Antigua is a small Caribbean island with direct flights from many US cities. Beautiful beaches, delicious fresh food, a delight for hikers, it has something for everyone.
Void of violent crime, it is one of the safest and most beautiful Caribbean islands whether you prefer a resort vacation oraon off the beaten path vacation up in the mountains, where you can go on daily hikes.
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Weather
Antigua is a Caribbean island, so therefore the temperature is always warm. Mid-80’s is the average temperature with the hot sun beating down on you. However, there is virtually no humidity, so even though you will perspire, you won’t be dripping in sweat.
Just remember to drink a lot of water and you will find it quite comfortable to walk around or lie on the beach.
With an almost tropical desert climate similar to Aruba, the days are warm and the nights are cool and breezy. If you are staying in the mountains, you won’t even need your air conditioner at night if you have large windows, like I did.
Getting to Antigua
For US citizens, you do not need a visa to travel to Antigua. In addition to connecting flights, there are direct non-stop flights from some US destinations like NYC. At this time of year (Spring/Summer), you can get flights from $200-$400.
Absolutely everyone takes US dollars from cab drivers to street vendors, so if you are coming from USA, you won’t need to change any money unless you want to. Stores, supermarkets etc. take credit cards.
However, even though you can pay in US dollars, change will be given in the currency in Antigua, which is the Eastern Caribbean Dollars.
The exchange rate is about 2.38 to $1 USD. (2021)
Antigua People
Everyone is friendly and always full of smiles. People are glad to help if you have any problems or if you just want to chat to find out more about the local people.
Beautiful Beaches
With 365 beaches, you can easily visit many beaches and see a range of colorful water colors to swim in the warm Caribbean waters. Snorkeling, scuba diving and other water sports are all fun activities to enjoy on Antigua Beaches.
East to West and North to South, there are so many beautiful beaches to visit.
If you are into photography, every spot is a postcard ready frame.
Food
The food is healthy and rustic, but full of so much natural flavors. If you have only tasted mangoes and pineapple in USA or Europe, you are in for a treat!
Every fruit is juicy and sweet and just does not compare to anything in the USA.
Even the meat has so much more flavor. You don’t need to add so much stuff to make it so delicious. All the herbs and spices aren’t necessary when it has so much natural flavor.
There are many fast food places that feature things like pizza, burgers, schwarma and the like. There are also some high end restaurants that cater to western palates, however I suggest you try the restaurants that feature the local cuisine.
Some common local foods you can try is roti (a flatbread filled with your choice of curried fillings), fungee and saltfish (polenta with okra and dried salted cod) and curry of your choice.
Don’t miss the national dish of ducana, which I detailed in my restaurant review of Hemingway’s in Antigua here. Besides Hemingway’s. here are a few other restaurants I suggest trying.
Vegetarian Friendly
Antigua is a veggie friendly destination. Roti Shops will have tofu roti and other vegetarian options. In the capital city of St. John, there are a few Middle Eastern restaurants where you can get things like falafel. Regardless, I found most restaurants had vegetarian options.
Nature Lover’s Paradise
Little black birds flying around, cows and goats grazing as you drive by, strenuous hikes worth the effort when you are rewarded with the most breathtaking gorgeous views are just a few reasons nature lover’s will love Antigua.
If waking up to the sounds of ocean waves and birds automatically put a smile on your face, then Antigua is definitely your next vacation spot.
I stayed at a treehouse in nature, where I had some birds join me for breakfast every morning!
Sunsets
What can I say except that the sunsets are breathtaking gorgeous. I will just let the photos below speak for themselves.
These are just a few of the many reasons to visit Antigua. If you are looking for a vacation spot that is not packed with tourists, but has beautiful beaches and hiking, delicious food and friendly people, Antigua has to be your next vacation.
If you are looking for a party place with nightclub action, Antigua may not be the best option but for a relaxing getaway as a solo traveler, romantic getaway or family vacation, it is ideal!
If you need any assistance planning your trip to Antigua or anywhere else, please contact me to take advantage of my Trip Planning Services.
I’ll admit that I didn’t know a lot about Antigua before reading this post. It looks like the perfect place to escape for a few weeks. It also looks like an easy place for someone from the US to visit as you don’t need a visa and can pay in US dollars. It’s definitely a vacation destination I’ll have to save for the future.
I was scheduled to do a girls trip to Antigua right before COVID hit and our tickets are still on hold. We were avoiding going in the summer because of the temperatures but if there isn’t humidity it wouldn’t be as hot as I thought it would. I will be sure to eat a lot of mangoes and pineapple when we rebook
I have to admit that I never thought about Antigua at all. Now it will be my first choice for a country to visit in the Caribbean Island. Beaches are amazing, food looks delicious, and it’s not a beach party destination. That’s what I look for!
then you will love Antigua for sure!
We have been to Antigua a few time by cruise ship but always wanted to return for a longer relaxing stay. We don’t need the party life. The 365 beaches would be the big draw for us. Staying in a treehouse sounds like such a fun adventure.
I definitely suggest making it a destination next time and not just a cruise stop.
I’d feel like a queen with those beaches and sunsets around me! I’ll soak up the sun and escape the real world. Yes, once in a while, we need to go to a place that’s less touristy and away from the bar and nightclub scenes. Thank you for putting this together!
its the perfect escape from it all – when you want to regroup and get back to nature!
The beaches are so pristine. Nice to know that this is one of the safest Caribbean islands – will be sure to share that when I recommend it to people. I like the serenity in the place, feels so therapeutic.
it is – when you want to get away from it all, it is the perfect place
I have never been to Caribbean Islands, let alone Antigua. But I do have it on my list of places to visit. I will make sure I get to Island of Antigua when I am there. The beaches look amazing. Thanks for telling that it is really safe to visit as I usually look for safety because I travel alone mostly.
Yes I highly recommend Antigua as a solo traveler. You will find it very safe and the people are so helpful.
You have convinced me with your reasons that Antigua is definitely a great place to visit. The beaches, sunsets, food and everything looks quite great. The weather is similar to my place, so the warm temperature will not be much of a problem. I would definitely love to explore this place sometime.
It’s definitely a place you should add to your bucket list
I love being around nature and Antigua looks like a perfect haven for the same. Good to know that the people here are welcoming. I can’t help myself but adore the beautiful beach and that perfect sunset view in the video above.
the sunsets are just breathtaking I am sure you will love them
I Think These Reasons to Plan an Island of Antigua Vacation Holiday are just enough for me. I am also a solo traveler and love to write travel blogs.
Antigua is known as the “Jewel of the Caribbean” for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and lush vegetation. With over 365 beaches to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun.