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
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 DesignersPractical info
Knowing before you go
When to go
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.
Where to stay
Beach destinations grouped by resort area — pick the cluster that matches your pace.
North-west coast
Dickenson Bay · Runaway Bay · Hodges Bay
See hotels →
West coast
Jolly Harbour · Hawksbill Bay · Darkwood · Ffryes
See hotels →
English Harbour & the south
English Harbour · Falmouth Harbour · Pigeon Point
See hotels →
Barbuda
Codrington · Pink Sand Beach · Frigate Bird Sanctuary
See hotels →City breaks
Antigua and Barbuda's cities reward 2-4 nights each — pair two for a tailor-made multi-centre trip.
Cruises
St John’s is one of the Eastern Caribbean’s busiest cruise ports, and Antigua is a regular call on winter Caribbean itineraries.
Tailor-made
Everything you see above is a starting point — we'll shape any of these around how you actually want to travel.
Beach and boat days
A beach hotel plus catamaran, snorkelling and island-hopping days.
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Family Caribbean
Family suites, calm beaches and kids’ clubs.
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Two-island Caribbean
Pair Antigua with a neighbouring island or a Caribbean cruise.
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Honeymoon or celebration
A romantic resort or villa, with the special touches arranged.
EnquireLive 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.
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★★★★English Harbour, Antigua and BarbudaSt. 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£2,40710 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adultsFlights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stopLuggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book. -
★★★★Devils Bridge, Antigua and BarbudaThe 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£2,49310 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adultsFlights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stopLuggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book. -
★★★★Dickenson Bay, Antigua and BarbudaTrade 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£2,52610 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · Bed & breakfast · 2 adultsFlights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stopLuggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book. -
★★★★★Dickenson Bay, Antigua and BarbudaRoyalton 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£2,55110 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adultsFlights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stopLuggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book. -
★★★★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£2,56010 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adultsFlights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stopLuggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book. -
★★★★Devils Bridge, Antigua and BarbudaPineapple 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£4,23210 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adultsFlights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stopLuggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book. -
★★★★★Five Islands Village, Antigua and BarbudaGalley 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£5,85710 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adultsDirect flights with British Airways from GatwickLuggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book. -
★★★★★Devils Bridge, Antigua and BarbudaHammock 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£5,96010 nights · 21 Nov 2026 · All inclusive · 2 adultsFlights with American Airlines from Heathrow, with a stopLuggage and transfers depend on the flight and operator: they are listed under "Price includes" before you book.
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Read moreFAQs
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.