Nestled between the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the mighty North Atlantic Ocean, Antigua is a tiny island that makes up the second half of the country, Antigua and Barbuda. With an area of 108 sq. km. and a fascinating landscape of low-lying limestone and coral islands with some higher volcanic areas, the island is a haven for people looking for a place to relax and have fun in their own tiny spot in the Caribbean.

History

The first people to inhabit Antigua were called the Siboney or “stone people” who stayed on the island until at least 2400 B.C. Later, the Arawaks, who were originally from Venezuela, followed the Siboney and came to settle on the chain of islands, now called the Lesser Antilles. However, the warlike Carib people drove the Arawaks out of the islands.

In 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered Antigua by accident and named it Santa Maria la Antigua, after a church in Seville, Spain. The first body of English settlers took possession of the island in 1632 but were soon driven out by the Carib Indians.

Since then, the island became a battleground for possession with the native Caribs on one side, the French and the British on the other. Finally, in the Treaty of Breda, the British regained Antigua and possessed it until 1981 when the island gained its independence, along with Barbuda.

Climate

Antigua has an average rainfall of 45.6 inches. However, due to great variations every year and the absence of rivers, the island is subject to frequent droughts. Even so, the soil, especially in the interior, is very fertile, producing export quality sugar and pineapples, plus local favorites like sweet potatoes, yams, maize, and guinea corn.

Temperatures on the island range from mid-seventies in the winter. In the summer, the temperatures rise up a notch to around mid-eighties. Antigua is considered as one of the sunniest parts of the Eastern Caribbean Islands with constant northeast trade winds. Its naturally rocky coast is much indented by bays and arms, providing excellent harbours that afford shelter during storms.

Transportation

Antigua’s single airport, the V C Bird Airport, is serviced by several major airlines from all over the world, including Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, USAirways, American Airlines, Continental, BWIA, and Air Canada. There are regular flights to the neighboring island of Barbuda from V C Bird.

Additionally, Antigua has an English Harbour on its southeastern coast which is famed as a “hurricane hole” because it provides a protected shelter during violent storms. Today, the English Harbour and the neighboring village of Falmouth are world famous for luxury yachting and sailing.

Activities

A vast portion of activities you can do in Antigua involves water excursions, such as sailing, boating, and yachting. But for the land-lubber, there is also a multitude of alternative activities available, including cricket, tennis, eco tours, golfing, hiking, bird watching, hunting, and riding.

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Antigua Map
... of these Antigua maps in your travel backpack is a nice plus, allowing you to cut costs on tour guides and finding the places yourself for a greater sense of adventure. Below are a few Antigua maps you can get for free from the Internet: The CIA World Factbook The US' Central Intelligence Agency has a huge archive of maps of different countries of the world, including an Antigua map, complete with its political boundaries. In addition to the map, the CIA page on Antigua and Barbuda also contains factual information about the island nation from its geographical location, historical background, people, language, and the like. About.com - Geography Page If you are looking for a simple Antigua map outline for use perhaps in the classroom or school, the About.com site's page on Antigua Geography offers a free blank outline. Just click on the map for a printable Antigua version or you can directly download the image to your computer. Merriam-Webster -...

Cades Reef Antigua
... divers and snorkelers can swim around to their heart's desire and the protected inner reef where much of Antigua's rich marine life begins. The outer reef is where you can find a variety of large animals, such as barracudas, green and spotted moray eels, lobsters, eagle rays, and nurse and reef sharks. The sea conditions here are pretty consistent but if the waves get a little rough, divers typically head for the more sheltered sites inside the Cades Reef Antigua itself. A part of Cades Reef Antigua has been turned into the Underwater Cades Reef Antigua Park, providing excellent shallow diving and snorkeling. Here, anyone can experience the joys of world famous diving in Antigua, no matter what diving level you are in or whether you are seasoned as a diver or just a beginner. Other dive spots found in Cades Reef Antigua include the following: * Bush Gardens has a depth of 20-45 ft. * Monks Head has a depth of 20-35 ft....

Diving In Antigua
... notable for its sunny, dry weather. In fact, it has one of the driest weathers in the whole Caribbean region, an asset when the rest of the islands are wilting under the humidity of the tropical climate. Antigua, an island that makes up the other half of the island nation, Antigua and Barbuda, is also known for quiet, laidback atmosphere. The island is made up of low-lying limestone rocks with several volcanoes lining up its coasts, providing sheltering harbor from the violent storms that often erupt over the mighty North Atlantic. Offering spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and no less than 365 beaches (one beach for each day of the year) it is little wonder that Antigua's economy is anchored heavily on the tourist industry. Though most popular for its plethora of gorgeous white sand beaches, diving in Antigua is also another activity offered by the island to tourists looking for new Caribbean spots to explore. Both the...

University Of Health Sciences Antigua
Harbor in Antigua, West Indies. Antigua is the largest of the British Leeward Islands with a total surface area of 108 square miles. It is located right in the heart of the Caribbean, 312 hours flying time from New York, 3 hours from Miami, 412 hours from Toronto or Montreal, and 7 hours from London. The University of Health Sciences Antigua was founded in 1982, primarily focusing on producing competent healthcare professionals although the institution also has non-healthcare programs and Postgraduate Diploma in various studies, such as Tropical Medicine and Travelers of Health Management. As a privately endowed institution, the University of Health Sciences Antigua was chartered and accredited by the Ministry of Health of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and is listed with the World Health Organization. Students who graduate from the University of Health Sciences Antigua can take the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) for certification in the USA. Additionally, they may also take other certifying exams from...

Antigua Long Term Property Rental
... down to making a choice based on what you need and renting it for a certain time period. Advantages In terms of space, Antigua long term property rentals have a foothold advantage. Imagine having an entire house to yourself and your family (if you're towing them along) with three to four rooms. Now, this is definitely something that you will never find in a hotel as each hotel room often means a separate charge on your account. Add that to the cost of meals and other travel expenses and you'll be burning holes in your pocket in no time. With an Antigua long term property rental, however, you may get greater value for your money. If you like Antigua to travel with your family and yet still want to have room to 'breathe,' then an Antigua long term property rental offers you more than enough space. ...

Long Term Rental In Antigua
... (if you're on budget) or spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to stay in a hotel with a minimum number of amenities. There isn't much choice in there, right? Or is there? More Space, Less Cost Many tourists are opting for properties available for long term rental in Antigua instead of staying at hotels. With long term rental in Antigua, you could stay in your own private place during Antigua the entire duration of your vacation and get a real feel of the island at a microcosmic level: feel like one of the locals as you go home to the same neighborhood, shop in the same market, walk the same streets . Most properties for long term rental in Antigua offer considerably more space than you will find in a typical hotel room. Additionally, long term...

Antigua Hotels
... to offer, from horseback riding to hiking, cricket, and so much more. Antigua hotels are numerous, most of them located just a short walk away from the nearest beach or the nearest shopping hub. Below are some top Antigua hotels you might want to consider: The Admiral's Inn As one of the two Antigua hotels located in Nelson's Dockyard, the Admiral's Inn has the whole history of the island of Antigua right under its belt. It was in 1788 when Admiral Horatio Nelson of the British Royal Navy found Antigua's English Harbour, considered a "hurricane hole" because of how it could naturally shelter any ship from violent storms as well as hide an entire fleet from enemy's eyes. The Admiral's Inn was once one of the several buildings built in the dockyard, using...

Antigua Guatemala Hotel
... the first Spanish colonial capital in Central America. Once ravaged by several earthquakes, Antigua Guatemala is now known as one of the most beautiful places in the world, managing to retain, despite odds, its original Spanish charm of cobble stone streets and colonial architecture. Many people come to this place for the astounding art and culture that is still haunted by ghosts of the Spanish colonial era. The facades of many of its buildings are made from ancient galvanized stones that date back to the Spanish times. In addition, all over the streets of Antigua Guatemala are quaint little shops and tiny stalls that sell handicrafts, jewelry, and other curiosities that reflect the local culture of its people. Accommodations are not a problem when you come Antigua to this place for a vacation. There are quite a number of Antigua Guatemala hotels that offer excellent rooms and amenities at great rates. However, no matter where you are in the world, whether...

Antigua Guatemala
... to honor their patron saint, Santiago (St. James). Antigua Guatemala suffered two severe earthquakes, including Santa Marta in 1773, which destroyed much of the town. As a result, the Spanish Crown ordered that the city be rebuilt in a safer location. Guatemala City thus came to be and was hailed as the capital of Guatemala. Today, the city is Antigua world famous for its well-preserved Spanish New World Baroque architecture as well as a great number of spectacular church ruins. Despite being ravaged by several earthquakes which eventually resulted in the city's abandonment in 1776, the city still retains its original Spanish charm of cobble stone streets and colonial architecture. For this reason, Antigua Guatemala has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site after it was earlier declared a Monument of the Americas by the Panamerican Institute of History and Geography in 1942. Tourism Antigua Guatemala is one of the most beautiful...

Antigua Real Estate
... scene: Agent's Credentials A Antigua wise buyer would always check a professional's credentials and verify it before making a purchase. The same applies with Antigua real estate. Much of the mistakes that real estate buyers make are that they are all too often ready to believe catch phrases like "My friend (or family member) sells real estate." Always remember that real estate is business and a true friend will understand that friendship doesn't really count when it comes to choosing the right value for your money. Look beyond personal connection to find what you're looking for. Presentation isn't Everything Don't be gulled by the astounding presentation that the real estate website is showing you. Often, presentations that offer you nothing but pictures and no description about the state or condition of the property at...

Way Of Living In Antigua
... are going to step into the world of the way of living in Antigua to be more acquainted with this paradise that claims to have "365 beaches for each day of the year". * Religion Local natives are not concentrated in a single religion but majority them Antigua are Christians that come from different branches. There are lots of churches that have been built where some even dated back hundreds of years ago. In the opening of the millennium, most of them spent their first minutes inside the place of worship. When Christmas comes, the way of living in Antigua is flocking to the capital city of Saint John where it transforms into a jampacked lively market. * Rasta The way of living in Antigua, especially in the southern coast, are still in the...

Antigua Weather
... guests so it's definitely good value traveling in-season. Not only Antigua is Antigua weather at its best but these months, particularly in late April, traditionally see the world famous Sailing Week when thousands of sailboats and racing boats converge in Antigua's English Harbor. Also, festival season starts in the month of January lasting until Sailing Week in late April. While Antigua weather is dry and sunny for the most part, it is not however free from the trade winds that blow southeast to northwest off the water. The weather in most Caribbean islands includes a near constant dose of these trade winds that provide cooling relief from even the worst weather conditions. The same is true with Antigua weather. In fact, many shore side restaurants on the islands have terraces that face the shore, an ideal place to catch this element of Antigua weather. Also, if you...

Antigua Island
... to do on Antigua Island. St. John's, the capital, offers a curious line up of quaint shops and charming handicraft stores where you can shop to your heart's desire. On the other hand, the English Harbor in the southeastern coast offers a fantastic Maritime history right up to the time when the legendary Admiral Horatio Nelson of the British Royal Navy utilized the harbor as a base for his fleet. Today, a piece of that history comes alive every late April during Sailing Week when a flotilla of racing boats, sailboats, and yachts Antigua converge in the bay for one of the most awaited Maritime events in the world. And if that isn't enough, hiking, horseback riding, trekking, and many land-based sports such as tennis and cricket are also plentiful. The friendly atmosphere and exciting vibe throughout endear Antigua Island to many of its visitors just as you will, too. But before you pack your bags and leave on the next plane ride to Antigua Island, read...

Black Birki Antigua
... sandals are exactly the kind of footwear you would wear just about anywhere. Casual, yet elegant, the Black Birki Antigua may be worn when you go for a leisurely stroll down the street or shopping in the mall or local shops. Comfort, Style Your feet have distinct curvatures. To ensure maximum comfort, you need footwear that conforms to these curves. The Black Birki Antigua has a foot bed design that is made to fit the natural curves of wearer's feet. Not only does this ensure comfort, but also support. As an added perk, the ergonomic design of the Black Birki Antigua encourages foot health by supporting normal walking. When you walk, most of your weight is supported by the muscle padding under your heels. With other sandals, this padding is compromised because of...

Antigua Carnival
... here where one will discover how wealthy they are in terms of preserving what their ancestors have gained. Even if it is your first time in the Antigua Carnival, you would want to join in the fun overtly seen in the natives' countenances. You are very much welcome to groove with the performers as it takes you around the streets of Saint John to the Antigua Recreation Ground, home to the national sport of cricket. Wise reminders for the new excursionists, do not don on your best clothes because a lot will be spraying water over the crowd to keep it cool. As the weather can get really humid, the hotter it is in Antigua Carnival. Alongside is a festival village for dining. You and...