Antigua and Barbuda on the world map: capital, flag, coins, citizenship and attractions of the island state. Where is the state of Antigua and Barbuda and what are tourist reviews about it?
The name of the island of Antigua was given by Christopher Columbus, in which he perpetuated the memory of the Church of Antigua de Santa Maria, located in Seville. The island is located in the Caribbean Sea and belongs to the group of Lesser Antilles. The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are the location of the state of the same name. Columbus discovered the island in the late 15th century, and in 1662 it became a British colony. The eventful history of the island is embodied in priceless historical monuments, familiarity with which today is an obligatory part of travelers’ holidays.
In addition to the abundance of interesting sights to explore, Antigua has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. It has everything you need for a comfortable holiday, from first-class hotels and restaurants to stylish nightclubs and casinos. The capital of the island is the city of St. John's; its historical district deserves the priority attention of lovers of excursions.
In the center of the historical district is St. John's Cathedral, a striking example of the neo-Baroque style, which was built in the mid-19th century. According to historical data, the first religious building on the site of the cathedral appeared in 1683. In the immediate vicinity of Church there is an ancient cemetery, which is also of great historical value. Guests of the capital should definitely look into the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, which is located in an incredibly beautiful colonial building. Other monuments of colonial times are presented in variety on Long Street. Street (Long Street), stroll along historical district The capital is very convenient on foot. Copyright www.site
In the immediate vicinity of the capital there is the beautiful Dickenson Bay, which is loved by fans beach holiday. This area is famous not only for its natural beauty, but also for its rich historical heritage. There are ruins not far from the bay ancient castle Corbinson - one of the first fortifications to appear on the island. A rather unusual attraction is the Bettiz Hope Sugar Plantation (Hope Manor Bettiz), on the territory of which today there is a small museum. The plantation was only recently restored and was first founded in 1650. Ancient windmills, of which there are more than 150 today, remain the permanent symbol of the island of Antigua.
There is a place on Earth where there are beaches with white sand, the clearest azure waters of the Caribbean Sea splash, the breeze plays with palm branches and the islanders smile good-naturedly. The weather is almost always great there developed infrastructure, a lot of opportunities for recreation for every taste and such alluring, such attractive exoticism. This is what Antigua and Barbuda is like. Where is this small state, like heaven? How and what do people live there? What impressions does this paradise leave on tourists?
Geographical position
A state with an unusual and slightly exotic name Antigua and Barbuda on the map can be found in the northeastern region of the Caribbean Sea, where the Lesser Antilles group of islands is located, just 480 kilometers from Puerto Rico. Geographically, it occupies three islands - the largest Antigua, slightly smaller Barbuda and the very tiny, plus completely deserted, island of Redonda. You can get there by water and by air. Antigua has both marinas and international Airport. Barbuda also has a small airport and marina for connections with its neighbor Antigua. You can fly from island to island by plane in 20 minutes. The journey by ferry takes one and a half hours. Flight times from the mainland to Antigua vary depending on your departure point. From Moscow it takes almost 16 hours to get there. Please remember that the islands are in a different time zone. Local time differs from Moscow by 8 hours.
History of the state
The indigenous people of Antigua and Barbuda call their country Wadadli, which translates to “our property.” The name is associated with historical events that took place here over more than 5 centuries. Since the 2nd century BC, the Sibonean Indians lived on these islands, mainly engaged in fishing and hunting. Later, the Arawaks, who specialized in agriculture, moved here from the continent. In the 13th century, both were supplanted by the Caribs, a brave and warlike people. In 1493, during another expedition, I came across this piece of paradise. Globe. He named the larger island Antigua in honor of Saint Mary, the patron saint of Seville. The little one was named Redonda, which means round. The middle island received the name Barbuda, that is, beard. Discovered by Columbus the lands became In 1632, the Spaniards were pushed back by the British. On the conquered lands, they organized farms for growing tobacco and coconuts. The black slaves they brought worked on the plantations. Slavery on the islands lasted 200 years and 2 years. The country fought for its independence for a long time and finally, in 1981, achieved it.
Flag of Antigua and Barbuda
The deer has been chosen as the country's animal symbol, and the national symbols are the coat of arms, anthem and flag. Antigua and Barbuda has a flag unlike any other in the world. It is a rectangular panel depicting the rising sun, symbolizing the beginning of a new free life, as well as the sand of the beaches - the national heritage of the country. The black background is the skin color of the indigenous population, because it is mainly represented by the descendants of former slaves. The blue and white stripes are the waves of the sea and are also the colors of hope and purity. The red color on the flag signifies the energy of the people, and the V-shape of the design symbolizes victory.
Coat of arms
The coat of arms of the country of Antigua and Barbuda was created in 1966 by Gordon Christopher. His drawing is very complex, but numerous details provide almost complete information about this state. The picture of the coat of arms is a shield supported by two deer - animal symbols. At the top of the shield there is a pineapple and some types of plants that predominate on the islands. On the shield are the same as on the flag, the sun shining on a black background and the white and blue stripes of the sea. At the bottom of the shield is a sugar factory. All this is crowned with a ribbon with the inscription “Through the efforts of everyone, the common goal is accomplished.” This is the country's motto. This is such a wonderful coat of arms.
Capital
The state of Antigua and Barbuda, whose capital is St. John's, is very small in population. There are just under 87 thousand people here, with 31 thousand of them concentrated in the capital. It is located on the island of Antigua. There is an international airport at a distance of almost 8 km from the city, but, unfortunately, there is no connection with Russia. Russian tourists can get to the island from America, Canada, Germany and England. You can only get to the city by taxi or by renting a car here at the airport. All you need is rights and money. But you can travel around the city by bus. They ply almost the entire territory of the island, except for its northern part and Dickenson Bay. Tickets are very inexpensive, although on weekends the number of buses is sharply reduced.
The city has a well-developed tourism business, many hotels have been built, there are wonderful beaches, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and casinos.
Islands
Antigua is big island countries. Its area is 281 square km. The climate of the island is very favorable. The temperature in winter does not fall below +25 degrees, and in summer it is between 30-33 degrees. It rains only from September to November. They are usually very powerful, but short-lived. Sometimes the island experiences strong hurricanes. The relief of Antigua is flat. Only in the southwest are there hills, the highest of which is Boggy Hill, recently renamed Obama Hill. Its height is 402 meters. Forests and animal world They are poorly preserved, but there are many exotic birds here, and the coastal waters abound with amazingly beautiful marine life.
Barbuda is 48 kilometers away. This island is so flat that even with small waves it is difficult to see from a mile away. Its area is only 161 square km, and the only town - Codrington - looks like a village. Less than one and a half thousand people live on the island, there are almost no asphalt roads, but the beaches are as good as those on Antigua, only more deserted. The nature on this island is much better preserved. There are several caves worth visiting here. Schools of frigates are also of interest.
Antigua and Barbuda - the photo demonstrates this perfectly - is composed mainly coral reefs, forming multiple amazingly beautiful bays and lagoons. The disadvantage of these places is the lack fresh water. It is taken from wells or sea water is desalinated.
Redonta is a small volcanic islet 40 km from the central island of Antigua. Its area is about 1.6 square km. There are no people here, only animals and birds, which is especially appreciated by lovers of nature and secluded recreation.
Medicine
Antigua and Barbuda strives to become world class in the quality of health care and education. There are medical schools in the country, where qualified medical personnel are trained, and a medical university; construction of a modern hospital is underway, which will be equipped with modern instruments and equipment. Currently, there are 10 excellent hospitals on the islands, where they can provide almost any medical service. For the convenience of tourists, hotels employ doctors who speak English. However, it is highly undesirable to get sick while on vacation in this country, since many medical institutions require a contribution of $4,000 before providing treatment.
Currency
Antigua and Barbuda has its own currency - East Caribbean dollars, issued by the Eastern Caribbean Bank. Banknotes exist in denominations from 1 to 100 dollars. All banknotes feature the Queen of Great Britain. 1 dollar equals 100 cents. Antigua and Barbuda coins are minted from aluminum and copper-nickel alloys. They differ in diameter and weight. On one side of the coins the denomination is indicated, and on the other there is an image of Queen Elizabeth II or a sailing ship
In addition to the national currency, you can pay in the country with credit cards and American dollars, the import of which is allowed in unlimited quantities. Change is always given in local currency.
According to the unwritten law, when paying for the services of a porter, taxi driver, maids and waiters, you are supposed to leave a tip, so some change in your pocket can always come in handy.
As part of the investment program, the laws of Antigua and Barbuda allow it to be issued to everyone who can make investments in the country’s economy under one of the three provided programs.
- Investments are made in the amount of 400 thousand US dollars.
- A charitable amount of at least 200 thousand US dollars is contributed to the state economic fund.
- An amount of one and a half million US dollars is contributed to one’s own or to any existing business in the country at this stage.
In addition, those wishing to become citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are required to pay a special fee for each adult family member and each child over 18 years of age for 50 thousand dollars, and for children under 18 years of age for 25 thousand.
The second fee is called the Due Diligence Fee. It provides for different amounts, depending on age and status in the family.
Citizenship gives you the right to enter many countries without a visa.
Holidays and festivals
Antigua and Barbuda are very fond of cricket. It even hosted 8 matches during the World Championship in this sport. The islanders are also big fans of football, diving, surfing and sailing. Almost every month there is some kind of sports tournament or holiday in the country. In January, the Grand Regatta and volleyball and cricket tournaments start, in February the second regatta and dog and horse shows, in March Easter celebrations, in April the traditional Yacht Week, a boating tournament, in May fishing and tennis competitions, in June badminton competitions and bodybuilding. But the most significant and vibrant is the carnival dedicated to the independence of the country of Antigua and Barbuda. The capital blooms with hundreds of colors during Carnival week. There are various musical performances, a masquerade, a fair, and at the end the selection of the queen.
Hotel business
Tourism is the main source of income in Antigua and Barbuda. Therefore, everything that concerns tourism business, quite well developed. Antigua and Barbuda offers its guests a variety of modern hotels, designed for different budgets and operating according to the BB system, 365 delightful beaches with the purest white sand and clear water, a lot of excursions, amazing cuisine, the fun and excitement of discos and the romance of remote quiet corners. Reviews from tourists overwhelmingly confirm the high level of service at relatively low prices. Those who have ever visited Antigua or Barbuda forever leave in their hearts memories of this wonderful country and a delightful vacation.
Sights and excursions
Every country has its own attractions. Antigua and Barbuda boasts St John's Cathedral and English Harbor, which has the largest number of historical monuments countries. The main one is Nelson's Dockyard, associated with the name of the famous Nelson. Now it's set up there National Park. The Clarence House mansion and the old cemetery are of interest. The Dawes Hill Center is popular with tourists and hosts theatrical performances. Another attraction is Fort Berkeley, which once protected the entrance to the harbor and was subsequently destroyed. It is currently being restored. In Barbuda besides natural beauty You can admire the Martello Tower, considered a national historical value, and the remains of the once large Willie-Bob estate. The caves of the island with huge petroglyphs of ancient Indians are preserved in the Indian Cave. And in Derby Cave there is a huge underground lake.
Tourists will not be bored. They are offered safaris to the far corners of the islands, swimming with dolphins in Marina Bay, sailing on a catamaran, flying over active volcano by helicopter, cruise on a real pirate ship with a stop in a quiet, remote bay and much more.
Antigua and Barbuda is considered a relatively prosperous country in terms of crime. However, pickpocketing still happens here. Therefore, in places with large crowds of people you need to be careful. It is also not recommended to walk alone in remote corners of the islands and at night.
No visa is required to enter the country, and a tax of 20 US dollars is paid upon departure.
The islands have great amount beaches. There are special places for nudists. Being topless on public beaches possible, but not accepted. And in the city and even in some hotels, wearing swimsuits is not welcome. IN in public places It is advisable for women to wear dresses, and for men to wear trousers and shirts.
You can photograph indigenous people, but only if they agree to it.
Everything can be imported into the country except drugs and weapons, and items of national interest are prohibited from being exported.
Antigua and Barbuda are West Indian islands that are part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago.
Antigua and Barbuda is a paradise of nature surrounded by mighty mountains, clear waters Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, endless coral reefs, unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, developed infrastructure and a total of 365 beaches for complete relaxation.
The area of the islands is just over 440 square kilometers, and the number of local population– almost 87,000 people.
The capital of the state is located on the island of Antigua and is called St. John's.
Most Big city archipelago - St. John's. There is a great beach holiday, delicious food, beautiful nature, a variety of entertainment and a rich excursion program.
The island of Barbuda is no less exotic and a nice place, and recognized as one of the most beautiful on the planet. Created in Barbuda good conditions for divers and snorkelers.
The third island of the archipelago, uninhabited, Redonda, is considered a national park and is preferred by yachtsmen.
There are no direct flights between Belarus and the archipelago.
The most the best option will be - fly to London, and from there - a direct flight to the islands.
Connecting cities could also be Frankfurt am Main or Vienna and New York, Warsaw and Toronto.
In any case, the flight will take almost 30 hours.
Climate of Antigua and Barbuda
A tropical trade wind climate dominates the territory of Antigua and Barbuda.
All year on the islands average temperature air ranges from +26 to +32 degrees, but the intense heat is moderated by winds constantly blowing from the ocean.
The rainy season is usually observed in the period August-September - December. And the period June – November is characterized by tropical hurricanes, stormy winds and heavy rains.
Beach holidays on the islands are most comfortable from the second half of December to the first half of April.
Antigua and Barbuda Hotels
Accommodations in Antigua and Barbuda are small, cozy hotels with approximately 200 rooms. The cost of accommodation is usually all-inclusive. The level of such hotels usually corresponds to the usual 3* - 5* for us. Everywhere you will find a high level of service, a magnificent view of the ocean from your room, a balcony or terrace with a hammock - also right in the room, and there may also be a swimming pool with a wellness center on the hotel premises.
There are practically no large hotels on the islands.
There are 365 beautiful things in Antigua and Barbuda sandy beaches. All of them belong to the state, and admission to them is free.
Gully Bay is characterized by the presence of nudist beaches.
The entire coastline of the islands provides excellent conditions for divers, snorkelers, surfers and fishermen.
Half Moon Bay is a comfortable place for families with children to relax – the beach is located within the national park.
English Harbor is home to many historical monuments.
Banks, money, exchange offices
The currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the East Caribbean dollar, equal to 100 cents. There are paper banknotes in denominations of 5,10,20,50,100 local dollars and coins in denominations of 1 local dollar, 1,2,5,10,25,50 cents. The US dollar is also freely circulated throughout the country (the cost of goods is indicated in two currencies - local and American).
Banking hours:
On weekdays – from 8.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00
Some - on Saturdays - from 8.00 to 12.00
Currency exchange can be done in banks, hotels and large stores. The most favorable rate is in St. John's banks.
Pay with any credit cards it is possible almost everywhere, but you should clarify the terms of conversion (if the price is indicated in local dollars, and the card is in American dollars). Travel checks (preferably in US dollars) can also be cashed almost everywhere.
Tips are accepted (if the service charge is not included in the total price) in the amount of 10 - 15% depending on the quality of service, for taxi drivers - 10%, for porters - 0.5 dollars for each suitcase.
Tourist safety
Antigua and Barbuda is practically safe for tourists, but following simple rules will help you avoid any troubles.
It is prohibited to be topless on the beaches.
You should only drink bottled water, and before your trip it would be a good idea to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and polio.
Transport
There are well-established air connections between the islands, but there is no railway service as such.
The movement of passengers to Antigua and Barbuda is carried out by buses and taxis.
Travel by bus is relatively inexpensive, but not all places can be reached by this type of transport. settlements, and some run only on Sundays.
The taxi service operates in a very civilized manner: the cost is calculated according to certain tariffs, which will be indicated on the receipt that you will be given. Taxi drivers have undergone special training and can double as tour guides.
You can also rent a car yourself, with only one amendment - traffic here is on the left.
Entertainment, excursions, attractions
The capital of the archipelago offers to alternate a beach holiday with excursions, of which there are many available - in historical places, to museums, to sights. In Saint John you can visit local market, where farmers offer their freshest products, and you can go on a jeep tour, kayaking, or the promenade on motor boats. There are golf courses for those interested.
The island of Barbuda is home to mysterious caves and rare bird species, as well as large golf courses. Various festivals, carnivals and holidays are regularly held on this island.
You can take a walk along the coast on a pirate ship, fly in a helicopter, or swim with dolphins.
Cuisine and restaurants
All countries in the region have in one way or another left their mark on the culinary traditions of Antigua and Barbuda.
For Europeans, lobsters, shellfish, shrimp and shells prepared in a certain way are exotic and preferred. Unusual dishes include sunfish, flying fish and red snapper.
Be sure to try the lamb and rabbit stew, as well as the local sweet potatoes with coconut and herbs.
Coconut milk is often offered as a drink on the islands.
Shopping and shops
The archipelago is home to duty-free shops where you can get great deals on jewelry (even the popular emeralds from Colombia), watches and other goods.
The main souvenirs of the islands are ceramics, jewelry made from shells and corals, and wooden crafts.
Customs
Large sums of money must be declared upon entry, but their quantity is not limited.
You can export amounts within the limits entered in the declaration upon entry.
There are restrictions on the import of cigarettes and alcohol.
It is prohibited to import narcotic substances and weapons to the islands, and to export objects of artistic and historical value.
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Antigua and Barbuda is home to Fort Berkeley, the world-famous St. John's Cathedral and the Museum of Historical Artifacts in Antigua. On the island you can find clay statues from the last century.
Historical sites of Antigua and Barbuda
The southern coast is famous for its most popular attraction – English Harbour, popularly called “English Harbour”. It is here that a huge number of main historical monuments are located, so if the purpose of the trip educational tourism, look attractions Antigau and Barbuda you can here.
Things to do in Antigua and Barbuda
The more active life of the state begins in the evening, as it is mainly aimed at visiting tourists. During the daytime, diving and traveling to unexplored corners of the islands are especially popular. On each beach you can rent a catamaran or ATV and drive across the sea, cutting through the crystal clear water. Yours history of Antigua and Barbuda will not leave anyone indifferent.
In the village of Falmouth you can see the huge fort, Great Fort George, located on the highest hills of the island. On the way to the fort you can see Antigua and Bprbuda, namely : Church of Saint Paul - built by the will of the English Duke in 1676 and is the first Christian center in Antigua. In the courtyard of the structure there is a cemetery where Andrew Dunlop and Charles Peat are buried.
There is a British one on the island military base 18th century Nelson Dockyard, now it is actively used by the civilian population as a yacht anchorage.
Excursions Antigua and Barbuda
When booking a tour or hotel, you can order at historical Museum states. The Court House, as it is now called, was founded in 1747 on the territory of the colonial republic. Inside you can find exhibits telling about historical battles and the culture of the Indian tribes that were here during the period of great colonization.
Monuments of Antigua and Barbuda
Ancient life, historical invaders, discoverers, everyone who visited the islands left behind. To date, the islands have not been fully explored, so every inhabitant of the planet has a unique chance to discover something new and untamed in the forests of the archipelago. Indian attractions, statues made of gold, and ancient Greek ceramics, this is just a small part of what can be seen in the underwater caves of the island of Barbuda. Worth noting if you are interested water activities, go to the island of Redonta.
Island group Wadadli was discovered by Columbus in 1493, during his second expedition to the shores of the New World.
Sights of the islands of Antigua and Barbuda
Sights of Antigua
Columbus named Antigua island in honor of the Church of Antigua de Santa Maria in . The most beautiful island with a picturesque coastline, many bays and rich vegetation, for a long time it became an arena for the struggle of European colonists with aggressive Indian tribes and the forces of nature. Only in the middle of the 17th century did life begin to improve for the settlers, and today the islands of Antigua and Barbuda are one of the largest resort areas in the West Indies. Antigua is home to a huge number of modern hotels, nightclubs, casinos, centers aquatic species sports and entertainment complexes.
The capital of Antigua, its commercial center and major tourist area of the country, St. John's is quite unusual capital. Only 30 thousand people live here, but this is almost half of the country's population. This is a big one tourist center islands but nevertheless most of The city remains an example of old Caribbean architecture and lifestyle. All tourism activities The capital is limited to the waterfront around the harbour, Heritage Quay and the pastoral Redcliffe Quay area, where most of the shops, restaurants and galleries are concentrated, as well as colorful stone buildings and wooden huts, clearly aimed at tourists. Some of them are beautifully restored, others are in a dilapidated state, but together they create the flavor of St. John's, which has become the basis of its popularity among tourists.
Literally a few hours will be enough to explore the city and its attractions, since all the main attractions of the city are located close to each other. It is definitely worth visiting the neo-baroque St. John's Cathedral (1845; the first building on this site dates back to 1683). The cathedral's two slightly awkward towers are business card islands and are one of the rare examples of mixed timber and stone architecture. In the southern part of the cathedral you can find a small cemetery with old, moss-covered tombstones, many of which date back to the 17th century. Also worth a look is the Antigua and Barbuda Museum, housed in the colonial Court House (1747) at the intersection of Long and Market Streets, west of the cathedral. The museum has a good collection of exhibits on the history and culture of Indian tribes and the colonial period. Long Street itself, where Carnival parades take place, is lined with many fine old buildings, including several colorful 17th-century wine shops still in business. The small Nick Mali Gallery (Antigua Art Gallery) lies in the north east coast Hodges Bay.
Small fort james was built on a bluff at the northern end of St. John's Harbor in 1675, but most of its surviving structures date back to 1739. Several ancient cannons that once guarded the harbor can still be seen here, as well as gunpowder magazines, a mess hall, barracks and several largely intact fortifications. Together with Fort Barrington (the oldest defensive structure on the island, mid-17th century), lying on the opposite side of the mouth of the harbor, and Fort St. John on Rat Island, it formed an almost impregnable system of defensive structures. Today the fort looks rather dilapidated, but scenic view from its walls more than compensates for all the inconveniences. Nearby lies a cemetery with a small obelisk in honor of the soldiers of the 54th regiment. A little further north, in Fort Bay, lies one of the capital's most popular beaches.
Named after the church of St Mary of Redcliffe, Redcliffe Quay is considered the best place to explore the city. This is one of the oldest parts of St. John's, so there are many old warehouses that have been restored and used for small shops, as well as restaurants and bars. Behind the pier, at the end of Nevis Street, is the old slave market, and to the north is the colorful Heritage Quay area, where cruise ships dock and therefore there are many duty-free shops, a theater, and a memorial to the Antiguans who gave their lives in the fields The First World War, a monument to the first prime minister of an independent country, W. Bird, and the Westerby Memorial. The colorful Farmers' Market is located in the southwestern part of the city. It's worth visiting on weekends when thousands of locals flock here.
English Harbor, "English Harbour", lying on the southern coast of the island, is considered the most popular attraction of Antigua, having the richest collection of historical monuments on the island.
The main point of attraction in the harbor is Nelson Dockyard (“Nelson’s Dockyard”), which is a British naval base (18th century), today the most popular yacht anchorage on the island and the only real harbor of that era in the world.
During the Napoleonic Wars, English Harbor was used as one of the main bases British Navy, the names of Nelson, Rodney and Hood are associated with it, so it is not surprising that a National Park with an area of about 27 square meters has now been created here. km.
Worth seeing are the Gregorian-style Clarence House (18th century, now the Governor General's summer residence), the partially restored fortified lookout post and old cemetery at Shirley Heights, and the Daws Hill Visitor Center (which regularly hosts multimedia history shows). Antigua), and among the thickets of cacti stands Fort Berkeley, which once protected the western entrance to the harbor (the fort is dilapidated, but is being intensively restored).
Nearby lies the large horseshoe-shaped bay of Falmouth Harbor, which is an entire tourist complex With big amount restaurants. High in the hills above the village of Falmouth (north side of the harbour) lies the massive fort of Great Fort George, and the eastern part of Falmouth Harbor is practically adjacent to Nelson Dockyard. St Paul's Anglican Church, located on the main road to Falmouth, is the first Christian Church Antigua (built in 1676). Around the church there is an old cemetery with the graves of Charles Pitt (he was buried here in 1780), a memorial to Andrew Dunlop and other historical figures.
West Coast
The west coast of Antigua, between the small fishing village of Old Road and the capital, is one large tourist area, lined with hotels and a series of beautiful beaches. Here, framed by the rolling hills of the Shakerley Mountains, are beautiful beach areas such as Dickenson Bay, Runway Bay, Galley Bay and Hawksbill. From Old Road the road follows the coast past banana groves and pineapple plantations, around Cades Bay and the cay of the same name, to highest point islands - Mount Boggy Peak (402 m), from whose top you can see the islands of St. Kitts, Guadeloupe and even Montserrat.
North-west of St. John's lie two beautiful bays - Runway Bay and Dickenson Bay. This is a surprisingly quiet area with long beaches and magnificent white sand, calm waters and a handful of small but very cozy hotels. Here you can find a huge number of seabirds, the ruins of the old Fort Corbinson, snow-white beaches between Corbinson Point and Witherill Hill, and a large salt pond on the inland side of Runway Bay, which also serves as a nesting site for thousands of birds. Nearby are the restored colonial sugar plantation Betty's Hope (1650, the first on the island) with a small museum in the Visitor Center, more than 170 old windmills, and the Devil's Bridge rock formation, the lower part of which was washed away by thousands of years of tireless surf action ( according to Indian beliefs, this is where the spirits of the island live), Indian Town National Park, as well as the Scenic Half Moon Bay National Park (one of best places on the island for surfing), art Gallery Harmony Hall and one of best restaurants islands in Nonsuch Bay. Nearby lies the deserted Green Island, considered an excellent place for snorkeling. Also great place For sea holiday considered to be Deep Bay west of St. John's. A salty body of water separates Deep Bay from the slightly smaller Hog John Bay, which is within walking distance of Fort Barrington.
Southwestern and southern coasts
The coastline of the hilly southwestern part of Antigua is much less developed in terms of tourism than the areas around the capital. But nevertheless, here you can find the most beautiful sea shores, such as Fries Bay, Darkwood Beach, Turner Beach, Jolly Harbaugh Bay and the shores around Point Johnson, as well as Rendezvous Bay and Doigs Beach. Even a short walk along the Rendezvous Trail, through over thirty varieties of shrubs and trees, including giant redwoods, will provide some of the most beautiful coastline and panoramic views the island has to offer. There are also a lot of birds living here, which give this area of the island a special “wildness”. South-west of the capital, a narrow isthmus leads to the large peninsula of Five Island, so named because of the five stones that protrude from the sea at some distance from the shore. The barren and arid landscape of the peninsula would be completely uninteresting if it were not for the many small cozy beaches, the large rock in the shape of the head of a hawksbill turtle that gives Hawksball Bay its name, as well as the proximity of the capital and Fort Barrington, which can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes .
Attractions Barbuda
Barbuda Island lies 42 km north of Antigua. This quiet, pastoral and rustic island, home to just 2% of the country's population, is very rarely visited by tourists - mainly birdwatchers and yachtsmen come here. But nevertheless, this small piece of land in the endless expanse of the sea is considered one of the most colorful islands on the planet, and its eight-kilometer Long Beach It is also one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
Codrington
The island's more village-like capital, Codrington was named after the Gloucestershire family that once leased Barbuda to the British Crown for "one fat pig a year." Now it's still the same quiet town, as in late XIX, the main decoration of which are numerous beautiful one-story houses (many owners paint them in their own color), and the Government House (1694), lying in the center of the town, behind the post office. Unfortunately, Government House, which most recently housed the Holy Trinity School building, was severely damaged by Hurricane Louis in 1995, and is being restored rather slowly. The town also has a few guesthouses and a handful of restaurants, bars and shops, but overall it is extremely quiet and deserted, only coming to life on Sunday when the traditional cricket competition is held on the field near Holy Trinity School.
5 km north of the capital, in the highest part of the island (45 m), lies Codrington House (1720), also known as “Willy Bob” or “Mountain House”. From this once large slaveholding estate of the Codringtons, only a box of walls and a large water tank have survived to this day. But from here there is an excellent panorama of the coastline Barbuda and the island itself. Also interesting is the Martello Tower (1745-1850) 5 km south of Codrington, which was once part of the island’s fortification system. The tower has a high platform (total height about 10 m) and extremely thick walls, but is empty inside. Cape Spanish Points is the most southeastern point of Barbuda and may be named after the Spanish galleon Santiago de Calerin, which sank in these places in 1695. More than 13 thousand gold pesos ended up at the bottom of the sea, which the ship was carrying as payment to the Spanish garrisons in Maracaibo. An incredible expanse of pristine sand and sparkling water stretches from Codrington to Spanish Points, including Low Bay and many other superb beaches.
The bush, which covers almost the entire territory of the island, provides shelter for an extensive animal community by local standards - deer and wild pigs, turtles and wild cats are found here. Feral cattle roam everywhere, as well as village sheep and goats, which independently return to their pens in the evening. There are several salty ponds where it usually gathers a large number of various birds, and the rare frigate bird (Fregata magnificans) nests in the lagoons, whose colony numbers about 2.5 thousand specimens here (it is believed that this is the largest frigate colony in the world). The coastal waters of the island are rich in crustaceans and numerous species of tropical fish.
Caves
Barbuda, composed almost entirely of limestone rocks, abounds in caves. There are two extensive underground complexes - at Castle Hill and at Two Foot Bay. The voids in Two Foot Bay are a small entrance hole, beyond which stretches a huge cave filled with stalactites and fossils. The ancient inhabitants of Barbuda used the caves for housing for many centuries. In the “Indian Cave” you can see petroglyphs left by the “Arawak” or “Siboni” tribes. Derby Cave lies just 5 kilometers north-east of Codrington, representing a vertical drift formed as a result of karst activity. The mouth of the cave, with a diameter of more than 100 meters, has a depth of more than 21 meters, while the stalagmites reach 2.5 meters in length. The vegetation around the cave resembles a tropical forest, full of palms, ferns and vines. Dark Cave lies 3.6 km south of Derby Cave and has a narrow entrance leading to a large cavern occupied by a pool of clear water, which was used as a source of fresh water by the Indians. The cave is home to several rare species of crustaceans, including the unique blind shrimp.
Indian Cave is certainly Barbuda's most interesting prehistoric site. The entrance to this cave is located near the top of a low cliff. Behind it begins the Drop-Cavern cave, and behind it is the Bat-Chamber cave, about 10 m high. From the main corridor to the east there is a short narrow drift, in which petroglyphs were found that are attributed to the Arawak culture. Further, the passage leads to another cave, which is illuminated by sunlight through holes in the roof.
Redonda
A tiny and virtually uninhabited volcanic rock known as Redonda, lies 56 km southwest of Barbuda. The island is practically not visited by tourists, only yachtsmen are frequent guests of these waters. Currently, Redonda is home to a natural park.
Reefs and natural attractions of Antigua and Barbuda
Both Antigua and Barbuda are almost completely surrounded by coral reefs, numerous underwater banks and rocks, and therefore abound in shipwrecks. The southern and eastern coasts of Antigua, and indeed the entire coast of Barbuda, are surrounded by shelf shoals that provide excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling. Most of Antigua's coastline, with its white sand and gentle slope, is protected from the sea by coral reefs, and all are free (at least officially). The main beach holiday destinations are: Dickenson Bay And Runway Bay on the east coast, Deep Bay And Hawksbill west of St. John's, as well as Darkwood Beach to the south is Jolly Harbour. On the east coast, the main vacation spot at sea is considered Half Moon Bay, and in English Harbor - Galleon Beach and isolated Page Beach. Outlying beaches, including the northern end of Dickenson Bay and Hawksbill Beach, are designated as nudist beaches.
Good conditions for snorkeling and diving can be found in the area Sunken Rock And Cape Shirley, as well as south coast Antigua. Moreover, many dive areas are located very close to the shore, rarely more than a fifteen-minute boat ride. A undersea world The islands are truly magnificent - there are numerous colorful reef inhabitants, including parrotfish, angelfish, wrasse and barracuda, practically harmless nurse sharks and you can even meet, if you're lucky, dolphins and sea turtles. The reefs are largely pristine, and although the depths are shallow, there are some good sea canyons and shipwrecks.
Protected West Coast Antigua is great for beginner surfers while being windswept east coast It is famous for its constant winds and is perfect for experienced athletes. Another common activity is sport fishing in the ocean, with marlin, tuna and wahoo king mackerel being the main targets.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Antigua and Barbuda
- Royal Dockyards