Destination:
Antigua and Barbuda

Barbuda has been left largely undeveloped, open to be enjoyed in its pristine natural state. The island is renowned for its long empty beaches where it is still possible to leave footprints in virgin sand. The breathtaking pink sand beaches of the south-western shore stretch as far as 10 miles (16km) without interruption and are lapped by the gentle Caribbean waters, while those on the island's eastern shore, facing the Atlantic, are somewhat rougher, although still outstanding for beachcombing.

Most of the island is surrounded by a coral barrier reef that provides a rich and colourful marine life and is excellent for snorkelling. There are a number of small resorts on the island that offer watersports facilities, golf and tennis. Nature lovers will find an abundance of wildlife on the island. The wooded interior is home to fallow deer, wild pig and over 170 species of bird while in the island's north-western lagoon is the Bird Sanctuary. Here you will find over 5,000 frigate birds, the most aerial of waterbirds, possessing a massive five-foot (2m) wingspan; sometimes known as the 'man o' war bird', the frigate bird harasses less agile flyers like pelicans, egrets, and cormorants until they drop their catch. Barbuda can be reached easily from Antigua, either by air (a 20-minute flight, twice daily) or by boat (in three hours).

Antigua is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands and is usually the first stop for visitors to Antigua and Barbuda. The island boasts a whopping 365 glorious beaches, a near-perfect climate and plenty to occupy the visitor. Antigua is home to St John's, the island's capital, with the magnificently evocative white Baroque towers of St John's Cathedral dominating the city's skyline. Built in 1845, the church is now in its third incarnation, as earthquakes in 1683 and in 1745 destroyed the previous structures. The towers are the first sight of Antigua for about half of the island's visitors each year, many of whom arrive by boat.

With its recently completed cruise ship dock and many hotels, St John's is a lively hub for shopping and dining. Most tourist activity is confined to the harbour-front complexes of Heritage Quay, a favourite for cruise ship passengers, and the more traditional Redcliffe Quay. For those interested in the early history of the island, there is the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, housed in the colonial Court House (circa 1750). The museum displays artefacts from the colonial period and from the earlier Arawak settlers who lived on the islands between 35 and 1100 AD. On Friday and Saturday mornings, there is a vibrant farmers market on the southern edge of the city, where folk crafts, colourful tropical fruits and a buzzing crowd make for a lively morning.

Antigua's highest point is Boggy's Peak, at 1,319 feet (402m), but the island is mostly flat and covered with sugar cane, tropical fruit trees, palms and exotic flowers. For those tired of lazing on the beach, there is sailing, diving, snorkelling, beachcombing and other leisurely pursuits on offer.

The capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, St John's is a popular port of call for many cruise passengers sailing through the Caribbean and its skyline is highlighted by the white baroque towers of St John's Cathedral, an iconic sight for many visiting this city. In 2007 St John's saw a massive influx of tourists when its cricket ground, Sir Vivian Richards stadium in North Sound, just outside of St John's, hosted Super 8 matches in the Cricket World Cup.

Colonised by the British in the 1600s, Antigua only gained independence in 1981 and St John's has since become an increasingly popular holiday destination for travellers looking to laze on sun-drenched beaches, sipping on Cavalier rum cocktails, only to cool off in the crystalline turquoise waters when the heat gets a little too much. But there is more to St John's than just palm-fringed beaches, cricket and water sports.

Visit Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour, which pays testament to Antigua's past as a Royal Navy base, take your camera on a walk up to Shirley Heights where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbours, perfect for that holiday snapshot, visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda which showcases the islands' history from colonial times through to present day, or simply relax at a beach bar soaking up the breathtaking scenery enjoying Antigua's local brew, Wadadli, the Carib name for the island.