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The Caribbean Islands - Antigua
Island lore boasts 365 sparkling white-sand beaches on Antigua, just enough so that a visitor can loll on a different beach every day for a year.

Whatever the truth about the exact number, the island’s continuously scalloped coastline creates a tropical paradise where bright blue waters gently roll into uncountable deep bays, secluded harbors, hidden coves and secret inlets. The capital and economic center of the island is St. John’s. Located in a sheltered cove on the northwestern tip of the island, the city was an important trading center beginning in the 17th century.

Begin your tour with one of the most prominent architectural masterpieces on the island, The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, located between Newgate and Long streets. The original structure, built in 1681, has been destroyed and rebuilt more than once; currently, the interior is encased in pine pitch, intended to secure it against hurricanes or earthquakes.

The figures of Saint John the Baptist and St. John the Divine at the south gate are said to have been taken from one of Napoleon’s ships. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, nearby at Long and Market streets, is housed in the historic British colonial courthouse, built in 1750. Another fascinating museum is the Museum of Marine Art, on Gambles Terrace at the outskirts of town. It features an outstanding collection of seashells, corals and relics salvaged from old shipwrecks. Fort James, on Fort Road, was named in honor of King James II, the British monarch in power at the start of its construction in 1704. This fortification is noted for its 36 powerful guns--10 of which remain--that were never fired to repel an attack. Fort Barrington, at nearby Deep Bay, saw more action than any other fort during the wars of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Beaches:
Even the most die-hard “beach bum” will be awed by the sheer number and beauty of Antigua’s beaches. While some of the best beaches can be found on the leeward, or Caribbean side, the entire island is ringed by breathtaking shoreline. Many beaches offer a wide range of facilities to make the most of your time, including water sports, beachside bars and restaurants. But if peace and quiet is what you crave, Antigua offers a host of secluded strands, featuring nothing but the beauty of the sand, sea and sun, highlighted by the occasional palm fronds waving in the breeze.

On the eastern shore, locations such as Nonsuch Bay and Mercers Creek offer world-class beachcombing. The seashells that wash ashore are among the most beautiful you’re likely to find on the island. Pigeon Point, located in Falmouth Harbour on the southern shore, is a favored white-sand beach. The beach at Dickenson Bay is very popular for water sports.

Morris Bay, located on the southwest shore, has clear waters that attract many snorkelers. Half-Moon Bay stretches for almost a mile and is known throughout the Caribbean, attracting many fashionable jet-setters. Five Islands Beach, located four miles southwest of St. John’s, is actually a series of four beaches (one of which is clothing-optional) with brown sand and fantastic coral reefs.

Activities:
Antigua offers a huge selection of recreational activities. Its balmy tropical weather is ideal year-round for a variety of sports, including diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, fishing, golf and tennis.

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