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| Antigua and Barbuda Holidays - Destinations |
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| Temperature: |
Live Forecast |
Population: |
68 320 |
| Time Zone: |
GMT – 4 |
Driving side: |
Drive on the left hand side of the road. |
| Languages: |
English |
| Religion: |
Christian – predominantly Anglican |
| Emergency #: |
Police Emergency – 268/462 0125
Medical Emergency – 268/462 0251
Fire Emergency – 268/462 00 |
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Shirley Heights – At Shirley Height you will find an array of gun emplacements and military buildings. From the Heights you look out over the English Harbour, and on Sunday a barbecue, rum punch and the performance of steel band and reggae music accompany the view. The cemetery is close by and an obelisk stands erected in honour of the soldiers of the 54th regiment.
Sea View Farm Village – This is the center of the pottery industry. Clay is collected from pits located near the Sea View Farm Village and the wares are fired in an open fire under layers of green grass in the yards of the potters’ houses.
Harmony Hall Art Gallery – This is the center of the Antiguan arts community. There are exhibits throughout the year, but the annual highlights are the Antigua Artist’s Exhibition and Craft Fair, which are both held in November.
Museum of Antigua and Barbuda – This museum tells the story of Antigua and Barbuda from its birth right through to present day. There are a wide variety of fascinating objects and exhibits contained in the museum. Exhibits include some semiprecious stones, models of sugar plantations, steam engines, paintings and historical prints.
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| It is best to visit Antigua and Barbuda during the cool, dry winter months, usually around mid-December to mid-April. The islands get very hot in summer with the warmest months being July and August. |
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| Antigua has a traditional West Indian character with its gingerbread architecture and the popular steel band, calypso, reggae music and various festivities. English traditions are also important in Antigua, such as the popularity of Anglicanism and cricket. The literary tradition dates back to colonial memoirs and continues today with the works of world-renowned author Jamaica Kincaid. Most of the people in Antigua share the half a dozen or so surnames, which trace their lineage to a small group of slaves, brought to the island in the 1600’s. |
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Sailing – This is the central part of Antigua’s culture for centuries. In Nelson’s Dockyard you can see plenty of international racing boats, recreational yachts and classic sailboats. You can hire all sort of boats and explore the waters around Antigua.
Diving and Snorkelling – There are hundreds of wrecks to explore in the waters around Antigua as well as some beautiful coral reefs.
Windsurfing – The trade winds that blow around Antigua make the island a perfect place for windsurfing. The annual windsurfing Antigua events are held at Dickenson Bay on an annual basis.
Deep Sea Fishing – Antigua is a perfect place to go Deep Sea fishing, with the temperate waters. There are various types of fish including tuna, marlin, shark and barracuda.
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Dickenson Bay – This is one of Aruba’s finest beaches with its powder soft sand and calm turquoise waters. Water sport equipment can be rented from Halcyon Cove Hotel and food and refreshments can be bought from the local bars and restaurants around the beach. The beach is safe and seems to attract families with small children.
Pigeon Point – At Pigeon Point there are calm waters and pristine sands. This is the best beach near English Harbour, but it is often crowded especially when a cruise ship is in port. It is a great spot for snorkelers and swimmers of varied ability.
Johnson’s Point – If you want solitude, then this is the beach to go to. There are no facilities, but the sand is white and the waters calm and clear and is populated with schools of rainbow-hued tropical fish.
Carlisle Bay – Carlisle Bay is the site of one of the island’s most celebrated shores. The beach is set against a backdrop of coconut groves and the two long beaches extend from the bluff where Curtain Bluff, the island’s most deluxe hotel, is positioned. This is the spot where the calm Caribbean meets the turbulent Atlantic and is a spectacular blue. |
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Taxis – The government regulates the industry, so the rates are fixed. There are no meters in the taxis. They aren’t cheap, but are the best way to see Antigua. A driver may try to “adopt” you and act like your personal guide.
Car – the Island’s roads are terrible and poorly signposted. It is not advisable, rather pay for a taxi and have peace of mind.
Bus – The service is erratic and undependable and the roads are impossible bumpy. This is a cheap option, but don’t count on the reliability issue.
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5 May – Labour Day
31 October – Heritage Day. This is part of the annual independence celebrations.
1 November – Anniversary of independence of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda
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