Antigua and Barbuda are two islands situated in the Lesser Antilles of the Eastern Caribbean which together form the country of Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua is an island of approximately 108 mi.2 which is paired with the smaller and less inhabited neighbouring island of Barbuda.

Antigua was discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus and became a permanent settlement in the 1630s when the first Europeans came to the island. The island of Antigua was used as Britain’s gateway to the Caribbean as well as the base for the British Navy at Nelson’s Dockyard. The dockyard is still in use as a popular tourist destination and an internationally recognised sailing port and super yacht terminal.

With its varied landscape of lush hillside and mountains, rainforest and lagoons, and a beach for every day of the year, Antigua is everything the Caribbean should be. The average year-round temperature is a warming 28°C / 84°F with sea temperatures averaging around a couple of degrees cooler. Ideal for those seeking underwater adventures, Antigua offers a number of excellent scuba diving and snorkelling sites.

Antigua is renowned as a world-class sailing destination, thanks to its calm Leeward waters and trade winds, and plays host to a number of major sailing regattas and shows year-round. Held each year in April, the Antigua Classics Regatta has become a must-attend event with classic yachts arriving from every corner of the globe to race. Notable personalities, including HRH Prince Albert of Monaco, have been known to take part in this wonderful event.

Sailing aside, cricket is Antigua’s national game, with Antiguan born Sir Vivien Richards recognised as one of the game’s most prolific batsmen. The impressive Sir Vivien Richards Stadium has already played host to the Cricket World Cup and the Football World Cup qualifiers with
 more national events scheduled for the future. Antigua is a Caribbean cultural hub, home to some of the region’s most brilliant musicians, artists and filmmakers. The International Film Festival of Antigua & Barbuda debuted in 2011 and has continued to attract Hollywood stars to its Red Carpet Gala.

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