Antigua claims a beach for every day of the year, and after a week of hopping between them you’ll stop counting. Reef-protected water, a great choice of all-inclusive and luxury hotels, direct flights from London Gatwick and a sailing heritage centred on English Harbour make it one of the easiest Caribbean islands to love.
This guide covers the best areas to stay, what to do beyond the beach, and a day trip to Barbuda’s pink sand. For our hand-picked trips, see our Antigua and Barbuda holidays page.
The quick answer
- For calm water close to St John’s, stay on the north-west coast (Dickenson Bay).
- For sunsets and pretty bays, pick the west coast (Jolly Harbour, Hawksbill).
- For yachts, restaurants and Shirley Heights, choose English Harbour.
- Add a day on Barbuda for empty pink-tinged sand.
- Go between December and April.
Where to stay
| Area | Best for | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| North-west coast | Families, easy access | Long sandy beaches near St John’s, lots of resort choice |
| West coast | Couples, sunsets | Jolly Harbour marina and the island’s prettiest bays |
| English Harbour & the south | Sailors, foodies | Nelson’s Dockyard, restaurants and Shirley Heights |
| Barbuda | Seclusion, nature | Miles of empty pink-tinged sand and the frigate-bird colony |
Most resorts are within half an hour of the airport, so you can easily stay in one area and explore the rest by day. English Harbour is about 40 minutes from the airport and makes a lovely base for a second centre.
Things to do
- Nelson’s Dockyard — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of restored Georgian buildings in English Harbour.
- Shirley Heights on a Sunday — the island’s best view, with a steel band and barbecue at sunset.
- Beach-hopping by boat — catamaran days to Cades Reef, Green Island and Great Bird Island.
- Barbuda — a short flight or ferry to empty beaches and the frigate-bird sanctuary.
- St John’s — the colourful capital, its cathedral and the Saturday market.
- Stingray City — wade with friendly southern stingrays in the shallow lagoon.
When to go
The dry season, December to April, is the best time, with sunshine and around 29°C. Antigua is one of the drier Caribbean islands, but the hurricane season still runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October. Antigua Sailing Week in late April is a highlight for sailors.
Getting there and entry
Direct flights from London Gatwick take about 8 hours 30 minutes. UK passport holders don’t need a visa for a holiday. Check the FCDO travel advice for Antigua and Barbuda before you go.
Money and local costs
The Eastern Caribbean dollar is the local currency, and US dollars are widely accepted. Cards work in hotels and most restaurants; keep small notes for beach bars and tips.
Food and drink
Try fungee and pepperpot, the national dish, fresh lobster and conch, and Antigua black pineapple, famously sweet. English Harbour has some of the island’s best restaurants, and a rum punch at sunset is compulsory.
Ask us which beach suits you →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Antigua?
The north-west and west coasts for calm beaches and resort choice, and English Harbour for restaurants, yachts and history.
Does Antigua really have 365 beaches?
That is the island’s famous claim. Whether or not you count them all, there are dozens of excellent beaches, most with calm, reef-protected water.
When is the best time to visit Antigua?
December to April, the dry season. Hurricane season runs from June to November.
How long is the flight to Antigua?
About 8 hours 30 minutes direct from London Gatwick.
Is it worth visiting Barbuda?
Yes — for empty pink-tinged beaches and one of the world’s largest frigate-bird colonies, by short flight or ferry.
Planning an Antigua holiday?
Tell us who is travelling and the beach life you want, and we will match the hotel and the coast to you.
