The archetypal Caribbean island - sun-drenched, fringed with dazzling white sand and set by a warm jade and aquamarine sea. 

 

Antigua's corrugated coasts cradle scores of perfect little strands lapped by beguiling blue water, while the sheltered bays have provided refuge for everyone from Admiral Nelson to pirates and yachties.

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At a glance

If you can tear yourself away from that towel, you'll discover that there’s a distinct English accent to this classic Caribbean island with its narrow roads, candy-colored villages and fine historic sights.

If life on Antigua is a beach, Barbuda is a beach: one smooth, pink-tinged strand hemming the reef-filled waters. Birds, especially the huffing and puffing frigates, greatly outnumber residents on this perfect Caribbean dream island. The main town housing the tiny airport is Codrington, officially the capital but referred to by all as ‘The Village’. Codrington consists of just a handful of streets and offers a glimpse of the Caribbean as it used to be.

St johns - intriguingly shabby, the island capital and commercial center is worth a spin for its cafes, restaurants, shops, cute museum and bustling market. The town all but shuts down at night and on Sundays. North of here, the middle market of Antigua’s holidaymakers finds fun in the sun along Dickenson Bay, which has good swimming and plenty of aquatic activities. 

Explore

On this Antigua shore excursion of St John’s city sightseeing, you’ll see the best of the capital city while you’re in port in Antigua. Browse through a local vegetable market and interact with locals. You’ll also head to Heritage Quay, a popular two-story shopping center where you can shop for souvenirs to take back on your ship. Located in the center of town, this is where everyone comes to shop for duty-free, designer and locally made products. There are also many colorful vendors in the area selling batik pareos, T-shirts, woven products and jewelry.

Bananas, limes, mangos, eggplant – you’ll find mountains of them at this covered market that is at its most vibrant on Friday and Saturday mornings. Keep an eye out for produce you’re unlikely to find at the supermarket back home, including black pineapple, the reddish flowers of antioxidant-rich sorrel and black tamarind pods. It’s a fun place for a browse, snack or people-watching. The amiably bombastic painted bust outside the market entrance depicts Sir Vere Cornwall Bird. Follow your nose to the fish market across the street, next to the bus station. Upon request, vendors will fillet your selection.