Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a former British colony in the eastern Caribbean and has some of the most intoxicating beaches in the world. Antigua proudly claims to have "beaches every day of the year," and Antigua's silent sister island of Barbuda also has some pristine stretches of pink sand beaches filled with chic resorts. Not surprisingly, many movie stars and tycoons fly to these islands to swim, surf, bask in the sun, and faint on the dazzling shores.

Antigua attracts most tourists. Many people arrive at the cruise port in the colorful capital of St. John, where shopping, museums and historical buildings are major attractions. The island retains its history as a strategic naval port, where animal lovers can swim with the friendly stingray. The total population of Peace Barbuda is less than 2%. Hermitage seekers and nature lovers value tranquility, while birds love legendary frigate sanctuaries. Water sports are available on both islands; diving, swimming, fishing, sailing and windsurfing are all popular, and golf enthusiasts can find several scenic courses in Antigua.

High point of

Shirley Heights was named after General Shirley, ruler of the Leeward Islands in the late 18th century, and its scattered array of battery batteries and military buildings are known for their breathtaking scenery. Not far away is the cemetery, where an obelisk was built in memory of the soldiers of the 54th Regiment. From the high point, you can see the beautiful scenery of the English Harbour in the distance. On Sunday afternoon, people come here for picnics, barbecues and drinks to their heart's content. The performance of the steel drum band and melodious reggae music make a lively scene.

The high point is also a good place to watch the sunset. The car goes up the mountain road and divides into two forks, leading to two high points with different scenery. One place can see the landscape of sea and sky, making you fully feel small; The other place can overlook the crocodile-shaped island below and the British Port full of boats. Every Sunday night, a bonfire party is also held. Visitors here only need to spend 10 Eastern Caribbean dollars (30 yuan) tickets. In addition to enjoying a free authentic local drink, they can also enjoy black boys and girls singing, dancing and "breathing fire" performances.

Saint John

St. John is the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, and its skyline stands the majestic white baroque tower, St. John's Cathedral. The church was built in 1845, and the church that is now in front of people is the result of its third renovation, because the earthquakes of 1683 and 1745 destroyed previous buildings. Half of the tourists who visit the island every year think the tower is their first impression of Antigua, and many of them arrive by boat.

With the completion of the island's cruise terminal and the completion of some hotels, St. John has now become an active shopping and dining center. Visitors interested in the island's early history can visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda at the Colonial Court (1750), which displays Arawak artifacts and colonial artifacts-all derived from archaeological finds on the island. At the same time, the museum also features a thought-provoking, life-sized replica of Arava houses and sugar plantations. Be sure to visit the active farmers 'markets in the south of the city on Friday and Saturday mornings. Folk crafts, a variety of delicious tropical fruits and the bustling crowd will surely bring this morning to life.

Taihe Dian Art Gallery

The Harmony Hall Art Gallery is located on Brown's Bay in Nonsuch Bay and is the art center of Antigua. In 1980, Annabel-Proudlock and a group of friends spent a year restoring the mid-19th century Methodist chaplain house to its original grandeur. The primary purpose of the gallery's opening was to promote and broaden people's appreciation of Jamaica art and crafts. Since then, the gallery has gained international praise.

There are works by 100 representative artists and craftsmen here, ranging from simple to exquisite, appreciated by both refined and popular, and featuring the works of many of Jamaica's first-class painters, sculptors and carvers. There are a variety of exhibitions here throughout the year, but the highlights of the year are the Antigua Artists 'Exhibition and the Craft Fair held in November. The sugar factory next to the Hall of Supreme Harmony has been converted into a bar, where customers can enjoy the best all-round views of the island and of course the beautiful scenery of Nonsuch Bay. In this quiet atmosphere and iconic building, everyone is welcome to come here to enjoy visual arts cuisine.

English Harbour is a historically beautiful area in Antigua. It is located on 15 square miles of Nelson's Dockyard National Park, the southernmost tip of Antigua. The harbour was established as a British naval base during the heyday of navigation, and served as the command headquarters for the Lower Islands Fleet during the turbulent years of the late 18th century. Although Horatio Nelson greatly expanded the shipyard at that time, it gradually declined in the 19th century and ceased operating in 1889.

Today, the Nelson Shipyard has been completely restored, and it is the only Georgian-era shipyard in the world. Almost all the attractions in the park overlook the harbor, and the closest one is Clarence's House. The former residence was built as the residence of the later King William IV of England (1765-1837), who was then a member of the H.M.S. Captain Pegasus, serving in Nelson. Attractions further away from the harbor are Shirley Heights, Dow's Hill Interpretation Center, all of which and the park's conveniently accessible beaches will be particularly popular during Sailing Week.

Antigua Nelson Shipyard National Park

One of Antigua's most popular tourist attractions, Nelson Dockyard National Park in the British Harbor, is Antigua's former 18th century British Navy Dockyard inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2016), as well as restored historical buildings and home to some of the island's best natural trails. Nelson's shipyard is the only continuously operating Georgian shipyard in the world. The restored pier, with beautiful old stone warehouses, includes hotels, restaurants, shops, galleries, and museums. Both the Admiral's Residential Museum and the Shipyard Museum trace the history of the site from the 17th century to the present.

After visiting the shipyard, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the island from the ruins of Fort Shirley. Fort Shirley is located on the top of the hill in Shirley Heights, or Fort Berkeley, at the west entrance of the port. Also in the park are the 18th-century Clarence House, originally built for the future King William IV, and the Dow Hill Interpretation Centre, built along the lookout trail near Shirley Heights.

Fort James (1706-mid-19 th century) is probably the most impressive building on Antigua, as all the Cannon cannons still remain on the fortress. All the other fortresses were sold out as scrap goods in 1869 at sixpence per cent. This made Fort James the most unique one.

Around 1703, St. John's grew rapidly to outsize Falmouth and Parham, and the harbor at its northern entrance was fortified. In 1739, in the witness of all Masonic members, the cornerstone of the castle, which still stands, was laid, and the stone that records history is still visible at the east corner. In later history, the inscriptions on the stone were almost destroyed by malicious treasure hunters who hoped to find treasure behind the cornerstone.

Half Moon Bay The tranquil Half Moon Bay is located on the southeastern tip of Antigua and is surrounded by one of the best beaches in the Caribbean Sea. This idyllic crescent-shaped white sand and blue sea protects the coral reef, backed by natural plants, and provides excellent snorkeling on calm days. When the wind is up, surfing can be rough. The small restaurant serves snacks right next to the beach. Please note that beaches are hard to find, so GPS will come in handy.

Stingray City in Antigua If you have a lifelong fear of Stingray, then this fun face-to-face adventure on a five-minute speedboat ride off the east coast of Antigua should banish those fears forever. Stingray City is a shallow pool with a sandy bottom among a tropical coral reef where hundreds of friendly southern stingrays glide in the crystal clear water, waiting for tourists to eat. Depending on your comfort level, you can stand, swim or snorkel, and after you encounter, you can explore the surrounding coral reefs. Feeling their smooth, smooth bodies brush against your skin is a highlight of this exhilarating adventure. A trip to Stingray City is one of the most popular activities in Antigua.

站图片位置Devil's Bridge: Antigua's Indian Town National Park Along the rugged northeast coast, Indian Town National Park's eye-catching scenery features the natural limestone Devil's Bridge, which has been shaped by the impact of waves over the centuries. At high tide, waves force water from the fountain through pores in nearby rocks. The park also offers some beneficial hiking and excellent bird watching activities. More than 36 species of birds inhabit the park's acacia trees, and the eastern end of the park is believed to be Arawak Camp.

Darby Cave is one of Barbuda's most fascinating natural landscapes. It is formed by the dissolution of limestone. Although it is often described as a cave, it is actually a sinkhole with a diameter of more than 100 meters. In sharp contrast to the surrounding dry bushes, the lush vegetation inside resembles a tropical rainforest, with ferns, tall palm trees and dense vines wrapped around the trunks. Many birds can be seen among the leaves. The dripping water also caused overhanging stalagmites. (The above picture is not a real picture of Darby Cave in Barbuda, but a companion picture.)