Antigua

a small island of rolling hills and flowering trees

Antigua, largest of the British Leeward Islands, has warm, steady winds and a complex coastline of safe harbours.

Although the interior of Antigua, a small island of rolling hills and flowering trees, has tons of charm, what really attracts visitors here is its spectacular coastline of perfect coves and graceful harbours. In fact the island has no less than 365 beaches, and, as each one is dusted with light-coloured sand, it’s not difficult to understand why sun-worshippers from near and far find this irresistible part of the Caribbean so enticing. Consequently Antigua’ has become the most developed of the Leeward Islands. Antigua’s colourful political history may or may not have anything to do with the character of its people. Nevertheless, it certainly is a lively place.

The Antigua Sailing Week starts on the last weekend in April and is one of the most famous sporting events in the whole of the Caribbean. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to watersports, diving and snorkelling and, of course, there’s the cricket. This sport is an Antiguan passion verging on obsession and it’s no coincidence that the island has spawned some of the game’s finest players. Its splendid climate and party atmosphere. During the last week of July and first week of August the island explodes into life as the carnival comes to town attracting a fair number of foreign millionaires to Antigua. Their presence has brought a touch of glamour which is maybe less obvious in other quieter Caribbean islands. That’s not to say that Antiguans aren’t proud of their past and their traditions - many cherished old buildings are testament to that - it’s just that they’ve always got an eye on what may be around the corner!

.St. John’s, the capital, is an excellent place to shop for clothes in vivid colours, handicrafts and luxury items. . On Antigua there are Italian restaurants, French, Indian and English-style dining, as well as traditional Caribbean fare. Seafood is popular here, and chefs make good use of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, breadfruit and the sweet, black pineapple. The best value alcoholic tipples are the punches and daiquiris laced with rum. Antigua’s blissful serenity and laid-back lifestyle are as hypnotic as the turquoise seas that gently embrace it.

Time:
Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time. GMT -4.

Open for Business/Shopping:
Hours of business are 8am-12pm and 1pm-4pm Monday to Saturday. Most non-tourist shops operate half day closing on Thursdays. Saturday is market day in the capital, St John’s. A wonderful array of local fruit, vegetables and fish is available. At the other end of the spectrum there are a couple of very exclusive complexes selling all manner of duty free goods. Somewhere in the middle, local shops sell batik, clothing, carvings and shells.

Money Matters:
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). Banks are open for business 8am-2pm Monday to Thursday, 8am-1pm and 3pm-5pm on Fridays. Bank of Antigua is also open on Saturdays, 8am-12pm. All foreign exchange transactions attract a 1% charge, but travellers’ cheques might cost you more. Most banks will give you cash with Mastercard or Visa.

Getting Around:
Antigua offers reasonably priced car hire and is one of the best ways to see the island. Taxis have ‘H’ registration plates and operate from a couple of ranks. They don’t have meters so agree fares before getting in. Buses don’t operate in tourist areas and the mini-van services are rather erratic, if cheap.

Electricity:
Antigua generally uses 220v, with some areas using 110v.