Antigua Holidays
Overview
With 365 beaches, bays, and quays, Antigua and Barbuda is the ultimate tropical destination for swimming and coral reef snorkelling. Luxury Antigua holidays await at the island’s waterfront resorts, surrounded by coconut trees and the undulating turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Holidays to Antigua are a chance to try fresh seafood cuisine, explore the British colonial architecture in the capital city of Saint John’s, and enjoy its balmy subtropical climate. The city’s quaint restaurants offer the opportunity to meet the friendly locals and sample Fungie, Antigua’s national dish. Go for a walking tour around the English Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or sign up for an off-road trail safari to get a hit of adrenaline. Nature lovers can visit and support the Frigate bird sanctuary or see the fine pink sand at Half Moon Bay. The twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda are surrounded by 95 miles of coastline dotted with shipwrecks, lagoons, and coral gardens.
Especially popular among scuba divers are the shallow Barracuda Reef and Shirley Heights, which teem with marine life. Swimming with stingrays, cruising in a catamaran at sunset, or island-hopping off-shore are just some of the adventures you can try here. Nightlife at Antigua is up to par with plenty of entertainment hubs such as casinos, clubs, and bars located around Jolly Harbour, Dickenson Bay, and St. John’s city. Open-air venues often host themed live music parties by the beach, so it’s no wonder why Antigua’s nightclubs are popular celebrity hangouts. Browse our library of curated Antigua holiday packages 2025/2026 to get the best of Antigua flights and hotel rates all in one stop.
Why visit Antigua
Antigua pairs a relaxed island pace with a rich seafaring past. Days drift between soft sand, sheltered bays and warm shallow water, while the south coast reveals Georgian naval history and hilltop views over the harbours. It suits couples, families and honeymooners who want easy beach time with a little culture, good rum and fresh seafood to round off each evening.
Highlights of Antigua
- Nelson's Dockyard: A beautifully preserved Georgian naval base at English Harbour, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with museums, cafes and yachts moored alongside.
- Shirley Heights: A hilltop lookout above English Harbour, famous for sunset views and its lively Sunday evening gathering with live music and barbecue.
- Half Moon Bay: A sweeping crescent of sand on the quieter east coast, good for long walks, bodysurfing and a more peaceful beach day.
- Stingray City: Wade or snorkel in shallow, clear water beside friendly southern stingrays on a half day excursion from the north coast.
- St John's: The capital's market, cathedral and waterfront shops offer a relaxed introduction to local food, crafts and colonial architecture.
Best time to visit Antigua
The driest and sunniest weather runs from December to April, with warm days, steady trade winds and low humidity, which makes it the busiest and most popular season. May and June are quieter and still pleasant. Hurricane season officially runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October, so travel insurance is wise then.
Getting there from the UK
Direct flights from London take around 8 to 9 hours, with services from Gatwick at most times of year. Some itineraries route via other Caribbean islands or the USA. You will arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport, a short transfer from most resorts.
Good to know
The Eastern Caribbean dollar is the local currency, and US dollars are widely accepted. English is the official language. Sockets are mainly Type A and B at 230 volts, so bring an adaptor. Always check the latest GOV.UK foreign travel advice for entry requirements before you book and again before you travel.
Tours in Antigua
Tailor-made holidays to Antigua
There is no set package for Antigua on the site right now, but our specialists build trips there to order: flights from UK airports, handpicked hotels and the experiences you care about. Call 020 3026 5457 or send an enquiry and we will plan it around your dates.
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