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Attractions Antigua and Barbuda
These wonderful islands were mapped by Columbus himself back in 1793, when he arrived in America for the second time. The country in the West Indies region consists of three islands belonging to the Lesser Antilles. These are Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. Their total territory is 441 sq. km. Their coasts are cut by dozens picturesque bays where a sea storm cannot reach due to protection from reef barriers.
The coast of Antigua is probably its main attraction, also because of the remnants of the colonial period. Numerous windmills. They were previously placed near plantations where sugar cane was grown. The restored Nelson shipyard, originally built in the late 18th century, also attracts the attention of tourists. Hotels of all types often stand on the very shore of the ocean. The main part of the inhabitants of the island is concentrated here, and is located main city St. Johns.
Codrington Lagoon in the western part of the island of Barbuda will attract those interested in speleology and ornithology due to the abundance of caves and large colonies of sea birds.
Remains of monasteries of past centuries. The ruins of the Capuchin, Franciscan and other monasteries, which fell into disrepair due to the earthquake, also belong to the important sights of Antigua. At the same time the whole city
St. John's can be considered as a museum of Antigua, because its streets are witnesses and bearers of its history.
Located in the northwestern part of Antigua Dickenson Bay And runway bay became famous for its beautiful beaches.
Of the sights worth seeing in the capital of the state, St. John's, it is necessary to mention National Museum,fort james And St. John's Cathedral which was erected in 1845.
Falmouth Harbor And English Harbor are located in the south of the island of Antigua, back in the 18th century the British fleet was based in these harbors.
Island cruise itineraries.
The island is liked by many yachtsmen with an abundance of successful sea routes. The starting point is Nelson's Wharf, located in English Harbour. From the airport with international flights VC Bird is only half an hour away from this place. From Nelson Shipyard you can cruise around Antigua's 365 white sand beaches.
English Harbour, Nelson's Dockyard and Felmouth Harbor were among the region's most advantageous shipping shelters. A significant contribution to their existence was made by the great Admiral Nelson. Nowadays, the nightlife in these areas is in full swing, there is a great variety of restaurants and bars for every taste.
Shirley (Shirley) - a hill that has become the most popular place for picnics with barbecues and dances both among the inhabitants of the island and among visitors. Great view of English Harbour. Here you can plunge into the atmosphere of a traditional celebration in the Caribbean spirit to the accompaniment of reggae and the sounds of noise bands.
Pages of the history of the island: two millennia ago, the Arawaks settled here, who were subsequently expelled by the Caribbean nomads. They made the islands a stronghold and from them went on raids on neighboring lands. After 1493, the Spaniards seized domination, in 1632 it passed to the British. The natives were gradually replaced by natives of the African continent, who cultivated the plantations. The first plantation for the cultivation of sugar cane appeared in 1647 by the efforts of Christopher Codrington, the business flourished, and at the end of the century he was able to rent Barbuda from the government, giving this island for crops.
Thanks to the growth of the economy of Antigua and Barbuda, the government had to secure the territory by arranging fortifications. With the fall in prices for the main product - sugarcane - in the 19th century, the situation changed. In 1834, slavery was abolished, while the former slaves only got worse, because they were not given land, it remained concentrated with the landowners. As a result, their charity was taken up by the church. Displaced from agriculture, the destitute islanders came to the outskirts of the capital and turned them into slums.
The self-government of the territory was acquired in 1967.
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Antigua and Barbuda are western Indian islands that are part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago.
Antigua and Barbuda is a paradise surrounded by mighty mountains, clear waters Atlantic Ocean And caribbean, endless coral reefs, unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, developed infrastructure and a total of 365 beaches for complete relaxation.
The area of the islands is just over 440 square kilometers, and the local population is almost 87,000 people.
The capital of the state is located on the island of Antigua and is called St. John's.
Most Big city archipelago - St. John's. Here is a great beach holiday, delicious food, beautiful nature, a variety of entertainment and a rich excursion program.
Barbuda is no less exotic and a nice place, and recognized as one of the most beautiful on the planet. Barbuda has good conditions for divers and snorkellers.
The third island of the archipelago, uninhabited - Redonda - is considered a national park, yachtsmen prefer to visit it.
There is no direct air connection between Belarus and the archipelago.
by the most the best option will - fly to London, and from there - a direct flight to the islands.
Connecting cities can also be Frankfurt am Main or Vienna and New York, Warsaw and Toronto.
In any case, the flight will take almost 30 hours.
Climate of Antigua and Barbuda
A tropical trade wind climate dominates Antigua and Barbuda.
All year round on the islands average temperature air is from +26 to +32 degrees, but the intense heat is softened by winds that constantly blow from the ocean.
The rainy season is usually observed between August-September-December. And the period June - November is characterized by tropical hurricanes, storm winds and heavy rains.
Beach holidays on the islands are most comfortable from the second half of December to the first half of April.
Antigua and Barbuda Hotels
Places of residence in Antigua and Barbuda are small cozy hotels with about 200 rooms. In the cost of living, as a rule, "all inclusive". The level of such hotels usually corresponds to our usual 3 * - 5 *. Everywhere you will meet high level services, a magnificent view from the room to the ocean, a balcony or a terrace with a hammock - also right in the room, and there can also be a swimming pool with a wellness center on the territory of the hotel.
There are practically no large hotels on the islands.
Antigua and Barbuda has 365 beautiful sandy beaches. All of them belong to the state, and the entrance to them is free.
The Gulf of Galli is characterized by the presence of nudist beaches.
The entire coastline of the islands has excellent conditions for divers, snorkelers, surfers and fishermen.
Half Moon Bay is comfortable for families with children - the beach is located on the territory of the national park.
English Harbor has many historical monuments.
Banks, money, exchange offices
The currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the East Caribbean dollar, which is equal to 100 cents. Circulation has paper banknotes in denominations of 5,10,20,50,100 local dollars and coins in denominations of 1 local dollar, 1,2,5,10,25,50 cents. The US dollar also has free circulation on the territory of the country (the cost of goods is indicated in two currencies - local and American).
Banking hours:
On weekdays - from 8.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00
Some - on Saturdays - from 8.00 to 12.00
Currency exchange can be done in banks, hotels and large shops. The most favorable rate is in the banks of St. John's.
Pay with any credit cards it is possible almost everywhere, but the conversion conditions should be clarified (if the price is indicated in local dollars, and the card is in US dollars). Travel - checks (preferably in US dollars) can also be cashed almost everywhere.
Tipping is accepted (if the service fee is not included in the total price) in the amount of 10 - 15% depending on the quality of service, taxi drivers - 10%, porters - $ 0.5 per suitcase.
Tourist safety
Antigua and Barbuda is practically safe for tourists to stay, but following simple rules will help to avoid any troubles.
It is forbidden to be topless on the beaches.
You should drink only bottled water, and before the trip it will be useful to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and polio.
Transport
Between the islands, air communication is well established, but there is no railway as such.
The movement of passengers to Antigua and Barbuda is carried out by buses and taxis.
Traveling by bus is relatively inexpensive, but not all can be reached by this mode of transport. settlements and some run only on Sundays.
The work of the taxi service is very civilized: the cost is calculated according to certain tariffs, which will be indicated on the receipt, which you will definitely be given. Taxi drivers have received special training and can be part-time guides.
You can also rent a car on your own, with only one amendment - the traffic here is left-handed.
Entertainment, excursions, attractions
The capital of the archipelago offers to alternate beach holidays with excursions, of which there are many - in historical places, museums, attractions. In Saint John, you can visit the local market, where farmers offer their freshest products, or you can go on a jeep tour, kayaking, or motorboat promenade. For those who wish, there are golf courses.
Barbuda is home to mysterious caves and rare bird species, as well as large golf courses. Various festivals, carnivals and holidays are regularly held on this island.
Along the coast you can take a walk on a pirate ship, fly by helicopter, swim with dolphins.
Cuisine and restaurants
All countries in the region have somehow left their mark on the culinary traditions of Antigua and Barbuda.
For Europeans, lobsters, clams, shrimp and shells are exotic and preferred in a certain way. Unusual dishes are sunfish, flying fish and red snapper.
Be sure to try the lamb and rabbit stew, as well as the local sweet potato with coconut and spices.
Coconut milk is often offered as a drink on the islands.
Shopping and shops
There are duty-free shops in the archipelago where you can buy jewelry (even the popular emeralds from Colombia), watches and other goods at a bargain price.
The main souvenirs of the islands are ceramics, shell and coral jewelry, and wooden handicrafts.
Customs
Large amounts of money upon entry are subject to declaration, but their amount is not limited.
You can take out the amounts within the limits entered into the declaration at the time of entry.
There are restrictions on the import of cigarettes and alcohol.
It is forbidden to import narcotic substances and weapons to the islands, to export - objects of artistic and historical value.
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Barbuda is an island in the Caribbean Sea, one of the three islands on which the state of Antigua and Barbuda is located.
The area of the island is 161 square kilometers. Most of the island is occupied by forest, there are no rivers and lakes on the island. The highest point on the island is Lindsay Hill, 44 meters high.
The island of Barbuda has a subtropical climate, the temperature during the year ranges from 18 to 45 degrees Celsius.
When Christopher Columbus arrived on the island in 1493, it was settled by the Arawaks, an ancient Indian tribe. In 1666, Great Britain founded a colony on the island.
In 1685, the island was leased to the Codrinton brothers, who founded the town of the same name, which is now home to the majority of the island's population.
Coordinates: 17.62766300,-61.77211300
Devil's Bridge
Nine-meter Devil's Bridge (Devil's Bridge) made of limestone - located in national park in the southeast of the island of Antigua.
The bridge was built in the 16th century on the site of an ancient Roman bridge on the road that connected the Gornothracian lowland with the coast Aegean Sea. The bridge is 56 m long and 3.5 m wide.
Currently, the bridge is not used, it is protected as a cultural monument. Almost to the bridge there is a dirt road from Ardino, a resting place with a canopy and a hearth is equipped near the bridge.
Coordinates: 17.07000000,61.51000000
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Mount Obama
Mount Obama, located in the southwestern part of the island of Antigua, the country of Antigua and Barbuda, is considered the highest point in the country.
The height of the mountain is 409 meters. From its top, a beautiful view of the nearby islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe opens up.
Until August 4, 2009, Mount Obama was called Boggy Hill. Named in honor of US President Barack Obama on his birthday by Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Baldwin Spencer.
At the foot of the mountain, a stone monument is erected, on which there is an inscription that expresses admiration for the first black president of the United States.
Coordinates: 17.04496800,-61.86109900
Redonda is a volcanic rock located 56 km southwest of Barbuda. Currently, Redonda is a natural park. The park is almost completely surrounded by coral reefs, numerous underwater banks and rocks, and therefore abound in shipwrecks.
Birds are the permanent inhabitants of this island. Of the guests, yachtsmen are considered the most frequent here.
The total area of Redondo Island, as well as the park of the same name, is 68,000 sq.m. A significant part of the Redondo rock is covered with dense tropical thickets. Once on the island, you will enter the kingdom of birds. Here, in in large numbers there are hummingbirds, falcons, hawks, owls, owls, herons, pelicans, woodpeckers, jays, swifts, caracaras.
The climate here is tropical trade winds, warm and relatively dry. All year round the air temperature is kept within the range from +26-27 C (January) to +30-32 C (July). Precipitation is about 1300 mm per year, with the maximum amount of rain falling between August and September-December. Winds blow almost constantly on the islands, significantly softening the heat. In the period from June to November, tropical hurricanes may pass over the territory of the country, accompanied by storm winds and heavy rainfall.
Coordinates: 17.07000000,61.51000000
Derby Cave
Derby Cave lies just 5 kilometers northeast of Codrington, a vertical drift formed by karst activity.
The mouth of the cave with a diameter of more than 100 meters has a depth of more than 21 meters, while the stalagmites reach 2.5 meters in length. The vegetation around the cave resembles a tropical forest, saturated with palm trees, ferns and lianas. Dark Cave lies 3.6 km south of Derby Cave and has a narrow entrance leading to a vast cavern occupied by a pool of clear water that was used as a spring. fresh water still Indians. Several rare species of crustaceans live in the cave, including a unique blind shrimp.
Behind the Derby Cave, the Drop Cavern begins, and behind it, the Bat Chamber Cave, about 10 m high. From the main corridor to the east, there is a short narrow drift, in which petroglyphs were found that belong to the Arawak culture. Further, the passage leads to another cave, which is illuminated by sunlight through the holes in the roof.
Coordinates: 17.07000000,61.51000000
Codrington House
Codrington House is located 5 km north capital, in the capital Codrington, Barbuda. Codrington House is located in the highest part of the island, the estate was built in 1720.
Codrington House is also known as "Willie Bob" or "Mountain House". From this once large slaveholding estate of the Codringtons, only a box of walls and a large water cistern have survived to this day. From here you have an excellent panorama of coastline islands of Barbuda.
Codrington was named after a Gloucestershire family that once leased Barbuda to the British Crown for "one fat pig a year". Now it is still the same quiet town as at the end of the 19th century, the main decoration of which are numerous beautiful one-story houses (many owners paint them their own color).
Coordinates: 17.07000000,61.51000000
Redonda Island
Redonda Island is a small uninhabited rocky island in the Caribbean.
Its length is about 2 kilometers, width is just over 500 meters. The most high point- 297 meters above sea level.
The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. The name was given by Columbus and means "round".
From 1872 to 1967 the island was in the possession of Great Britain. Now it is the possession of the country of Antigua and Barbuda.
Phosphate mines are being developed on the island. The island of Redonda is inhabited by goats and sea birds.
Coordinates: 16.93464600,-62.34625900
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VC Bird airport
VC Bird airport is the only one international Airport the countries of Antigua and Barbuda.
It is located in the northeastern part of the island of Antigua, 6 km east of the country's capital, the city of St. John's.
Length runway- 2743 meters. Its excess above sea level is 19 meters.
There are daily 20-minute flights from VC Bird Airport to Codrington Airport in Barbuda.
The international airport code is TAPA.
Coordinates: 17.13896500,-61.78979500
The most popular attractions in Barbuda with descriptions and photos for every taste. choose best places to visit the famous places of Barbuda on our website.
More attractions in Barbuda
Antigua
Columbus named the island Antigua after the church of Antigua de Santa Maria in Seville. beautiful island with a picturesque coast, many bays and rich vegetation, for a long time became the arena of the struggle of European colonists with aggressive Indian tribes and the forces of nature. It was only in the middle of the 17th century that the life of the settlers began to improve, and today the islands of Antigua and Barbuda are one of the largest resort areas in the West Indies. A huge number of modern hotels, nightclubs, casinos, centers are concentrated in Antigua. aquatic species sports and entertainment complexes.
Barbuda
Barbuda lies 42 km north of Antigua. This quiet, pastoral-rural island, which is home to only 2% of the country's population, is very rarely visited by tourists - mostly bird watchers and yachtsmen come here. But nevertheless, this small piece of land in the vast expanse of the sea is considered one of the most colorful islands on the planet, and its eight-kilometer Long Beach is also one of the most beautiful coasts in the world. The island's more village-like capital, Codrington was named after the Gloucestershire family who once leased Barbuda to the British Crown for "one fat pig a year". Barbuda, almost entirely composed of limestone rocks, is replete with caves.
Redonda
A tiny and virtually uninhabited volcanic rock known as Redonda lies 56km southwest of Barbuda. The island is practically not visited by tourists, only yachtsmen are frequent guests of these waters. Currently, Redonda is a natural park.
reefs
Both Antigua and Barbuda are almost completely surrounded by coral reefs, numerous underwater banks and rocks, and therefore abound in shipwrecks. The south and east coasts of Antigua, and in fact the entire coast of Barbuda, are surrounded by offshore shoals providing excellent conditions for diving and snorkelling. Most of the beaches of Antigua, with their white sand and gentle slope, are protected from the sea by coral reefs, and all are free (at least officially). Main places beach holiday- Dickenson Bay and Runway Bay on east coast, Deep Bay and Hawksbill west of St. John's, as well as Darkwood Beach in the south of Jolly Harbor. On the east coast, Half Moon Bay is considered the main seaside holiday destination, and in English Harbor - Galleon Beach and isolated Pagen Beach. Outer beaches, including the northern end of Dickenson Bay and Hawksbill Beach, have been given over to nude beaches.
Good conditions for snorkeling and diving can be found in the Sunken Rock and Cape Shirley areas, as well as south coast Antigua. Moreover, many dive zones are very close to the coast, rarely further than fifteen minutes by boat. And the underwater world of the islands is truly magnificent - there are numerous colorful reef inhabitants, including parrot fish, angelfish, wrasse and barracuda, practically harmless nurse sharks and you can even meet, if you're lucky of course, dolphins and sea turtles. The reefs are mostly pristine, and although the depths are shallow, there are some good sea canyons and shipwrecks.
Protected West Coast Antigua is great for beginner surfers while windswept east coast famous for constant winds and perfect for experienced athletes. Another common form of recreation is sport fishing in the ocean, the main objects of which are marlin, tuna and wahoo king mackerel.
Antigua and Barbuda is Fort Berkeley, the world-famous St. John's Cathedral and the Museum of Historical Artifacts in Antigua. Clay statues from the last century can be found on the island.
Historical sights of Antigua and Barbuda
The southern coast is famous for the most popular attraction - English Harbor, popularly called "English Harbor". It is here that a huge number of main historical monuments are located, therefore, if the purpose of the trip is educational tourism, see Attractions Antigau and Barbuda you can here.
Things to Do in Antigua and Barbuda
A more active life of the state begins in the evening, as it is mainly aimed at visiting tourists. In the daytime, diving and traveling to unexplored corners of the islands are especially popular. On each beach, you can rent a catamaran or ATV and drive across the sea, cutting through the crystal clear water. Your History of Antigua and Barbuda will not leave anyone indifferent.
In the village of Falmouth, you can look at the huge Fort Great Fort George, it is located on the highest hills of the island. On the way to the fort see Antigua and Bprbuda, namely : Saint Paul Church - built by the will of the English duke in 1676 and is the first Christian center of Antigua. In the yard of the building there is a cemetery where Andrew Dunlop and Charles Peet are buried.
The island has a British military base The 18th century Nelson Dockyard is now actively used by the civilian population as a marina.
Excursions Antigua and Barbuda
When booking a tour or hotel can be booked into the State Historical Museum. The House of Court, as it is now called, was founded in 1747 on the territory of the colonial republic. Inside you can find exhibits that tell about the historical battles and culture of the Indian tribes that were here during the great colonization.
Monuments Antigua and Barbuda
Ancient life, historical invaders, discoverers, all who visited the islands left behind. To date, the islands have not been fully explored, so every inhabitant of the planet has unique chance discover something new and wild in the forests of the archipelago. Indian attractions, statues of gold, and ancient Greek ceramics, this is only a small part of what can be seen in the underwater caves of Barbuda. It is worth noting that if you are interested in water activities, go to the island - Redonta.
