Antigua (pronounced an-tee-gah) is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands. The island is 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing about 108 square miles. Temperatures range from the mid-70s in the winter to the mid-80s in the summer. Humidity is low and with an annual rainfall of only 45 inches, it is known as the sunniest island in the Eastern Caribbean.
Antigua is south and east of Nevis, St. Barts, St. Kitts and St. Martin and just north of Monserrat and Guadeloupe.
The island has 365 beaches. On the developed northwest coast vacationers can find Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay: the places to go for those who want the fully-loaded resort beach experience. The beaches most convenient to St. John's are Fort James, a locally-popular public beach, and Deep Bay. Galley Bay attracts surfers during the winter months and a joggers during the evening. The series of four crescent beaches at Hawksbill are also highly regarded, one of which is clothing-optional.
On the southeast corner of the island is Half Moon Bay, now a National Park and a good choice for a family outing. Long Bay, on the easternmost point of the island, is another good choice for families. It is completely protected by its reef.
The Carnival Festival is usually held during the first two weeks of August. Carnival is a time of colorful costumes, dance competitions, steel band competitions, beauty pageants, good food and more.
Beth and I have been to Fort James Beach, and it is truly one of the most beautiful in the world. We hit the beach about 9:00 a.m., and there were only about 20 people on this huge beach. By mid-afternoon a few thousand more people had joined us. Caution: Millers by the Sea has the strongest Pina Colada we've experienced on any of the islands. The food in the restaurant was quite good. The shower located outside Millers was a very nice addition to our experience.
Most menus at the plethora of island restaurants are priced in Eurodollars. Current weakness of the US Dollar means about a 25% add-on. Example: menu price of 20 euros would cost you about $25 USD.
This is truly a geat place for a Caribbean vacation.
Click here for the 2007 Credit Card Foreign Exchange Rate Survey |
