Travel Guide to the Twin-Island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda

Welcome to Antigua and Barbuda—two islands, one paradise, and a whole lot of Caribbean charm. These islands have their own distinct flavors. Antigua is lively and buzzing, popular with wintering celebrities like Eric Clapton, Ken Follett, and Oprah. Antigua claims to have “365 beaches”—one for every day of the year. (Whether that's fact or folklore, I’ll leave up to you, but I can tell you this: there are plenty of beautiful beaches!) Meanwhile, Barbuda offers a much quieter, eco-friendly paradise with soft pink and white sand beaches, a small, close-knit community, and an undeniable sense of seclusion. Think rustic paradise. Here’s a deeper look into what makes each of these islands special.

Antigua is the main event if you want social scenes, shopping, and endless beaches. It’s known for festivals, including a high-energy annual Carnival (last week of July into early August) celebrating Caribbean culture. The capital city, St. John’s, is a popular cruise ship stop, so you’ll find an array of duty-free shops selling everything from designer brands to fine jewelry. Pop into stores like Sterling Jewelers, Diamonds International, and Little Switzerland to snag duty-free deals on luxury items. St. John’s Public Market is also worth a visit for fresh local flavors and a great place to pick up picnic essentials if you’re planning a beach day.

Perfect for: Social butterflies, beach lovers, history buffs, active travelers, shoppers, and anyone who wants a mix of relaxation and adventure.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and tune into nature, Barbuda is your go-to. This island is quiet, with serene beaches, eco-tourism experiences, and a much more relaxed vibe. It’s also home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, where you can see one of the largest colonies of frigate birds in the world. The population here is tiny, and much of the island is accessible only by boat, which adds to its secluded charm.

Perfect for:  Eco-tourists, privacy seekers, bird watchers, and travelers who want a less commercialized, off-the-beaten-path destination.

• Half Moon Bay: A secluded stretch of sand on the southeastern coast of Antigua. With its calm, clear waters and soft sands, this is the place for swimming, picnicking, or just chilling with a view. It feels like stepping into a postcard. Grab a drink, soak up the sun, and just cool out—as the locals say.

• Frigate Bird Sanctuary (Barbuda): One of Barbuda’s hidden treasures, accessible only by boat. Bird watchers will love spotting the frigates, known for their striking red throat pouches.

• Fig Tree Drive: Take a drive through Antigua’s rainforest and stop at local fruit stands for the freshest pineapple, mango, and bananas you’ll ever taste. It's a great spot to stretch your legs and feel like a local.

• Shirley Heights Lookout: Every Sunday, locals and visitors gather for a sunset barbecue with steel drum music and stunning views over English Harbour. It’s a bit of a party, but you can also just sit back and enjoy the island vibe. Insider Tip: Get there early to snag a good spot for sunset!

• St. John's Public Market: Not far from the cruise terminal, this bustling market is filled with local spices, fruits, and handmade crafts. Perfect for a beach picnic or finding something unique to take home.

• Sheer Rocks (Antigua): Known for its cliffside views and creative tapas menu, Sheer Rocks is perfect for a romantic sunset dinner or drinks with friends. Insider tip: Book a cabana in advance for the best spot.

• Papa Zouk Fish ‘n’ Rum (Antigua): A hidden gem known for its rum selection and laid-back vibe, serving up some of the freshest fish on the island. Rum lovers, this place is your paradise.

• Uncle Roddy’s (Barbuda): For a real taste of Barbuda, try Uncle Roddy’s. This beachfront spot is known for its spiny lobster, and the views are just as good as the food.

• The Cove: Perched over the cliffs on the water, The Cove brings you incredible seafood in a magical, romantic setting. Candlelit and breezy, this is a perfect spot for couples looking to savor the flavors of Antigua. Make reservations especially for sunset dining.

• Catherine's Café: Located on Pigeon Point Beach, this French-inspired beachfront restaurant offers a chic yet relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals with their toes in the sand, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or romantic dinner. On weekends, live music adds to the vibrant ambiance.

• Nicole’s Table (Antigua): Not a restaurant in the traditional sense, but an experience worth noting. At Nicole’s Table, you can take cooking classes and learn to make Caribbean-inspired dishes with local ingredients.

• Catamaran Cruise and Snorkel Cades Reef: Hop on a catamaran cruise to Antigua’s coral-rich Cades Reef. It’s an underwater wonderland with colorful fish and reefs that’s perfect for snorkeling.

• Take a Speedboat and Snorkel around the island

• Beach Day on the Southwest Coast: For some of the most beautiful beaches, head to Ffryes, Turner’s, or Darkwood Beach. These beaches are less crowded and have that postcard-perfect Caribbean feel.

• Horseback Riding and Buggy Tours: Explore Antigua’s back trails or take a scenic beach ride. You can go off-road and get a taste of the island’s rugged side.

• Swim with the Stingrays: For a memorable experience, swim with the stingrays in calm, shallow waters. It’s a fun, safe way to get close to these gentle creatures.

• Curtain Bluff: Located on the south coast, Curtain Bluff is known for its family-friendly, all-inclusive, five-star experience. Stay in a bluff-top room for spectacular ocean views and enjoy the resort’s renowned wine cellar. Insider tip: Owner Shelly hosts cocktail parties at her home on Wednesday evenings, a special touch that keeps guests coming back at a 65% return rate! Insider Tip: The wine cellar here is impressive, so wine lovers, take note!

• Hammock Cove: This newer adults-only, five-star resort on Antigua’s east coast is ideal for couples. Each villa has its own private plunge pool and dedicated butler service. Pro tip: Start your day with yoga overlooking the water and book an oceanfront villa for the best views.

• Jumby Bay Island Resort: Accessible only by boat, Jumby Bay is all about luxury and exclusivity. The resort’s private island vibe and secluded beaches make it perfect for honeymooners or those who want privacy. Villas come with private pools, and the resort offers a variety of gourmet dining options. Tip: Explore the island by bike—it’s free for guests, and the best way to take in Jumby’s stunning landscape.

• Getting There: Antigua is easily accessible with direct flights from several major U.S. cities, including New York (JFK), Newark, Miami, Atlanta, Orlando, and Charlotte. The VC Bird International Airport is modern and efficient, with duty-free shops, a departure lounge, and fast-track options to make your arrival smooth. You’ll even find an outdoor sun deck where you can catch some rays before you fly home.

• Getting Around: In Antigua, taxis are the most convenient way to explore. The island is small and taxi's are fixed price not metered, so you can get from one side of the island to another for about $35USD. You can aso rent a car but be warned they do drive British style on the left. For Barbuda, much of the island is reachable only by boat, so plan for a more relaxed pace.

• Listen to Local Music: Steel pan, calypso, reggae, and zouk. Music is the heartbeat of the islands, and you’ll find these sounds playing everywhere.

• Eat Local Delights: Duckanoo (a dessert with cornmeal, coconut, and spices), and black pineapple (often considered the sweetest pineapple in the world).

• Drink: Try Wadadli beer or sip on local rums like Cavalier and English Harbour for an authentic island drink.