Info about Antigua
Antigua – number one tourist destination
Antigua - pronounced “an-tee’ga” is locally known also as Wadadli. It is the major island of Leeward Islands in the Antigua and Barbuda country, located in the West Indies, Caribbean. Antigua can be found at the following GPS coordinates: 17°5′N 61°48′W. Deriving its origins from the Spanish word for “ancient”, Antigua was named by Christopher Columbus. Describing the island in a few words we should say that it has hundreds of exotic beaches, a warm climate, and a magnificent coral reef.
The island mostly lives on the income brought by the tourist industry. However medical schools also steadily contribute to the island’s budget. Within the country it has the most favorable conditions be it general infrastructure, banking, educational system (including the acclaimed University of Health Sciences Antigua and the American University of Antigua), resorts, or hotel and gambling services. It has one airport, namely VC Bird International Airport serving U.S. Airways, British Airways, Continental, and other. Near it is located a small U.S. military base maintained for space missions.
Indeed, Antigua is a paradise of tourism. The island has 365 beaches and most of them are nested in the protected waters. The beaches serve to all tastes and moods. For example the fully-loaded resort can be found on Runaway Bay and Dickenson Bay. To enjoy the family vacation Half Moon Bay (a National Park) in Antigua’s southeast or Long Bay in the easternmost part near the reef will be a perfect match. Those who want to stay closer to the capital will prefer Fort James and Deep Bay. Galley Bay is popular among surfers and joggers. The Hawksbill crescent beaches (including one nudist) are also admired. It should be mentioned that beach regions in Antigua’s southwest corner – which is rather hilly, is not as developed as that surrounding St. John's in the north.
Antigua’s image is that of a luxurious Caribbean escape. The capital city of Antigua is Saint John’s where a deep harbor can be found hosting cruise ferries. By the way the island’s English Harbour is well known for the protective shelter it has and which proves very effective against storms. The fans of sailing and yachting will find magnificent spots in the Falmouth village. Annually in April-May when the Antigua Sailing Week takes place the island hosts world-class regatta.
The first settlements date back to 2400 BC. The Europeans arrived in late 17th century. In the past Antigua was a strategic commercial colony and was frequently called the "gateway to the Caribbean". In the 18th century the island was involved in the sugar cultivation. The remaining cane-processing windmills now serve as houses, stores, bars or restaurants.
The island’s territorial and demographic details: circumference about 87 mi (87 km), area – 108 sq/mi (281 km2), population is nearly 70 thousand. The local currency is East Caribbean Dollar (EC). The monetary rate is fixed at $1 US for $2.70 EC. The climate varies from the mid-70s F in the winter up to the mid-80s F in the summer with the annual rainfall below 45″ and law humidity. Antigua and Barbuda are indeed the sunniest islands in the Eastern Caribbean region and truly the number one tourist destination.