Antigua is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea and is the largest of the Leeward islands. Antigua is 108 square mile limestone and coral island recognised for its numerous coves, bays,365 white sand beaches and clear turquoise coloured waters, which is great for diving and snorkelling. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts and St. Martin/St. Maarten.  The sister island of Barbuda lies 27 miles northeast of Antigua with a land area of 62 square miles. 

Antigua was fought over by both the French and Spanish and was eventually won by the British. The islands past history is reflected as it is littered with 18th century forts, some are romantic ruins and some have been preserved. At English Harbour o­n the island's south coast, Nelson's Dockyard – named after the great admiral who was stationed there has been restored.

Sailing Week: 
This is a major week long yachting event that begins o­n the last Sunday in April attracting some 150 boats.

Carnival: 
Antigua 's biggest festival is held from the end of July and ends with a big parade o­n the first Tuesday in August. Most carnival activities take place in St. John's with steel bands, calypso music, floats and ‘jump ups'.

Shirley Heights Look Out:
Every Sunday at the Shirley Heights Look Out, there is Steelband and Reggae Entertainment with an open air barbecue from 4.00pm - 10.00pm, this creates a wonderful atmosphere that should not be missed.

Lashings o­n Sand Haven:
This beach bar is located o­n Sand Haven Beach in Runaway Bay and offers beach sporting activities including Cricket, Football and Volleyball as well as nightly musical entertainment.  Sports events are o­n Sundays and Tuesdays.

The best time of year to travel to Antigua is during the cooler and dry winter months (December to April). However, this is peak season so prices will be slightly higher.

The islands get warmer in the summer months (July and August) where the average daily temperature is 30. It's less dry in the rainy season (September to November) however Antigua is fairly dry year round.

Average Temperature:
Summer: 84F
Summer: 30C

Winter: 78F
Winter: 25C

Rainiest Months:
April – July
November - December

There is no bus service from V C Bird International Airport, but taxis are available. Taxi fares are regulated by the government but confirm the fare with the driver in advance.

Buses from St. John's to Falmouth and English Harbour are plentiful, cheap and take approximately 30 minutes. There is no bus service to Dickenson Bay or other resort areas on the northern part of the island, and there are few buses anywhere on a Sunday.

Renting a car is another option, however this can be expensive, none of the island's many car hire outlets are affiliated with major international rental chains. Temporary driving permits are required and they can be obtained for a small fee when you book your car hire.

Taxis are available and the government fixes fares. Vehicles though are unmetered so you need to establish a fare in advance.

St. John's:
St John's is Antigua 's capital and commerce centre and home to over a third of the country's population. St John's is also the island's main tourist centre, however the areas mainly visited are the harbourfront areas of Heritage Quay , a favourite with cruise ship passengers and Redcliffe Quay, where shops, restaurants and galleries inhabit stone buildings and wooden huts.

English Harbour:
Once a naval base and now Antigua's most popular tourist attraction, English Harbour has the richest collection of historic sites o­n the island. The harbour's main attraction is Nelson's Dockyard, an 18 th century naval based named after Horatio Nelson. Today it is still attracting sailors as the island's most popular yacht haven. Other attractions include the governor's Georgian style rural residence and Sandy Heights , which has scattered 18 th century fort ruins and excellent views.

Fort James:
The small Fort James was first built in 1675 but most of the present structure dates from 1739.

St. John's Anglican Cathedral:
The twin spired cathedral , dates from 1847 and was rebuilt after the original 1681 church was devastated by an earthquake. The unusual interior is encased in pitch pine to buffer the building from any future natural disasters and it is now regarded as o­ne of Antigua's national monuments.

Beaches:
All beaches are open to the public and so the challenge is how to decide which o­ne is best! Popular spots along the west coast of the island include Morris Bay, Galley Bay, Ffryes Bay, Darkwood Beach, Dickenson Bay and Turners Beach. The shoreline o­n the east coast includes Half Moon Bay.

Deep Bay:
Deep Bay , west of St. Johns is a little bay with a sandy beach and protected waters. The wreck of the Andes lies in the middle of Deep Bay , with its mast poking up above the water. The water is shallow enough around the wreck to be snorkelled but divers tend to bypass it due to the ooze that can kicked up quite easily.

Dickenson Bay:
Dickenson Bay is Antigua 's main resort area and is fronted by a long white sandy beach with turquoise waters and good swimming conditions. All of Dickenson Bay 's activity is centred o­n the beach where there are open air restaurants, watersports and hotels. You can also get your hair braided, purchase your reggae music and jewellery.

Falmouth Harbour:
Falmouth Harbour is a large, protected horseshoe shaped bay. There are two main areas of activity the village of Falmouth o­n o­ne side and the east side which has mostly restaurants. The east side of Falmouth Harbour is within walking distance to Nelson's Dockyard.

Runaway Bay:
Runaway Bay is a quiet area with an attractive white sandy beach, calm waters and a handful of hotels. The area appears to be a little quiet, however for people seeking more action they can simply wander over to Dickenson Bay . A channel dug a few years ago cuts off the shoreline between Runaway Bay and Dickenson Bay , however it's just a short walk along the road between the two areas.

Many of Antigua 's beaches with their white sandy beaches are protected by coral reefs and are all public beaches.

Antigua has some superb diving areas with coral canyons, wall drops and sea caves. Marine life includes turtles, sharks, barracuda and reef fish. Antigua 's sheltered west coast is good for inexperienced windsurfers, while the exposed eastern coast has onshore winds good for slalom and wave slalom sailing. The other major watersport is game fishing.