Antigua and Barbuda - The Heart of the Caribbean

The islands of Antigua and Barbuda constitute a twin-island nation in the Caribbean and are about 650 kilometres south-east of Puerto Rico. With an area of 280 km², Antigua is the larger island. Barbuda is smaller and the rocky island of Redonda is uninhabited. Barbuda has a population of about 1,400 people. Most people live on the main island of Antigua, which is divided into the following six parishes: Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter and Saint Philip. The parishes' names show that the island nation is Christian. The climate is tropical. August is the warmest month with 27 °C, while January is the coldest with 24 °C on average. In comparison to other Caribbean islands, the rainfall rate on Antigua and Barbuda is relatively low.

As the nation consists of two main islands, it is often referred to as the "Caribbean sister islands". Although it is not apparent any more, Antigua was originally a volcanic island. Due to the deposition of corals in the course of centuries, it rather looks like a limestone island. Barbuda, on the other hand, is a pure reef island, which is largely untouched. The twin islands are surrounded by vast reefs to the present day. Many white sandy beaches, blue lagoons and natural bays make the island country an appealing destination. Antigua's heartland is flat and fertile. Tropical palms, bright hibiscus and exotic fruit such as papayas, guavas and mangos grow here. The south-west is crossed by a slightly curved range of hills. The highest peak is the volcanic crater of Boggy Peak, which is 402 metres high. Is was recently renamed "Mount Obama" recently.

No doubt, most travellers come to Antigua and Barbuda to enjoy the powdery white sandy beaches and the bright blue sea. But the country in the Caribbean has much more to offer than that. That is why the islands' motto is "The beach is just the beginning". On Barbuda, holidaymakers can go on walks through wonderful tropical forests or visit the Frigat Bird Sanctuary. In addition, you can explore pink sandy beaches and exciting caves here. The twin island is about 40 kilometres away and can be reached by plane or ferry. When visiting Antigua, travellers can climb Mount Obama (formerly known as "Boggy Peak"). Once you have reached its top, you have a great view of the island nation and if you have good visibility, you can even see the neighbouring islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe. Another exciting experience is a tour along the Fig Tree Drives. Of course, you can also explore the islands by boat. An impressive sight is offered by the Pillars of Hercules near the English Harbour.

The capital of Saint John's accommodates the greatest cathedral in the Caribbean near a statue of John the Baptist. The islands are mostly Christianised. About 90 percent of the population are of African origin, the remaining ten percent come from Europe. Popular sights in Saint John's are the National Museum, the open-air stage, Fort James and the harbour as well as the natural harbour of the English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard. Luxury yachts from all over the world land here and wait while their owners embark on exciting island adventures. When you are on Barbuda, you can visit the Martello Tower, which offers a great view of the whole island. Another interesting destination is the last remaining sugar mill called "Betty's Hope". It is reminiscent of the sugar cane plantations established by the first colonies.

A trip to the Caribbean is a special experience and many travellers' long-cherished dream. The reasons for that are obvious: sun, sand and the sea as well as the delicious Caribbean cuisine with freshly caught seafood, baked lobster and suckling pig. Fruity cocktails sweeten the beautiful sunset and the nights under the starlit sky. Numerous restaurants, beach bars, discos and casinos offer evening entertainment. Of course, visitors want to take at least a bit of this island atmosphere home. You can buy souvenirs in the great shopping centres in Saint John's or in the duty-free shops. Gemstone jewellery, paintings and handmade straw products are typical of Antigua and Barbuda.

Travellers who want to do more than sunbathe and relax at the seaside can go sailing, wind surfing and kite surfing, kayaking or paragliding. The islands offer excellent conditions for a variety of leisure activities. Many hotels organise deep sea fishing tours and there are idyllic golf courses on Antigua. In addition, the islands are great starting points for trips to the neighbouring islands of Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis or Guadeloupe.

Since English is the official language, tourist can use it to communicate on the islands. However, visitors may not understand the locals because they speak Caribbean English, which differs considerably from Standard English. Another testimony to the British colonialisation is the left-hand traffic. The tourist season lasts from December to April. During that time, precipitation is lowest.