|
|
Print-friendly version
ANTIGUA
Antigua & Barbuda comprises three islands; Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. Low-lying and volcanic in origin, they are part of the Leeward Islands group in the northeast Caribbean. Antigua’s coastline curves into a multitude of coves and harbors (they were once volcanic craters) and there are more than 365 beaches of fine white sand, fringed with palms. The island’s highest point is Boggy Peak (402m, 1318ft); its capital is St John’s. Barbuda lies 40km (25 miles) north of Antigua and is an unspoiled natural haven for wild deer and exotic birds. Its 8km- (5 mile-) long beach is reputed to be among the most beautiful in the world. The island’s village capital, Codrington, was named after the Gloucestershire family that once leased Barbuda from the British Crown for the price of ’one fat pig per year if asked for’. There are excellent beaches and the ruins of some of the earliest plantations in the West Indies. The coastal waters are rich with all types of crustaceans and tropical fish. Redonda, the smallest in the group, is little more than an uninhabited rocky islet. It lies 40km (25 miles) southwest of Antigua.
Antiguans claim to have a different beach for every day of the year and their island’s many beautiful soft, sandy beaches and coves certainly constitute its main attraction. This is where people come to relax and luxuriate in clear water that sparkles under hot sun. Antigua has certainly adopted the notoriously ‘Caribbean’ way of life: this is a place to take things easy, to stroll around markets, gulp the fresh juices of coconuts and pineapple, and to meet friendly
locals with plenty of anecdotes. Unsurprisingly, Antigua & Barbuda’s way of life is governed by water, and any visitor will find that their stay is too. The ocean is crammed with crustaceans and tropical fish and offers huge scope for watersports. Those in-the-know will flock to Nelson’s Dockyard in the English Harbour, which is at the forefront of Antigua & Barbuda’s vast yachting and sailing scene.
Unlikely, but should you grow weary of Antigua & Barbuda’s nautically-themed activities, the area also abounds with colorful bird and insect life. Barbuda is an unspoiled natural haven for wild deer and exotic birds and boasts the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. There are also national parks and blow holes to discover, including, of course, the Devil’s Bridge, a natural phenomenon crafted by the colliding of Atlantic and Caribbean surf.
| You are viewing results 1 to 2 of 2 |
|
|
