Antigua is one of the major islands that make up Antigua and Barbuda's Caribbean nation in the Lesser Antillies. It is also known as Waladli or Wadadli by the native people. People love this port because of its beautiful white sand beaches, sailing, the 18th century Nelson's Dockyard, its culinary delicacies, and the largest nesting colony of frigate birds in the Caribbean.
Whether you're looking for a watersports destination or want to roam around the town, Antigua is a perfect destination for you. It is a tropical paradise with plenty of things to do. Try to explore the endless stretches of salmon-colored sands on Barbuda Island and the famous pink sand on the Antigua beach. Want to know more places to explore and things to do? Continue reading.
St. John's is the capital city of Antigua and serves as the central hub of activity on the island. This town features picturesque streets, cafes, restaurants, lots of shops, and restored colonial buildings that prove the island's resilience. This place is perfect for buying souvenirs and trying local dishes like ducana, fungie, and seasoned rice. Learn about the history of Antigua and Barbuda at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, St. John's Cathedral, or Fort James. Additionally, the city's buildings are colorful on the outside and can be found all over the city. You can walk around Redcliffe Clay or walk down St. Mary's Street to experience the vibrancy of the pastel-colored town.
Southern stingrays, which can grow up to 150 cm wide, are among the most impressive marine animals in Antigua's waters. Take a short boat ride from the mainland to Stingray City, where you can see rays up close. These stingrays are wild and able to live close to humans. You can feed them shrimp from your hands as they glide up to you in the water.
On a boat trip from the mainland, you can visit some of the 51 islands off Antigua. Whether you're interested in learning about island ecology or being directed to a nearby beach, it's easy to find a tour operator who offers what you're looking for. The Antigua eco-tour takes guests around the island and back to learn about the history and environmental aspects of the island. At Hell's Gate Island, visitors can relax in the Jacuzzi, snorkel, see the local flora and fauna, and explore the caves and nature trails. Alternatively, you can sit back and relax on a spacious boat while eating local foods and drinking refreshing fruit juices.
Many abandoned sugar mills remain around Antigua. A notable example is Nelson's Dockyard. The Nelson's Dockyard served as the Royal Navy's center for ship repairs and maintenance and officer quarters in Antigua, situated on the English Harbour and adjacent to Fort Berkeley. The dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with museums, bars, and restaurants. Many people also enjoy it during Seafood Friday at the end of each week! Copper & Lumber Store hosts a huge fish fry every Friday at 6 pm for tourists and locals alike! You can choose from many delicious food options (such as fish and chips, mahi-mahi, shrimp, and saltfish) and music, dancing, and laughter.
It is said that waves from the Atlantic Ocean formed Devil's Bridge on Antigua's east coast hundreds of thousands of years ago. You will witness geysers and blowholes throughout the Devil's Bridge and the coastal rocks. According to legend, during Antigua's slave period, enslaved people jumped to their death from Devil's Bridges. Since Devil's Bridge is slippery from the crashing waves, swimming there is not permitted. You should therefore take care while walking over the bridge. Devil's Bridge is fun to see and to get to. Antigua has five national parks, including several coastal parks accessible via a mile-long potholed road.
Over millennia, the limestone rock formed the natural arch that carries the bridge. Overhead, the Atlantic rushes over through a series of blowholes, occasionally spraying anyone standing too close. One theory is that the devil lives beneath the bridge. At the same time, the other states that enslaved Africans were said to have thrown themselves into the water here to escape life beneath the bridge.
The ideal time to visit this beautiful destination is between mid-December and mid-April. Its peak season makes it perfect for a winter escape for the US or European people. Another option to visit this place is between May and June.
