Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua is the main island of the country, Antigua and Barbuda. The country has a population of about a hundred thousand, the majority of whom live on Antigua. St. John, the capital city is on Antigua and the official language is English, Antiguan Creole is also spoken by locals. Majority of Antiguans are Christians.
The culture is a mix of West African and British influences. Corn is an important part of Antiguan cuisine. The national dish, Fungie is made with cornmeal.
The majority of the tourist attractions are in Antigua, as most of Barbuda’s infrastructure was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Although small, there’s plenty to do on land and in the waters:
- Sail, sailing is one of the most popular sports in Antigua
- You can hike through the island's many trails, including Mount Obama, the highest point on the island
- Fishing
- Swim, snorkel or engage in other water sports
Attend some island events such as:
- Sailing competitions - Antigua Sailing Week and Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, two reputable sailing competitions.
- The National Carnival, held in August to commemorate the abolition of slavery
The main airport is the V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua. You can move around by catching a bus, but the easiest option is to hire taxis or cars.
The wet season is between June and November. The dry season is relatively cooler and is the best time to visit for excursions and explorations. Casual and lightweight clothing such as t-shirts and shorts are sufficient. A sweater or jacket is also recommended for cool temperatures.
This country is a major tourist hub and some of the places of interest are:
- St. John Cathedral: a Baroque style architectural building.
- Museum of Antigua and Barbuda: a museum with many exhibits reminiscent of the country’s history.
- Nelson's Dockyard National Park: a dockyard and a national park.
- Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre: a multimedia centre where you can learn about the country’s history.
- Seatons, a fishing village.
- Antigua Guatelema: one of the most popular destinations in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage site. it is a former Spanish colonial capital and its architecture and colonial ruins have historical significance.
Antigua's economy relies on tourism, and there are many hotels and resorts on the island.
