There’s always something new to discover during your time in Antigua, where taking life in the slow lane has been turned into an art form. Stunning white sand beaches give way to historic towns and landmarks on this surprise-filled island.
Where are the best beaches in Antigua?
Known as the Land of 365 Beaches, you can visit a different beach every day of the year if you’re up to the challenge. From tropical retreats to bustling beachfronts, there’s a beach for every holidaymaker in Antigua. Dickenson Bay is on the west of the island, it has a gorgeous mile-long golden sand beach which overlooks the crystal clear sea as far as the eye can see. After a long day on the beach, stop by one of the many sports and beach bars scatted by the beach for a bite to eat or refreshing rum punch!
Good news: unlike back home, Antigua's weather is scorchio all year round, making it a top-tier destination for all you sun-seekers. We're talking a nice, toasty constant of 27°C that rarely dips or spikes, perfect for those dreamy beach days.
December to April is peak sunny season for your Antigua holidays, with just enough breeze to keep those palm trees swaying. May to November, on the other hand, is what's known as 'wet' season - but don't stress, rain showers over here are always short and sweet, and they're just what's needed to give the island a little refresh after all that scorching sun.
Luckily, Antigua manages to dodge the extreme end of hurricane season (August to October), but we'd always recommend checking ahead to be double sure.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Antigua?
It takes around 9 hours to fly to Antigua from the UK/Ireland, but don't worry - that just means you'll have enough time to watch your fave films, eat your fave snacks and have a cheeky nap in between 💤
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Antigua?
Antigua is 5 hours behind the time in the UK/Ireland - but stepping back in time never looked so good.
What currency do they use in Antigua?
The official currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, so stock up if you plan on bagging any bargains 💰
What language do they speak in Antigua?
Good news! The official language spoken in Antigua is English, so you no longer need to spend your commute to work glued to Duolingo.
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah
OK, so maybe you've done a zipline before, but have you ever done a rainforest zipline before? Well, this is your chance. An Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tour is the perfect way to sate your adrenaline cravings while getting a unique eco-tour of the lush rainforest with all its leafy canopies and tropical birds.
Reach new Shirley Heights
Like the look of the photo at the very top of this page? Well, that's the exact view you'll have from the Shirley Heights lookout in Antigua. Yep, it's a good'un. It's a restored military lookout perched at just under 500ft, offering the most stunning views of the English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. In fact, it's so special, that there have been many a wedding taking place here! Stop by at sunset for extra romance points.
Feed a giant tortoise
This is at the top of everyone's bucketlist, right? If you just nodded, then we've got good news. All you have to do is head to Lavinscourt Island, where you'll be instantly greeted by dozens of the local tortoises - some of which will be up to 200 years old, and up to 300lbs in weight! You can head on a tour of the huge enclosure, before having the chance to pet and feed some of the little cuties. Or big cuties, should we say.
Give you a rum for your money
When in the Caribbean, right? Galleon Beach offers special rum workshops which are the perfect way to pass an afternoon. You'll start with some rum-tasting to see what kind of flavours you like, and then you'll use a pot still to distil your rum in the authentic West Indian way. At the end, you can bottle your bespoke creation, finished with a label and a fancy wax seal. Chin chin!
Check out the Pillars of Hercules
These unique limestone formations can be found along the coastline of Antigua, the result of thousands of years of erosion from the wind and waves. You can reach the pillars by boat or a steep hike from Galleon Beach if you're feeling adventurous. The pillars themselves are a sight to behold, but this spot is also popular for its diving and snorkelling opportunities thanks to the clear waters.
Make way for the mangroves
A kayak tour through the mangroves is the perfect way to take in Antigua's lush scenery from the water. If you prefer a water activity that's more chilled than adrenaline-inducing, then you'll love this tour through mangrove lagoons with leafy canopies and birds chirping their songs from the treetops.
What events can I go to in Antigua?
No matter when you're jetting off on your Antigua holiday, there's plenty to add to your calendar. Whether you're off for a classic summer jolly or some winter sun, keep an eye out for these key events:
Music to Inspire Festival (March) - local musical talents come together for a performance showcasing the rich musical heritage of the island - artists and locations change each year, so stay updated!
Antigua Kite Festival (April) - watch the skies fill with colourful homemade kites for this family-friendly Easter Monday tradition
Antigua Sailing Week (April/May) - a Caribbean Sailing Association event, spanning over 5 days at the English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, with a bunch of activities, themed parties and international sponsors - make sure to catch the awards presentation after the final day of racing!
Dockyard Day (May) - organised by the National Parks Authority, Dockyard Day offers a host of yacht-themed activities over at Nelson's Dockyard, including model boat races, Greasy Pole contests, as well as beer-drinking and bun-eating competitions
Mango Festival (July) - a fruity celebration of all things mango, from tastings and cooking demos to craft stalls and even mango-eating contests!
Antigua Carnival (July - August) - the island's biggest festival, with colourful parades, extravagant costumes, steel pan tunes and all-night street parties
Urlings Seafood Festival (August) - seafood-lovers, unite for this local food fair celebrating all things fresh seafood
Francis Nunes Jr. Fishing Memorial Fishing Tournament & Seafood Festival (September) - bit of a mouthful, but this popular festival is your chance to take part in an adventure on the water, get your hands on a fresh catch from one of the returning boats, and sample some delish seafood from the local vendors
Antigua and Barbuda Independence Festival (November) - exactly what it says on the tin, this festival celebrates the island's independence with parades, cultural performances, the island's largest food fair, and a firework show for the patriotic finale
Nelson's Dockyard Christmas Day Party (December) - celebrate the festive season with live bands, DJ sets, a ton of activities, and a Christmas-themed buffet feast
Where is the best nightlife in Antigua?
Nightlife in Antigua is like one big tropical fiesta with top-notch beats, addictive cocktails and dancefloors that'll keep you moving 'til morning. Whether you're looking for a laidback lounge or a hardcore rave, these top nightlife spots in Antigua are calling your name:
Shirley Heights Sunday Night Parties - a chilled lookout by day, a lively party scene by night (on Sundays) - head to this spot for live steel bands, reggae beats and BBQ feasts with panoramic sunset views
C&C Wine House - find this chic spot in Redcliffe Quay, offering a selection of fine wines and tasty tapas for a classy night on the town or a romantic date night venue
Club Savoy - an upscale nightclub in St John's, dishing up everything from hip-hop to reggae, with a bangin' sound system and VIP areas
Cloggy's - first of all - what a name, second of all - this place is located on the second floor of the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, and it's recognised as one of the best sailors' bars in the world, with dance parties that continue well after sundown
Sheer Rocks - a boujee cliffside bar and restaurant serving up creative cocktails, live music sets and gorg sunset views
BeachLimerZ - a rustic beach bar bringing delish seafood, Caribbean tunes and chilled vibes to a fab seafront location
Catherine's Café - located along Pigeon Beach, this is the perfect spot for a late afternoon rosé as the sun goes down, complete with live music for the perfect atmosphere
The Lime Lounge - a popular bar in English Harbour, offering good music, good vibes and GREAT cocktails from their signature menu
What’s the food like in Antigua?
Feasting in Antigua is like diving head-first into one big flavour-packed carnival. Think fresh seafood, tropical fruits and spices that'll have your taste buds on fire (in a good way). If you're eyeing up the menus for your holiday to Antigua, give these local staples a whirl:
Fungee and Pepperpot - it's the national dish, so it'd be rude not to! Featuring cornmeal (fungee) cooked with orka and paired with a rich, hearty meat and veg stew, it's the best local comfort food you'll find
Ducana - delish sweet potato dumplings mixed with grated coconut and spices, usually served with saltfish
Jerk chicken - smoky, spicy and downright irresistible, this flavour-packed dish is an island staple served at any street vendor
Saltfish and Johnny Cakes - no, we're not just making stuff up. Salted cod is served with fluffy, fried dough for this traditional brekkie combo
Rice and Peas - not exactly like our version at home, this classic Caribbean side dish mixes rice with kidney beans and coconut milk for a creamy texture
Wondering where to tuck into these local dishes? We've picked out some of the top restaurants in Antigua to keep on your radar...
Sheer Rocks - a cliffside gem offering tapas-style dishes with a side of gorg sea views, perfect for a sunset dinner
Trappas - located in English Harbour, this cosy spot offers hearty Caribbean dishes and a friendly atmosphere to go with it
Island Fusion - a hidden gem serving traditional Antiguan dishes with a modern twist - just FYI, the coconut shrimp is a 10/10 must-try
Papa Zouk - the go-to for seafood-lovers, this place is known for its epic fish dishes and huge rum collection, dishing up those laidback island vibes
Places to visit
Nelson's Dockyard
This national park is your chance to learn a bit of history about the island on your Antigua holidays, while taking in some of the incredible views while you're at it. The dockyard is located in English Harbour, built back in 1725 as a base for the English naval squadron, and it's the only working Georgian dockyard in the world, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kind of a big dealio! A trip here will have you walking in the footsteps of Admiral Nelson himself, with beautifully-restored buildings now housing boutiques, restaurants and culture-packed museums. The marina is a great place for a stroll too, packed out with boujee yachts that'll have you dreaming of a life on the high seas.
St John's
St John's is the capital of Antigua, bursting with candy-coloured houses and pretty ports dotted with boats. It's a sight to behold, and the perfect way to add a pop of colour to your Insta feed. Aside from the colourful sights, craft shops and picturesque streets, you can also check out some of the town's historic landmarks, like St John's Cathedral with its iconic white towers, and Fort James, perched on a headland with incredible views over the Caribbean. If you're partial to a bargain, be sure to check out Heritage Quay right in the middle of the action for some duty-free shopping. Here you'll find shops selling everything from jewellery and clothing to tacky souvenirs. We can't think of a better day out.
Stingray City
Take your snorkelling adventure to a whole new level with a visit to Stingray City, which, yep, is exactly what it sounds like. Book yourself on a speedboat ride to this place, and you'll have the chance to swim with, snorkel among, cuddle up to, and feed the island's Southern Rays. You'll be up close and personal with some of the island's most gorgeous coral reefs and tropical fish (it's giving Finding Nemo vibes), with plenty of photo opps, and even a complimentary rum or fruit punch thrown in. Count us in!
Key facts about Antigua
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Time Difference
-5 hrs
Flight Time
9 hrs
Language
English
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Antigua?
We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Antigua?
Nope! There are currently no tourist tax charges in Antigua.
