Antigua: 365 Beaches, Island Culture & Caribbean Adventure Awaits

Discover Antigua's Wonders

Antigua is a sun-soaked jewel in the Caribbean, famous for its 365 white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class sailing. Whether you're lounging at Dickenson Bay, exploring colonial history at Nelson’s Dockyard, or enjoying panoramic views from Shirley Heights, Antigua blends tropical beauty with cultural depth.

The capital, St. John’s, buzzes with color, markets, and museums, while nearby resorts cater to every kind of traveler—from honeymooners to families. Water lovers will find endless snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping opportunities. The island also hosts Sailing Week, a major international regatta. With direct flights from the U.S., UK, and Canada, Antigua is as accessible as it is unforgettable. From relaxed beach days to vibrant cultural nights, Antigua offers a complete Caribbean experience.

Current Weather

79.59 °F - Clear Min/Max: 79.59 °F / 79.59 °FFeels: 79.59 °F Humidity: 85%5 Day Forecast

Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Description

St John's is the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda. It is a port city located on the island of Antigua, and it's home to a third of the country's population as well as the seat of government. The islands were first colonized by Britain in 1632 and St John's still retains its look from more than three centuries of British rule. Nevertheless, tradition, climate and available materials in the area make the city's architecture unique. Some of the best things about St John's include beaches with crystal-blue waters, lush vegetation, as well as the island's history and culture. The destination is popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts for its variety of activities such as snorkelling, diving, fishing and hiking. The city also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the summer carnival, food and wine festivals, and the Antigua Sailing Week.

Useful information

Population:

25,035 (2022)

Currency:

Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) 1 Estern Caribbean Dollar = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

911 or 999

Opening Hours:

Regular shopping hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Many stores still close at noon on Thursdays.

Do & See

268 Buggies

268 Buggies provide a thrilling opportunity to explore Antigua's untravelled regions, including dormant farmlands, hills and swamplands. Their tours end at secluded and untouched beaches where you can relax and recharge with a snack and a drink. Expert tour guides will make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. All buggies are equipped with storage for valuables and power sources to charge your mobile devices.

5am Hike Club

The 5am Hike Club is an experience designed for early birds who want to get some outdoor physical activity at the crack of dawn, in the friendly company of other nature lovers. The hike is free, but donations are welcomed. Collected funds are directed as supporting local charitable initiatives. The hikes are roughly three to four miles long, so make sure you pack some snacks, fruit and water. Wear comfortable shoes and athletic clothing. There’s usually a doctor or nurse in the group, as well security for any unexpected event. Every hike has a different level of difficulty.

Adventure Antigua Tours

Adventure Antigua offer unique snorkelling and sightseeing tours which stand out from others on the island. The trips are designed to provide an educational and authentic experience on the water. The crew is passionate about the ocean and often engage in fishing, diving, snorkelling, and boating alongside visitors. It's just like spending the day with family and friends.

Betty’s Hope

Established in 1650, Betty's Hope was the first sugar plantations on the island of Antigua. It is one of the most significant places to visit and to learn about the history of slavery in Antigua. During colonial times, many people of African descent worked on the large plantation under the control of European settlers. Despite its dark past, the plantation is still known for its high-quality products.

Fort James

Fort James is a 17th-century fort at the entrance to the harbour of St John's. Walk around the site and see the old cannons, and even stand on the gun-points to either enjoy the breathtaking views or just to picture what it was like for soldiers looking out for potential threats. Alternatively, you can get a guided tour and gain insight into the site's history.

Heritage Quay

Heritage Quay is a shopping village located by the waterfront. It offers a variety of places to buy souvenirs, perfumes, watches, cigars, designer labels, china, art, as well as food and clothing. Most of the shops are operated by well-known brands, and the prices might not be the lowest. Nevertheless, it's great for browsing and stocking up on some duty-free essentials.

Museum of Antigua & Barbuda

The Antigua Museum is the best way to get to know more about the history of the island. Not only can you enjoy the exhibits on Antigua’s historical and archaeological sites, but also also get a sense of what island life was like for its inhabitants back in the day. Furthermore, learn how European influence hit the island and how the colonial past shaped the present times of this nation in the Caribbean. Whether you're alone or with family, this journey through local history is worthwhile.

Pig’s Paradise

Pig's Paradise gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beach in an unusual way — with friendly piglets on a secluded beach! Visitors can pet, feed and cuddle the pigs under supervision of a team of experts, all of this following reasonable health and safety protocols. Pig's Paradise is a safe and family-friendly tour that aims to provide a whole new beach experience.

Dining

Alligators Bar & Restaurant

Located near the Heritage Quay complex, Alligators Bar & Restaurant is a cosy venue with great food, drinks and service in a peaceful setting. They specialise in seafood and Caribbean cuisine with a vegetarian friendly menu. If seafood is what you're looking for, the Whole snapper, creole style, is something you shouldn't miss. Other popular dishes include chicken and shrimp in pineapple sauce and the jerk chicken salad. Make sure you try their rum punch — one of the best in St John's.

Ana's on the Beach

Whether you choose to visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Ana’s on the Beach offers a wide variety of local and international dishes cooked with fresh ingredients in a stylish atmosphere. Enjoy local delicacies while looking at the turquoise of the Caribbean Sea, or the sunset on the distant horizon. Ana's on the Beach is also famous for the special events throughout the year. Stop by for "Beachtastic Sundays" for boating enthusiast or check out one of the many live music events. All of these elements come together to offer a new take on the Caribbean lifestyle.

Cloggy’s

Cloggy's is a well-known establishment in Antigua, located in Falmouth Harbour. Their menu offers Caribbean, Contemporary, Central Asian and European cuisines with options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets. The restaurant's most famous dish is chicken shawarma, known for its tenderness and flavorful spices. Other popular dishes include smoked salmon salad and the "catch of the day". Dine on the outdoor deck with fantastic views of all the boats lit up at night, best enjoyed sipping a rum-based drink. Be ready for an extraordinary culinary experience in one of the lively restaurants in Antigua.

Hemingway's Caribbean Cafe

Hemingway's is housed in a historic wooden West Indian-style building from the 1800s. The restaurant has a terrace where you can sip a nice cocktail or have a meal with a view of the bustling centre of St John's. Hemingway's offers top-notch cuisine for both lunch and dinner, as well as a prompt service in a true Caribbean atmosphere. Some of the menu options include lobster, lamb, goat and a variety of curries, not to mention a great selection of cocktails and wines.

Le Bistro Restaurant

There's always a gentle breeze passing through Le Bristo's beautifully decorated dining room. It offers a romantic experience with a seamless dinner and personalized service. Choose from an array all freshly cooked dishes that combine French elegance and Caribbean vibes. Despite being on the costly end, the portions are big and you can share them along with a bottle of great French wine.

Nomad Restaurant

With over two decades of experience, Nomad's innovative recipes are considered one of the best on the island. Their vast menu offers anything from pasta and burgers to seafood and vegetarian fare. Make sure you try one of their signature cocktails.

Bars & Nightlife

King's Casino

There are only two options when it comes to casinos in St John's, and King's casino is one of them. It is a small venue where you will feel right at home to either take part in their karaoke nights, try your luck at the tables, spin on the world’s largest slot machine, or just have a drink. Play along locals and other visitors a selection of table games such as Roulette, Blackjack and Poker, as well as regional favourites such as Spanish 21, Caribbean Stud and Blackjack Switch.

The Lime Lounge

The Lime Lounge is a lively club situated in the renowned English Harbor. It's popular for its live music performed by both local and visiting bands. The venue plays a diverse range of music styles: from dad rock to alternative, reggae to 90s cheesy hits. The bar offers a variety of drinks, including speciality cocktails, beers and wines. No cover charge, so grab a drink and enjoy the music and the positive vibes of this nightclub.

Shopping

Jolly Harbour

Jolly Harbour is a resort village on the west coast of Antigua, near St John's. It has a marina with a diverse range of shops. You can find art galleries and unique souvenir stores, as well as boutiques, liquor stores, and supermarkets for daily provisions. It is a great place by the beach to pick up some presents for family and friends.

Redcliffe Quay

Redcliffe Quay is a shopping village where Antiguans run their shops and sell local souvenirs at affordable prices. Long ago, the village used to be the main trading place for slaves, rum, sugar and coffee. Today, the village offers a variety of excellent restaurants and a range of small independent boutiques. Whether you're looking for local handicrafts, clothes, delicious pasta and seafood dishes, mouth-watering wines — Redcliffe Quay is a must-see during your stay in St John's.

Vendor's Mall

Vendor's Mall is located near other shopping areas like Redcliffe Quay and Heritage Quay in St John’s. However, unlike its more upscale neighbours, this mall is home to local vendors selling crafts, art pieces, souvenirs and clothing. The mall also has a variety of shops selling stylish beachwear and Caribbean clothing. It's also a great place to get your hair braided, or find a taxi. The mall is more crowded on days when cruise ships are in port.

Woods Mall

Woods Mall is an air-conditioned, modern shopping complex northwest of St John's with a large number of shops, a supermarket and a pharmacy. Woods Mall is the mall of choice for most locals for both grocery shopping and buying clothes. Also, there's plenty of parking spaces — one less thing to worry about if you're driving there.

Tourist Information

V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU)

V. C. Bird International Airport is a former US military base located 8 km northeast of St John's. There are a few companies that offer airport transfers, but you can always take a taxi or rent a car depending on your budget.

Public Transport

St John's has a transport system of privately owned buses that run from 5:30 am to 6 pm daily. All buses start from either the East Bus Station, near the Antigua Recreation Grounds or the West Bus Station by Market Place. You can get around most of the island on these buses. However, there are some areas where the bus service is inconsistent. If you wish to go from Antigua to Barbuda, the other island in the country, the best way to do so is taking a high-speed ferry that takes about 90 minutes one way. Currently there are two ferry companies: The Barbuda Express and The Island Escape.

Taxi

Finding taxis in Antigua could not be any easier. They run 24/7 throughout the island and can be easily stopped in the street. They are also easy to find outside the biggest hotels in Antigua as well as in harbours, airports and famous beach spots. There are several trusted taxi companies on the island that your hotel can call for you at any time. C.C Tours And Taxi Services has a good reputation.

Antigua Cruise Port

The cruise port of St John's is right in the middle of the city. Cruise ships usually dock in St John’s harbour, specifically in Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay. The port has currently 3 piers. Expect a lot of activity as 5 cruise ships can dock at the same time on busy days. You will need your boarding pass to access the piers.

Electricity

The standard voltage in Antigua and Barbuda is 230 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances if the voltage in your country is 220-240 V as is in the UK, Europe and Australia. Antigua and Barbuda uses two types of plugs. Type A with two flat parallel pins, and type B with two flat parallel pins and a round grounding pin.

Internet

You'll be able to find decent connection speeds in Antigua and Barbuda. Most cafes and restaurants offer WiFi connection.

Pharmacy

One of the most well known pharmacies in St John's is Medicare.

Telephone

Country code: +1-256

...

Let’s plan your next vacation

Let us take care of all the details to create the perfect trip for you. With our expertise and personalized service, we will ensure that every moment of your trip is special and unforgettable. Get ready to embark on a dream adventure!

Your Trip Plan is Empty