Antigua, Caribbean

DAILY TRAVEL INSPIRATION: Antigua

Antigua in the Caribbean has a great mix of history, fantastic food, beautiful scenery and enough beaches to keep even the pickiest sunbathers happy. The island has a well developed tourist infrastructure, with regular flights and a huge number of hotels and guesthouses to choose from.

Recently awarded World Heritage status, the dockyard built by the British Navy on English Harbour was once home to Lord Nelson. The dockyard has been extensively restored and is a popular place for superyachts to moor when visiting the island. The Georgian warehouses now contain several bars, restaurants and hotels as well as a museum detailing the colonial legacy the British left on Antigua. You can also learn more about the history of Antigua, including the impacts of empire and slavery, at Betty’s Hope. This former sugar plantation was once home to around 400 slaves, with a large mansion, windmills and a distillery. The displays give a moving insight into the terrible past of this region, some of the scars of which can still be felt today.

To get a feel for contemporary island life, spend a lazy Sunday on Galleon Beach. As well as the usual sunbathing and sandcastles, there is a reef beneath the calm water that is perfect for snorkeling. Afterwards, catch a taxi up to Shirley Heights, or hike 1.5 miles up the steep footpath to reach the restaurant on top of the hill. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over English Harbour and out to sea with Guadaloupe and Montserrat in the distance. Relax with a rum punch and listen to the live bands that play the weekly barbecue party as the sun goes down.

Read more on Antigua below with flight options, current weather, maps, and activities to try while you are there.

Antigua is just one of many featured destinations part of our Daily Travel Inspiration series. Discover more at Daily Travel Inspiration or add it as part of your flash briefings on your Amazon Alexa device. Search 'Daily Travel Inspiration' on your alexa app or check out our Alexa page for more information.