After the 16 1/2 hour flight to Atlanta, 4 hrs to paradise.

Antigua:

Antigua is a beautiful island in the Caribbean, part of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes it special:

Geography & Nature

Location: Lies in the eastern Caribbean Sea, part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. Beaches: It famously claims to have 365 beaches—one for every day of the year. Most are white sand with clear turquoise water. Climate: Warm and tropical year-round, with a dry season from December to April.

Culture & People

Language: English is the official language. Vibe: Very laid-back, friendly locals, and a strong West Indian cultural influence with music, dance, and festivals. Carnival: Antigua’s Carnival in late July/early August is a major celebration of emancipation with parades, music (calypso, soca), and colorful costumes.

History

Was colonized by the British in the 1600s and gained independence in 1981. Has a rich colonial history, visible in sites like Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site tied to British naval history and Admiral Horatio Nelson.

Things to Do

Snorkeling & Diving: Coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life galore. Shirley Heights: A viewpoint and old military lookout with panoramic views—Sunday nights here turn into a live music party with food and rum punch. St. John’s: The colorful capital with markets, historic buildings, and shopping.

Fun Facts

Antigua is pronounced “An-tee-ga” (the “u” is silent). The island was a hub for sugar production, and old sugar mills dot the landscape.

Are you thinking of visiting or just curious?