Must-visit beaches
Antigua’s ‘beach for every day of the year’ slogan has never been so timely. Whether your reasons for wanting to socially distance are related to the coronavirus – or just a need to unplug and unwind from the stresses of everyday life – our quintessentially Caribbean coastline offers a plethora of secluded sandy stretches to explore. Here are our top picks to hang out, kick back and soak up those rays.
Darkwood Beach
With its iridescent water, sweeping views and watersports, this easy-to-reach shoreline is a family favourite. The friendly bar has simple dishes, cold beer and a laidback vibe. Enjoy at leisure.
Ffryes Beach
This west coast haven with its powder white sand and backdrop of emerald green hills offers spectacular views across the water to Montserrat. Dennis’ beach bar and restaurant on the northern headland is a great spot to grab a bite and a cocktail while the trees offer some welcome shade.
Carlisle Bay
Enveloped in luscious vegetation, this is one of few places on Earth where the rainforest meets the ocean. Little wonder the exclusive resort fringing it is a favourite haunt for celebs. A day pass here guarantees serenity, superb snorkelling and five-star service.
Valley Church
The only aspect to rival the beauty of this palm tree-lined paradise is the lauded coconut shrimp and ice-cold cocktails served up at the adjacent Nest bar and restaurant. Valley Church is a favoured hideaway for locals and tourists alike.
Pearns Point
The untouched peninsula not only offers excellent hiking, it has a total of seven exceptional beaches to explore too. The clear west coast waters are perfect for a refreshing dip - and all within walking distance of the hub of Jolly Harbour.
Morris Bay
When British TV chef Ainsley Harriott stumbled across this south coast gem, he was so enchanted he featured it in his one-off Caribbean cooking programme. Gina’s Cookshop – made famous by the show – is a charmingly rustic spot to sample some local cuisine under the shade of the coconut palms.
Half Moon Bay
Easy to see why this horseshoe-shaped bay with its fine pink sand and active surf is a regular ‘world’s best beach’ nominee. There’s a small bar serving up light dishes like fresh fish and salads. Insta uploads here are a must.
Jolly Beach
This lengthy expanse of soft powdery sand and gentle turquoise water helped put Antigua on the world map. Here you can find sunbeds for hire, watersports, a bar and restaurant and abundant other amenities within strolling distance.
Deep Bay
With an 18th century fortress to explore and tranquil shallow waters frequented by starfish, this stunning stretch, home to the Royalton Resort, is ideal for the whole family. Adventurous types can swim out to snorkel the nearby shipwreck.
Princess Diana Beach
Named after its most famous visitor who described Barbuda as the only place on Earth she could find peace, this deserted crescent-shaped beach with its seasonal pink sand is one of the brightest jewels in the sister isle’s crown.
