Antigua and Barbuda are two Caribbean islands, (Antigua and Barbuda), that form a country that lies between the Caribbean and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico.
Antigua most typifies the modern day view of a small Caribbean destination. Tourism dominates the local economy of both islands. Antigua and Barbuda are nicknamed “Land of 365 beaches” due to the stunning white sand beaches that surround the two islands, and on Antigua many high-end resorts. Barbuda still has the beaches but little tourism-based infrastructure.
Investment banking and financial services are important with many major foreign banks taking advantage of the nation’s liberal banking laws.
Cricket is a huge sport here and this tiny nation has produced several genuine all-time world greats of the game. Cricket fans will certainly not be short of locals to chat with.
Capital: St John’s
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) “$” or “EC$” (XCD). US$1 ≈ EC$2.7 (pegged).
Population: 101,000
Language. English (official) and local dialects + an expanding Spanish-speaking migrant population.
Country Code: +1268
Visa. Most western countries don’t require a visa.
History. The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak and Carib Indians populated the islands when Columbus landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.
Climate. Tropical marine with little seasonal temperature variation. The islands experience hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October), and periodic droughts.
Electricity. Outlets are the standard British type and non-grounded North American outlets.
REGIONS
Antigua the main island and a major Caribbean resort destination
Barbuda. Few people, even fewer facilities, magnificent beaches
Rodonda. Tiny uninhabited island
Get In.
By plane. V.C. Bird International, (ANU) has flights to United States, Canada, Europe and other Caribbean islands.
By boat. Many excursionist come in via cruise ships and enjoy their day in Antigua. Many cruise lines travel to Antigua.
Yacht charters offer another alternative in and around the islands.
Get Around
Car rentals. The nicest spots are only reached by your own transport. There are various car rental agencies and if you stay a week or more, rates improve.
By bus. Inexpensive but slow.
By ferry. Barbuda Express runs ferries between Barbuda and Antigua.
See
Frigate birds on Barbuda
Mount Obama, previously known as “Boggy Peak” the nation’s highest point and a national park named for U.S. President Barack Obama on his 48th birthday in 2009.
Eat. The national dish is fungie (foon-gee), very similar to the Italian Polenta being made mainly of cornmeal, and pepper pot. Local confectionaries include sugarcake, fudge, raspberry and tamarind stew, and peanut brittle.
Dinner will typically be rice, macaroni or pasta, vegetables/salad, a main course (fish, chicken, pork, beef, etc.) and a side dish like macaroni pie, scalloped potatoes or plantains.
On Saturday be prepared to find many drive-by barbecues at important road crossings all over the island serving rice and chicken, dumplings, soup.
Drink. Local drinks are Mauby, Seamoss, Tamarind juice, Mango juice, Coconut water, Cavalier Rum, Antiguan Rum, Wadadli, Antiguan Beer, Oasis, Desalinated water.
Respect. The locals are very friendly and respectable. Approach them in a courteous manner and it will undoubtedly be returned to you. Approach them with a smile and remember please, thank you, good afternoon
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NOMAD MANIA Antigua and Barbuda – Antigua
World Heritage Sites: Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites
M@P: Redonda
Islands: Antigua
Airports: Antigua (ANU)
Borders: Antigua and Barbuda (sea border/port)
XL: Redonda
Museums: English Harbour: Dockyard Museum
World of Nature: Greencastle Hill
Festivals
A & B International Kite Festival
Antigua Sailing Week
Wadadli Day
Entertainment/Things to do: Antigua Sugar Park
Windmills: Betty’s Hope: Betty’s Hope Mills
Beaches
17-Mile Beach
Darkwood Beach
Shoal Bay (Sight)
Waterfalls: Christian Valley Waterfall
Trails 2 – Hikes: Pillar of Hercules via Shirley Heights Trail
Cities of the Americas
SAINT JOHN’S World Capital
Museums: St. John’s: Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
Castles, Palaces, Forts: St John’s: Fort James
Religious Temples: St John’s: St. John’s Cathedral
Monuments: St. John’s: VC Bird Statue
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NOMAD MANIA Antigua and Barbuda – Barbuda
Islands: Barbuda
Borders: Antigua and Barbuda (sea border/port)
World of Nature: Codrington Lagoon (Frigate Bird Sanctuary) (Sight)
Caves: Two Foot Bay Caves