Just imagine yourself sailing on crystalline turquoise waters, caressed by the breeze of the Caribbean, arriving at St John’s harbour. Before your eyes, multicoloured rooftops stretch across the hill, overlooking a sparkling bay playing host to luxury yachts dancing on the rippling waves. Welcome to Antigua and Barbuda, a heavenly archipelago which cannot fail to enchant you with its sumptuous scenery, rich cultural heritage, and peaceful insular lifestyle. The capital, St John’s, lays claim to a fascinating past. Let yourself be carried away by its authentic atmosphere and stroll through its streets lined with colonial houses in pretty pastel shades. Bearing witness to the island’s rich past, St John’s Cathedral in majestic Baroque style is an unmissable port-of-call.

Formerly colonized by the Spanish, French, and English, Antigua and Barbuda are today a real little corner of paradise, renowned for their idyllic beaches. One saying in fact tells us that here, there are “365 beaches, one for each day of the year.” So where do you start your exploration?

To the north of the capital, Dickenson Bay invites you to benefit from its fine white sand extending over almost one kilometre. Edged by luxury hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs, it is one of the most popular and lively beaches on the island. To the south, fans of surfing meet up at Galley Bay Beach, while the beach of Ffryes offers a wilder backdrop, more conducive to the observation of pelicans. A little further on, Darkwood Bay, with its unimpeded view of the island of Montserrat, is particularly appreciated by the locals. Though if you have to choose just one beach, opt for Half Moon Bay, on the eastern side of the island. Surrounded by luxuriant vegetation which contrasts with the immaculate sand and turquoise seawater, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful bays in the Caribbean.

And if this is not enough, Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda – reached by ferry in an hour-and-a-half – plays host to one of the world’s most famous beaches: Barbuda Pink Sand Beach. Imagine pearly pink sand leading to crystal-clear water, an idyllic setting for a tuba diving session on the coral reef. Fans of bird watching are not forgotten: at the heart of the Codrington Lagoon National Park, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary is home to an impressive colony of these majestic birds.

As everywhere else in the Antilles, the waters around Antigua brim with extraordinary underwater fauna and flora. Spots such as Jettias Wreck, the Pillars of Hercules, and the Mary Kay Reef are among the most popular for underwater diving. Reef sharks, rays, and turtles await you for unforgettable immersion in a truly natural aquarium. Finally, yacht-lovers will discover paradise in Antigua. In just a few years, English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour have become essential destinations for fans of yachts and nautical racing. Launched in December with the Antigua Yacht Show (the next edition to be held from December 4th to 9th, 2024), the season continues in February with the RORC Caribbean 600 (from February 24th, 2025), in April with the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (April 16th to 21st, 2025), and celebrates its grand finale in May with the Antigua Sailing Week, one of the most important annual regattas in the Caribbean. So what are you waiting for to fall for the charm of Antigua and Barbuda? This archipelago with so many treasures promises an unforgettable stay beneath the Caribbean sun.