Travelisto destinations

Antigua and Barbuda holidays

A beach for every day of the year, Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour, and Barbuda’s pink-sand shore.

Overview

Welcome to Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua is famous for having 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, ringed by coral reefs and calm, clear water. It is one of the Caribbean’s easiest islands to reach from the UK, with direct flights from London Gatwick, and has a great choice of hotels, from relaxed all-inclusive resorts to adults-only hideaways and private-island luxury. The west and north coasts, around Dickenson Bay, Jolly Harbour and Hawksbill Bay, have the calmest swimming; the south coast has the classic beaches of Darkwood and Ffryes.

In the south, English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the heart of Antigua’s sailing life, with restored Georgian buildings, the Shirley Heights lookout and its Sunday-evening party. St John’s, the capital, has a colourful market and the cruise port. A short flight or ferry away, Barbuda is wild and empty, with miles of pink-tinged sand and one of the world’s largest frigate-bird colonies.

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Best for: beach lovers, couples and honeymooners, sailors, families on an all-inclusive holiday, and anyone who wants direct flights and an easy transfer. It pairs well with Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, or a Caribbean cruise.

From the team

Why we love Antigua and Barbuda

Amanda — Travel Designer · Music & Culture

Antigua is the island I suggest when a beach is the whole point. Stay on the west coast for calm water, and do not miss Shirley Heights on a Sunday evening.

Amanda Amanda, Americas & Caribbean Specialist Meet our Travel Designers

Practical info

Knowing before you go

When to go
Jan
29°
Feb
29°
Mar
29°
Apr
30°
May
31°
Jun
31°
Jul
31°
Aug
32°
Sep
32°
Oct
31°
Nov
30°
Dec
29°

The dry season, December to April, is the best time, with sunshine, around 29–30°C and lower humidity. May and June are good-value shoulder months. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October.

Flights & how to get there

Direct flights from London Gatwick take about 8 hours 30 minutes. Most resorts are within 30 minutes of the airport; English Harbour is about 40 minutes.

Visa & passport

UK passport holders do not need a visa for a holiday. For up-to-date entry requirements and safety advice, check the UK FCDO travel advice for Antigua and Barbuda.

Currency & money

The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD); US dollars are widely accepted. Cards work in hotels and most restaurants.

Language & tipping

English.

Health & safety

Drink bottled water where advised, use insect repellent (dengue is present in the Caribbean) and pack high-factor sun cream. Consult your GP about six weeks before you travel and buy comprehensive travel insurance.

Find your trip

Holiday types in Antigua and Barbuda

Pick a holiday style — or combine two. Each section links straight to the next step.

City breaks

Antigua and Barbuda's cities reward 2-4 nights each — pair two for a tailor-made multi-centre trip.

St John’s

St John’s

The capital: the twin-towered cathedral, the Saturday market, Heritage Quay and the cruise port.

Cruises

St John’s is one of the Eastern Caribbean’s busiest cruise ports, and Antigua is a regular call on winter Caribbean itineraries.

See all Antigua-departure cruises ->

Live prices

Antigua and Barbuda holiday deals

8 hand-checked Antigua and Barbuda hotels with prices seen in the last 7 days. Per person, 7 nights with flights from the UK, ATOL protected.

Find your hotel pick any combination
Star rating
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Departure airport
Travel month
Budget per person
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Price
  • St. James's Club Antigua - All Inclusive, English Harbour
    ★★★★
    English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda

    St. James's Club Antigua - All Inclusive

    Tucked away on a secluded 100-acre peninsula on the southeastern coast of Antigua, St.

    • 4-star
    • All inclusive
    • English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda
    from, per person£2,407
    10 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adults
    Flights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stop
    Luggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book.
  • The Verandah Antigua, Devils Bridge
    ★★★★
    Devils Bridge, Antigua and Barbuda

    The Verandah Antigua

    The Verandah Antigua - All Inclusive caters to Adults Only (ages 16 and over).

    • 4-star
    • All inclusive
    • Devils Bridge, Antigua and Barbuda
    from, per person£2,493
    10 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adults
    Flights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stop
    Luggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book.
  • Trade Winds Hotel, Dickenson Bay
    ★★★★
    Dickenson Bay, Antigua and Barbuda

    Trade Winds Hotel

    Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an outdoor pool and a fitness center.

    • 4-star
    • Bed & breakfast
    • Dickenson Bay, Antigua and Barbuda
    from, per person£2,526
    10 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · Bed & breakfast · 2 adults
    Flights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stop
    Luggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book.
  • Royalton Chic Antigua All-Inclusive - Adults Only, Dickenson Bay
    ★★★★★
    Dickenson Bay, Antigua and Barbuda

    Royalton Chic Antigua All-Inclusive - Adults Only

    Antigua, a tropical island in the West Indies, boasts 365 white-sand beaches and blissful year-round weather.

    • 5-star
    • All inclusive
    • Dickenson Bay, Antigua and Barbuda
    from, per person£2,551
    10 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adults
    Flights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stop
    Luggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book.
  • Hawksbill Resort Antigua, Five Islands Village
    ★★★★
    Five Islands Village, Antigua and Barbuda

    Hawksbill Resort Antigua

    Here, you’ll be enjoying yourself all the time.

    • 4-star
    • All inclusive
    • Five Islands Village, Antigua and Barbuda
    from, per person£2,560
    10 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adults
    Flights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stop
    Luggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book.
  • Pineapple Beach Club Antigua Adults Only, Devils Bridge
    ★★★★
    Devils Bridge, Antigua and Barbuda

    Pineapple Beach Club Antigua Adults Only

    The most laidback Adults Only - All Inclusive property in Antigua.

    • 4-star
    • All inclusive
    • Devils Bridge, Antigua and Barbuda
    from, per person£4,232
    10 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adults
    Flights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stop
    Luggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book.
  • Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Five Islands Village
    ★★★★★
    Five Islands Village, Antigua and Barbuda

    Galley Bay Resort & Spa

    Galley Bay Resort & Spa - All Inclusive - Adults Only, an intimate, beachfront, 5-star Caribbean hideaway.

    • 5-star
    • All inclusive
    • Five Islands Village, Antigua and Barbuda
    from, per person£5,857
    10 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adults
    Direct flights with British Airways from Gatwick
    Luggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book.
  • Hammock Cove Antigua - All Inclusive - Adults Only, Devils Bridge
    ★★★★★
    Devils Bridge, Antigua and Barbuda

    Hammock Cove Antigua - All Inclusive - Adults Only

    Perched on Antigua’s northeast coast, Hammock Cove is a secluded haven offering Michelin-caliber dining, dedicated concierge service, and luxurious villas with private plunge pools.

    • 5-star
    • All inclusive
    • Devils Bridge, Antigua and Barbuda
    from, per person£5,960
    10 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adults
    Flights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stop
    Luggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book.

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FAQs

Antigua and Barbuda — your questions

When is the best time to visit Antigua?

December to April, the dry season. 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.

How long is the flight to Antigua?

About 8 hours 30 minutes direct from London Gatwick.

Does Antigua really have 365 beaches?

That is the island’s famous claim — and whether or not you count them all, there are dozens of excellent beaches, most with calm water protected by reefs.

Is it worth visiting Barbuda?

Yes, for a day trip or a few nights. Barbuda has miles of empty pink-tinged sand and a large frigate-bird colony, reached by a short flight or ferry from Antigua.

Make this trip yours

Plan your Antigua and Barbuda holiday with a Travel Designer

Pick from any of the options on this page or tell us what you have in mind — we'll build it around how you actually like to travel. ATOL protected, flights included, real humans available 9am–7pm.

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