Jolly Harbour, Antigua Guide

The twin-island nation of Antigua & Barbuda, the largest and most developed tourist destination in the Leeward Islands chain, has much to offer visitors of many stripes.

Home to most of the nation’s better-known hotels, Antigua is the larger of the two islands at about 108 square miles. From its upscale resorts for the very rich to comfy hideaways favored by sailors, Antigua’s hotel choices are varied, although they lack the presence of a U.S.-based chain.

Islanders claim their home boasts 365 beaches, and while the count is questionable, the beaches are beautiful. Topography is varied as well, with rugged mountain peaks ideal for island overviews, undulating fields of grass once used to grow sugar cane, winding roads lined by pineapple fields, with desert-like conditions rounding out the scenery.

The long reach of the British Empire is still evident in both the formal demeanor of the local population and in the fascinating, must-see historical site called Nelson’s Dockyard. Another place that’s popular with visitors is Shirley Heights. Once used by the British Navy as a lookout post, the site offers panoramic views, and is the home of a twice-weekly party and barbecue for sunset-watchers. Although it’s mobbed with tourists and the food is overpriced, the atmosphere is pure fun and local bands play infectious dance music.

Barbuda, the smaller sister island, is wild, woolly and barely inhabited. Most visitors arrive by propeller plane from Antigua at tiny Codrington Airstrip, which consists of one tiny cement block structure - the alleged terminal building - and a short runway.

About 1,000 inhabitants reside in Codrington, and beyond town are beautiful stretches of uninhabited beach accessed by rutted roads surrounded by scrub brush and cacti.

The most popular attraction here is actually offshore - the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Bereft of visitor-friendly signs and amenities, this mangrove swamp is accessed by boat and is aflutter with majestic frigate birds.

Among but a handful of hotels, the island’s best-known resort is the tony K-Club, a very private redoubt that serves the rich and famous. Most visitors, though, are day-trippers, who can arrange a one-day tour with lunch while staying on Antigua.

Antigua is a small island located in the Caribbean Sea, known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich history. The island was originally inhabited by the indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples before being colonized by the Spanish in the late 15th century.

In 1632, the British arrived and claimed Antigua as a colony, establishing it as an important sugar-producing island in the Caribbean. The island’s fertile land and ideal climate made it a perfect location for sugar plantations, and the British brought in enslaved Africans to work on these plantations.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Antigua became a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade, with thousands of enslaved Africans passing through the island on their way to the United States and other Caribbean islands. This dark period in Antigua’s history had a lasting impact on the island, shaping its culture and society.

In 1834, slavery was abolished in Antigua, and the island’s economy shifted to focus on cotton and other crops. However, the end of slavery did not bring immediate prosperity to the island, and many former slaves struggled to make a living. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century when tourism began to boom that Antigua’s economy began to thrive.

In 1967, Antigua and its neighboring island of Barbuda gained independence from Great Britain, and the country of Antigua and Barbuda was formed. With its newfound independence, the island began to develop its tourism industry, attracting visitors from around the world with its beautiful beaches and warm climate.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Antigua became a popular destination for celebrities, including Princess Diana and Oprah Winfrey, further boosting its reputation as a luxury vacation spot. Today, tourism is the main economic driver of Antigua, with the island welcoming over one million visitors each year.

Despite its small size, Antigua has played a significant role in history. In addition to its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, the island was also a key location during the Cold War. The United States established a naval base in Antigua, using it as a surveillance station to monitor Soviet activity in the Caribbean.

Antigua’s fascinating history can be seen in its architecture, with beautiful colonial buildings and ruins scattered throughout the island. The island also celebrates its past through festivals and events, such as the annual Carnival, which showcases traditional music, dance, and food.

Today, Antigua continues to be a popular destination for tourists, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its rich and complex past has shaped the island into the vibrant and diverse place it is today.