuda were ‘discovered’ by Columbus and then colonised by the British, before finally becoming independent in 1981.
Time zone
UTC -4
Flight time
10 hours from Switzerland
Local currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Dialling code
+268
