Cheap Holidays to Antigua

How Hot?

A year round destination, Antigua is the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands with an average annual rainfall of only 45 inches. The drier months are November to April with temperatures ranging from the mid-seventies and in the mid-eighties during the rest of the year. Providing a cooling breeze the northeast trade-winds are generally constant throughout the year, easing only in September.

Hurricane season runs from July to mid-November with September and October generally the most active months for hurricanes or tropical storms. While the likelihood of a direct hit is small, if travelling during hurricane season we recommend you check out your travel insurance cover before you leave, and shop around if necessary to make sure you have the necessary cover.

Out and About

The island of Antigua is just 14 miles long by 11 miles wide so, whilst you might not have time to laze on each of the 365 beaches of gorgeous pink and white sands; all the main attractions of the island are accessible, regardless of where you choose to stay.

The most famous visitor attraction of Antigua is Nelsons Dockyard National Park, which covers around 15 square miles and enjoys impressive views over the English Harbour and beyond. Here you can learn the fascinating history of this restored Georgian dockyard, visit Clarence House, explore ruined fortifications, follow the nature trail to Shirley Heights or relax on the beaches. You can learn more of Antigua's history and culture at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, the Batty's Hope Sugar Plantation and the underground caves at Indian Town.

Antigua hosts several annual sailing and yachting events, including the world class Antigua Sailing Week at the end of April and the prestigious Charter Yacht Show at the beginning of December. The colourful parades and the sounds of steel drums and calypso bands are the highlight of the Antigua Carnival which runs for around 10 days, starting at the end of July.

The calm, clear waters and coral reefs surrounding Antigua are ideal for snorkelling and diving, particularly at Cades Reef and the south coast where there is an abundance of colourful marine life. There are also over 100 ship-wrecks and one of the most popular, being suitable for diving or snorkelling, is the Andes which rests in shallow waters in the middle of Deep Bay. As well as the endless beaches and secluded coves, there are several harbours around the island water activities including deep sea fishing, sailing, kayaking and windsurfing are readily available.

Ideas for day trips and tours include taking the ferry or a boat trip to the sister island of Barbuda, an Eco tour hiking and boating around protected mangroves, tranquil lagoons and nearby uninhabited islands or; how about an exhilarating adventure in the rainforest, using zip lines, suspension bridges and tree houses to traverse the tropical trees and gorges.

Out to Lunch!

Antigua's national dish is known as Fungie and Pepper pot. You can find these in any of the restaurants dotted around, but will mainly be found in the restaurants in the All Inclusive hotels on the island. Whilst on holiday, brave it and have a try of the local dishes including ducana (sweet potato dumpling), salt fish and lobster. Breakfast usually comprises of salt fish, eggplant and lettuce, this is more of a dressed down affair. Lunch can be food like salad, macaroni, rice, pasta and potatoes and dinner is along the lines of stewed lamb, baked chicken, rice and salads. Dinner attire needs to be formal in the hotel restaurants, but a bit more laid back in the local restaurants.

You can enjoy the free standing roadside food stall where you can try the local cuisine or in the less touristy areas away from the beaches further inland. If its Italian, Continental, American or West Indian cuisine, Antigua caters for all tastes. Beware most hotels charge a 10% service charge, feel free to add to it if you want to.

Quick Facts

Flight Time - flights from London to Antigua takes around 8 and a half hours.

Currency - Eastern Caribbean Dollar

Night Life -Restaurants, Bars and Cafes - The night life is mixed so would suit anyone.

Best Time to Visit- All year round, September (and to a lesser extent August and October) is peak season for hurricanes.

Antigua Deals

Antigua
from London Gatwick

7 Nts, Room Only
Anchorage Inn Hotel
Antigua

from £815.65

(per person including flights)

More Information

Antigua
from London Gatwick

7 Nts, All Inclusive
Jolly Beach Resort Hotel
Antigua

from £895.75

(per person including flights)

More Information

Antigua
from London Gatwick

7 Nts, Half Board
Trade Winds Hotel
Antigua

from £1473.22

(per person including flights)

More Information

Antigua
from London Gatwick

7 Nts, All Inclusive
Coconut Beach Club Hotel
Antigua

from £1991.21

(per person including flights)

More Information

Antigua
from London Gatwick

14 Nts, Room Only
Grand Royal Antiguan Hotel
Antigua

from £1171.45

(per person including flights)

More Information

Antigua
from London Gatwick

14 Nts, All Inclusive
St. Jame's Club & Villas
Antigua

from £1886.59

(per person including flights)

More Information