A rugged coastline, colorful villages, and laidback island spirit make Antigua and Barbuda one of the top dream destinations in the Caribbean.
In Antigua and Barbuda, beaches come in all shapes and sizes. The most famous stretches of white sand washed by turquoise waters are Half Moon Bay and Princess Diana Beach (renamed in 2011 from Coco Point Beach to celebrate the late princess's 50th birthday).
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016, Nelson's Dockyard has been in business since the 18th century. In addition to hotels and restaurants, this renovated site also houses the Dockyard Museum.
Betty's Hope plantation was founded in the late 17th century and is now a must-visit attraction to understand these Caribbean islands' colonial past.
Public markets are a window into the locals' daily routine and the one in St. John's is no exception. Street food stalls and exotic fruits only found in Antigua and Barbuda are some of the highlights.
Known for its Arawak Indian petroglyphs, the Indian Cave on Barbuda Island is also known as the home of one of the many species of bats that live on the island.
Peak season happens between December and April, which is the best time to visit Antigua and Barbuda to take advantage of milder temperatures.
Hurricane season typically happens from July to November.
Nationals from most countries, including the European Union, Canada, United States, and the Commonwealth, can travel to Antigua and Barbuda without a visa.
Passengers who need to apply for a visa can do so online. It's called the EEV or Electronic Entry Visa.
There are frequent nonstop flights to Antigua and Barbuda from Italy, Germany, United Kingdom (London and Manchester), several airports in the United States and Canada, and other destinations in the Caribbean.
The main airport is the V. C. Bird International Airport near St. John's on Antigua Island.
It's possible to reach Antigua and Barbuda by boat on one of the various international cruise ship lines that include these islands on their routes.
Most accommodations on Antigua and Barbuda are all-inclusive luxury resorts by the beach. Some may close during off-peak season, so confirm availability before booking.
Antigua is the only island served by public transportation. Locals and tourists can rely on a somewhat efficient network of minivans that only depart when full.
A local driving permit is required to drive in Antigua and Barbuda. The document is usually available at local car rental companies for an extra fee.
Although most cars have the wheel on the right, drivers must drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Barbuda Express operates twice-daily boat connections from Antigua to Barbuda. Pre-book or buy tickets as far in advance as possible if traveling during the peak season. Due to weather conditions, boat connections might be canceled on short notice.
The local currency is Eastern Caribbean dollars, but US Dollars are also sometimes accepted as payment. Credit card payments are the most popular option in Antigua and Barbuda. ATMs are easily available on Antigua Island but not so much on Barbuda Island. When paying in cash, it's always best to pay in the local currency. Weekly groceries at a local supermarket can cost approximately EC$90-100 ($33-37). A light meal at a street food stall can cost around EC$10-30 ($3.70-11).