Our Highlights for Antigua
The countless beaches — among the finest and most beautiful in the world — that are not nearly as crowded as on many other islands (the exception being when multiple cruise ships are in port).
Antigua also includes Barbuda, which we sadly haven't visited yet. But let's focus on Antigua itself: The island is home to one of the most storm-proof harbors in the world. It lies in the south of Antigua and is called English Harbour. It belongs to the Royal Navy and dates back to the 18th century.
To the southwest rises the island's highest point, Boggy Peak (402 meters), formed roughly 34 million years ago by an undersea volcanic eruption.
Antigua and Barbuda boast 345 beaches, lagoons, and numerous natural harbors and bays. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs and shallows, making them an ideal diving destination.
Antigua, crowned the world's most popular wedding destination in 2006, offers a sandy beach for every day of the year — along with turquoise waters — together with Barbuda.
Climate & Best Time to Visit Antigua
The climate on the Caribbean island of Antigua is tropical. Temperatures range from 22 °C during the winter season (December to February) up to 30 °C in summer (June to September). With an average annual rainfall of 900 to 1,000 mm3, it is relatively dry by Caribbean standards. Most precipitation falls between September and November.
The fairly dry, tropical climate is tempered by constant sea breezes. Year-round temperatures settle between about 25 °C and 32 °C.
Antigua lies in the Caribbean's hurricane-prone zone. The hurricane season runs roughly from June to November.
Entry Requirements & Practical Information for Antigua
Entering Antigua:
German citizens can enter Antigua visa-free for up to 90 days. Whether a longer stay is permitted is at the discretion of the immigration authorities.
You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay, confirmed return tickets, accommodation booking confirmation, and proof of sufficient funds.
On departure, an airport tax of currently around 20.00 US dollars must be paid. It is strongly recommended to check in at the airport approximately 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
The international airport Vere C. Bird International Airport is located about 8 km northeast of the capital Saint John's. The city is also home to the overseas and cruise ship port.
Tip: From Antigua, you can take a trip to the neighboring island of Montserrat with its active Soufriere volcano.
Where Is Antigua?
The Antillean state of Antigua and Barbuda lies between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the Leeward Islands. The territory encompasses three islands totaling 442 km².
Antigua, the largest island, covers 280 km² and is home to the capital Saint John's.
Barbuda spans 161 km². The third island is the uninhabited rocky islet of Redonda (1.6 km²), the remnant of an extinct volcano.
The History of Antigua
- Volcanic origins roughly 34 million years ago.
- First settlement around 10,000 BC by the Siboney people.
- Around 100 AD, Arawak Indians took over the island.
- Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus and named after the church Santa Maria La Antigua in Seville.
- In 1632, the island was colonized by the British.
- Independence declared in 1981.
- Following independence, Antigua joined with the neighboring islands of Barbuda and Redonda to form a federation. Since then, the country has been a parliamentary monarchy.
