The election and advertising slogan of the island state of Antigua and Barbuda could also serve as a program for a successful vacation: “Experience it to believe it”. Without a doubt, it is a special experience to experience one of the fascinating sunsets on these so-called “Leeward Islands”. Some of the 365 beaches between the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean shimmer pink.
About a hundred thousand people populate Antigua and Barbuda, and if you want to get closer to the joie de vivre of the locals, you should be there during the carnival times. On ten summer days and nights, an entire country celebrates and dances to the Caribbean sounds. For the most part, the inhabitants of the two islands have African roots, and their lightness of being is very quickly transferred to their guests from all over the world. Idyllic tropical darkwood beach in Antigua island in Caribbean seas with white sand, turquoise ocean water and blue sky, Image: BlueOrange Studio / shutterstock Spain’s legendary navigator Christopher Columbus indirectly gave Antigua its name. The mortal remains of the explorer are located at the Puerta de la Lonja in the huge cathedral of Seville. But in Columbus’ time, this was still a small chapel called Santa Maria La Antigua. This is where the name of the beautiful Caribbean island comes from. Saint John’s is the capital and metropolis at the same time. This is a lively trading hub and a photogenic motif for holidaymakers at the old harbour. In the 18th century, the city was of great importance as a base for England’s royal fleet in the Antilles. Today, sugar, rum and cotton are exported here. Large sailing yachts can be admired in English Harbour Bay and Falmouth Harbour. British Fort James was built to guard St. John’s Harbour in Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean , Image: Lindasj22 /shutterstock If you are looking for a sporting challenge on the romantic islands, you will find it on a “zipline tour”. Under the guidance and supervision of experienced rangers, you can move over suspension bridges and from tree to tree like the legendary Tarzan once did. This is a treat for all those who are unfamiliar with a fear of heights. However, the wide range of water sports on Antigua and its little sister Barbuda is particularly popular with holidaymakers. The sea is warm and the stylish and luxurious hotel complexes and resorts are almost exclusively within sight of the white beaches. In the restaurants, the fruits of the sea reach the tables, and hardly anyone can escape the magic of the exotic nights in Antigua and Barbuda. Some hotels impress with an interesting animation program, others have dedicated themselves to health and beauty therapy with their wellness area. Trips inland include Betty’s Hope, the last functioning sugarcane windmill in the Caribbean.
Holidays in Antigua & Barbuda: The most important information
The most important tourist resorts & excursion destinations
St. John’s: The capital of Antigua with the harbor, Heritage Quay and the Antigua and Barbuda Museum.
English Harbour: Historic site with Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jolly Harbour: Popular holiday resort with beautiful beaches and marina.
Dickenson Bay: One of the most popular beaches with many resorts and water sports.
Ffryes Beach: A beautiful, quiet beach, ideal for relaxing.
Barbuda: Known for the Pink Sand Beach and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
Shirley Heights: Famous overlook with spectacular views and Sunday barbecues.
Important telephone numbers
Emergency call (police, fire brigade, ambulance): 911 or 999
Police: +1 268 462 0125
Fire Department: +1 268 462 0044
Ambulance: +1 268 462 0251
German Embassy in Port of Spain (responsible for Antigua & Barbuda): +1 868 628 1630
German Doctors
There are no German doctors in Antigua & Barbuda.
If necessary, you should contact the local hospitals and clinics:
Mount St. John’s Medical Centre: St. John’s, +1 268 462 0251
Adelin Medical Centre: St. John’s, +1 268 462 0866
Opening hours
Shops: Usually Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., some shops are also open on Sundays.
Supermarkets: Usually daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Restaurants: Lunch from 12:00 to 14:30, dinner from 18:00 to 22:00.
Banks: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Airport
V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU): The main airport, about 8 km northeast of St. John’s.
Post / Stamps
Post offices: In all major cities and towns. Main Post Office in St. John’s. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Stamps: Available at the post office and in some kiosks and supermarkets.
Costs for letters and postcards to Germany: Standard letter up to 20g: approx. 3.50 XCD (approx. 1.15 EUR); Postcard: approx. 3.50 XCD (approx. 1.15 EUR)
Safety
Crime: Antigua & Barbuda is considered relatively safe, but tourists should exercise caution and observe common safety precautions, especially in busy areas and at night.
Emergency number: 911 or 999
Current
Voltage: 230 volts
Sockets: Type A and B (adapters for European plugs are required)
Tip
Restaurants: 10-15% of the bill amount is customary if no service charge is included.
Taxis: Round up the amount or about 10%
Hotels: $1-2 per day for cleaning staff
Customs
Allowances: Personal belongings are duty-free.
Alcohol: Maximum 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine.
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
Other items: Goods with a total value of up to $500 are duty-free.
Destinations
Nelson’s Dockyard (English Harbour): Historic shipyard and national park with museums and restored buildings.
Devil’s Bridge (Indian Town Point): Natural limestone bridge created by centuries of erosion.
Betty’s Hope: A former sugar plantation with restored windmills and a small museum.
Barbuda: A trip to the neighboring island of Barbuda to visit Pink Sand Beach and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
Fig Tree Drive: A scenic road through Antigua’s rainforests, ideal for a scenic drive.
Stingray City: A place where visitors can swim with and feed stingrays.
Cades Reef: A great place to snorkel and dive with a variety of marine life.
Museum of Antigua and Barbuda: Located in St. John’s, it offers insight into the history and culture of the islands.
Darkwood Beach: A beautiful beach, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Hawksbill Beaches: Four interconnected beaches, including a nudist beach (Eden Beach).
