The islands of Antigua and Barbuda have 365 beaches for relaxation all year round, surrounded by paradise nature. Divers are attracted by magnificent coral reefs, and romantics are attracted by fiery sunsets over the surface of the Atlantic. Everything about Antigua and Barbuda from the Subtleties of Tourism: tours, map, photos and hotels.
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Antigua and Barbuda is a country in the West Indies, located on three islands: Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. The nature of the country is a string of secluded bays protected from storms by coral reefs, snow-white beaches and mountain peaks covered with lush vegetation. The largest of the islands, Antigua is the main tourist center with 365 beaches (change at least every day of the year!) and modern infrastructure: hotels, nightclubs, entertainment complexes, casinos. The second largest, Barbuda is completely coral, with magnificent nature preserved in its original form.
But the creations of human hands on Barbuda were much less fortunate: in 2017, the ruthless Hurricane Irma destroyed 90% of the buildings on the island - only ruins remained of residential buildings, shops and family restaurants. Antigua was not so badly damaged: power lines and several coastal hotels were restored almost immediately, the airport was operational within 1.5 days. Barbuda is still recovering, but new buildings are being built to last - so as to maximally protect locals and tourists from the elements.
Near Barbuda there is an uninhabited island park called Redonda with an area of only about 1.5 square meters. km is a self-proclaimed state whose history is no less interesting than its landscapes.
Regions and resorts of Antigua and Barbuda
The capital of the island nation is St. John's. All details about the cities and resorts of Antigua and Barbuda are on the page “Subtleties of Tourism”.
The beaches of the island of Barbuda are so long that they sometimes go beyond the horizon.
Time difference from Moscow
− 7 hours
- with Kaliningrad
- with Samara
- with Yekaterinburg
- with Omsk
- with Krasnoyarsk
- with Irkutsk
- with Yakutsk
- with Vladivostok
- from Severo-Kurilsk
- with Kamchatka
Climate
Tropical trade wind, warm and dry all year round. Winds blow almost constantly on the islands, noticeably increasing in September. Rains (short-term) occur only in September-November. The driest period is considered to be from February to April, when there are no more than three rainy days per month.
Average water temperature +24...+26 °C, average air temperature by month: January-March +28 °C, April +29 °C, May-June +30 °C, July +31 °C, November-December +29 °C. See also: weather forecast for Antigua and Barbuda for the next week and 10 days.
Maps of Antigua and Barbuda
Visa and customs
Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa to enter the country for the purpose of tourism for up to 30 days. For your own peace of mind, you should take out medical insurance in advance for the entire period of your trip.
The import and export of national and foreign currencies is not limited. You can import into the country up to 1.13 liters of wine or strong alcohol, up to 200 cigarettes (as an option - 250 g of tobacco or 50 cigars). Pets are allowed if they have an international veterinary passport with notes on all necessary vaccinations, plants - with a phytosanitary certificate. Medicines that do not require special permission - in quantities sufficient for personal use.
The import of weapons and drugs, ammunition, ammunition, as well as the export of items of historical and artistic value without special permission are prohibited.
How to get to Antigua and Barbuda
Until recently, the country had two airports: the international W. C. Bird, 6 km from St. John's, and a small one in Codrington, accepting domestic flights. Now only the first one is working, the second one was destroyed by the same hurricane.
There are no direct flights from Russia to Antigua; you can fly from Moscow with 1-2 transfers. The cheapest way to get there is with Aeroflot and Jet Blue: tickets from Sheremetyevo cost from 790 USD round-trip, a flight with a connection in New York lasts from 32 hours. The optimal price-to-speed flights are organized by British Airways: from 990 USD round trip, from 16.5 hours via London with departure from Domodedovo. Prices on the page are for January 2019.
Each passenger leaving Antigua and Barbuda by air is required to pay an airport tax of 30 USD.
The only public transport that stops near the airport is minibus number 42, which runs between the West End and American University. The fare is 2.70 XCD, tickets are sold from the driver. You can get to other points on the island by taxi: from the airport to the center of St. John's it costs 30-35 XCD, transfers to large hotels are at fixed rates.
Search for flights to Antigua and Barbuda
Transport
By minibus (about 10 routes in total) you can get from the capital to Falmouth, English Harbour, the West End and other points of the island, it is quite convenient and cheap (2.70 XCD per trip), the journey takes no more than half an hour. There is no public transport in Dickenson Bay or other northern locations.
On Sundays there are even fewer buses in Antigua than on weekdays.
Ferries deliver to Barbuda (office site in English), a round trip costs 220 XCD, departing 1-2 times a day from St. John's Harbor. Taxis operate around Antigua; trips between main points are paid at fixed prices. Taxi drivers are qualified as guides for educational excursions - it is quite possible to combine business with pleasure.
Antigua and Barbuda
Car rental in Antigua and Barbuda
There are about a dozen car rental agencies in Antigua, both local and international Avis and Hertz, most of them have offices at the airport. To rent a car, you need a national or international driver's license, a credit card, as well as a local driving permit issued by the rental office (to purchase it you need to show your license and pay 55 XCD).
International rental companies have more guarantees, but the prices are much higher: renting a compact car costs from 200 XCD per day, a standard model - from 235 XCD, an SUV - from 275 XCD, while for local ones - from 70 XCD, 100 XCD and 160 XCD, respectively. . The cost of gasoline is 3.50 XCD per 1 liter.
Most of the roads in Barbuda were destroyed by Irma, some sections have already been restored, but repair work is still in full swing.
Traffic is on the left, there are few gas stations, the roads - even those not touched by the hurricane - are uneven, winding, and riddled with potholes. The quality of the main highways is acceptable, but there are not always road signs there either. Traffic jams are rare; congestion occurs only near the main attractions. It is better to leave your car in paid parking lots, the cost is about 10 XCD per hour.
Antigua and Barbuda Hotels
The best photos of Antigua and Barbuda
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29 photos Shopping and shops
In St. John's there are entire streets with duty-free shops offering a variety of goods: clothing and shoes from world brands, jewelry, precious stones (including the famous Colombian emeralds), watches at fairly competitive prices.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the capital hosts a farmers' market with fresh seafood, meat, vegetables and fruits, so you can stock up on groceries and buy edible souvenirs like guava jam. Shops are open from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00.
For alcohol, you should grab high-quality Caribbean rum Cavalier and English Harbor. An excellent addition to a gift are colognes and shaving products with a recognizable rum aroma.
Colorful souvenirs are sold throughout Antigua: wooden masks, wicker mats and baskets, jewelry made from mollusks and shells, crafts made from coconut. Fashionistas will love bohemian wide-brimmed hats, while fans of original interior decorations will love porcelain and crystal watches and exotic lamps of various shapes and sizes.
There are far fewer shops in Barbuda, but there is also something interesting there: for example, in the Art Cafe near Two Foot Bay you can pick up hand-painted T-shirts, bright silk paintings and quirky accessories.
Entertainment and attractions in Antigua and Barbuda
The main wealth of Antigua and Barbuda is, of course, nature: stunning white and pink beaches, warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, colorful coral reefs, caves and rocks. But architecture lovers should take a walk around St. John's, where ancient defensive buildings and colonial mansions have been preserved. For example, Fort James was built in the 18th century to protect against French conquerors: today only cannons with monograms remind of its former greatness, but the view of the harbor exceeds expectations.
An even more impressive observation deck is Fort Barrington at an altitude of 90 m.
The naval base in English Harbor was once commanded by Admiral Nelson, and his house museum is also located here - a magnificent example of British architecture with valuable, if shabby, exhibits. In the center of the capital there is a museum of Antigua and Barbuda (office site in English), which tells about the history and culture from the time of the Arawak Indians to the present day. And near the walls of the Cathedral of St. John lies an ancient cemetery - gloomy, but very bewitching.
The nature of Barbuda suffered less from the hurricane than the infrastructure, but for now tour operators take guests here for a maximum of a day: on the tidied up beaches you can snorkel, go fishing and wander through the caves.
The most famous natural monuments have terrifying names: from the sheer cliff Devil's Bridge, slaves jumped into the water, gaining freedom at the cost of their lives, and Hell's Gate is a giant stone arch rising above the sea northeast of Antigua. We recommend families with children to go to the touching donkey shelter (office site in English), and partygoers to the noisy Sunday parties in Shirley Heights. The list of activities is completed by helicopter flights, jeep safaris, swimming with dolphins in the Marina Bay lagoon and catamaran trips to mysterious uninhabited islands.
The unitary island state of Antigua and Barbuda consists of two fairly large islands and smaller ones located off their coast. The country is part of the group of Lesser Antilles islands of the Caribbean Sea; on the eastern side the islands are washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Antigua is the largest and most populous, with an area of 280 km2. Barbuda - located approximately 50 km from Antigua, the second largest island in the country, area - 161 km 2. The state includes the island of Redonda; it is uninhabited and has an area of only 1.6 km2. The head of the country is the Queen of Great Britain.
St. John's is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, a cultural economic center, located in a cozy bay (the main port of the country). By local standards, it is a large city with a population of 31,000 people. The city is a link with other regions of the islands, the main junction of highways.
Antigua and Barbuda has a population of approximately 87,000 people. More than 91% of the country's population are African Americans, 4.5% are mulattoes, and Europeans are about 2%. A third of the residents of Antigua and Barbuda live in so-called cities (by our standards, the capital of the island state is comparable to a small regional center).
Language
The official language is English, but most locals speak Antiguan-Kriol. This language is a mixture of English and African languages, but true English is understood by everyone without exception, since the official authorities reject the specifics of local communication, and school instruction is conducted in the British language.
Religion
This island nation has no official religion. The religious composition of the population is very diverse. Main religions:
- Anglicanism - professed by 24% of the population;
- 7th Day Adventists - 12%;
- Pentecostals - 11%;
- Moravian Church - 11%;
- Churches of God - 4.5%;
- Catholics - 10%;
- Methodists - 8%;
- Baptists - 5%;
- Other religions - 2.5%;
- Atheists - 12%.
Regions and resorts
The island of Antigua is divided into 6 districts.
The two separate regions of Barbuda and Redonda are considered dependent territories and generally constitute integral parts of the country.
The most popular resorts of the islands:
- Jolly Harbor
- Bucclays
- Bolans
- English Harbor
- Barbuda Resort
Difference in time
Clocks do not change between summer and winter time in this country. The time difference with Moscow is -7 hours.
Climate
The islands have a warm tropical climate with constant and comfortable temperatures throughout the year.
At times, this climate brings heavy rainfall and strong winds. There are practically no obvious differences between summer and winter. The beginning of spring is considered the coldest, the average temperature drops to 27 - 28 degrees, during the peak season (July-August) 31 - 33 o C.
The sea water is comfortable for swimming all year round. In the coolest months it is 23 - 24 degrees, and in the summer - up to 29. This means that you can visit the most popular resorts regardless of the time of year.
Visa and customs
To enter Antigua and Barbuda, if the tourist’s stay does not exceed 30 days, then a visa is not required. When arriving at your destination, you do not need to pay any taxes. Upon arrival in the country, it is not necessary to take out medical insurance, but it must be taken into account that in case of unforeseen circumstances, you will have to pay a decent amount.
How to get there
Almost the only available way to get to Antigua and Barbuda is by plane. It is necessary to take into account the possible consular fee for obtaining a visa for the country in which you will need to make a transfer.
Airplane
There are no direct flights from Russia to the main state airport V.C. Bird. You'll have to use charter flights. The most budget option to Antigua and Barbuda and back will cost a tourist about $700.
One of the best options is to fly from Sheremetyevo to New York using the services of Aeroflot. An intermediate transfer at an American airport can take up to 21 hours. Then another 4.5 hour flight with jetBlue. One more nuance must be taken into account: in this case, you will have to apply for an American transit visa.
Option number 2 - through the UK. Although the cost of tickets is slightly higher (about $1,100), the flight time will be slightly shorter. In this case, you will need a British visa. However, if you have an Australian, Irish, Canadian or American visa or a residence permit from one of the Schengen countries, you do not need a visa.
There are ways to fly through Norway and France with two transfers, but these are even more expensive routes, and the journey can take two days. This option is not suitable for everyone.
Excursions
Popular excursions:
- Dolly Roger Pirate Ship Cruise;
- Antigua tour (by helicopter);
- Montserrat tour;
- Tropical adventures.
Transport
For travelers from Russia, road obstacles in this country are not significant. You can feel at home here. Sometimes adventures await the tourist in the pits; in some places the asphalt may run out and turn to a dirt road, but some of the main routes are of quite acceptable quality. From the British, the indigenous people inherited left-hand traffic.
Public transport
Minibuses are one of the most popular ways of transportation. It’s not difficult to recognize them; you just need to pay attention to the license plates, headed with the letters BUS; the vehicle itself is white. In general, minibuses are quite spacious, designed for 15 seats, but carriers manage to take twice as many passengers.
There are 2 bus stations in St. John's: one of them is located near the central market, the other is near the Botanical Garden. Bus stations are open from 5:30 to 18:00. Great luck catching the bus on Sunday. Minibuses constantly run between St. John's and other settlements, but for some reason they do not stop at the airport. Therefore, it is not possible to get cheaply from the airport to the hotel. Many hotel and guesthouse owners provide transfers for an additional fee.
Taxi
Taxis are easy to hire at the airport, as well as near large hotels or in St. John's itself. They are easy to identify by their yellow license plates with the letters TX. Taxi prices are not exorbitant, since the state regulates this type of service. If you order a taxi in advance, the price will be exclusively fixed. Some nuances:
- The price does not depend on the number of passengers;
- The taxi driver indicates the price for a one-way trip; a round trip will cost 2 times more;
- If you need to make a stop (for example, to buy beer), you need to expect that you will have to pay extra.
Car rent
To rent a car, it is not enough for a tourist to have an international driver's license. You will also have to buy a temporary license, which will cost you about $20. This document can only be issued at some car rental agencies, as well as at large hotels.
Renting an economy class car will cost a traveler an average of about $280 per week. A small minibus costs from $400 to $700. Some nuances:
- The island speed limit is 40 mph (64.3 km/h);
- Rental offices do not provide travelers with child seats, but experienced tourists advise purchasing them on their own, taking into account the “ultra-modern” highways and the aggressive driving style of local drivers;
- There are very few signs and road signs in the country, so a GPS navigator will be useful.
Communications and Wi-Fi
Guests of the island state should not have problems with mobile communications. From here it is easy and simple to call anywhere in the world, the only question is the price. On average, a minute of conversation with Russia in roaming will cost approximately 160 rubles, SMS - around 27 rubles. And only 10 MB of mobile Internet - approximately 400 rubles. per day. Therefore, using roaming services is expensive.
A SIM card from a local telecom operator costs about $7; a regular tariff plan includes 100 minutes of domestic talk, several thousand SMS and 700 - 800 MB of mobile Internet. The Internet on your smartphone will not be superfluous so that, if necessary, you can use Google Maps. This will give confidence, especially since the country is not very big.
All hotels and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, which is usually included in the room price. But in public places this is worse; if in Antigua you can find a free hotspot in some establishments, then in Barbuda there are none at all.
Money
The national currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the East Caribbean dollar. Russian tourists may have some difficulties exchanging currency for the national payment unit. The easiest way to carry out exchange transactions is in St. John's, since there are no banks in other cities. But even those in the capital can puzzle the Russian traveler with their operating hours:
- From Monday to Thursday, working hours are from 8:00 to 14:00;
- On Friday - until 16:00;
- Saturday, Sunday - closed.
You can use a bank card, but you can use it only to purchase goods in large stores, pay at hotels and rent a car. All other services are for cash only.
Advice. When exchanging money, it is a good idea to stock up on small bills. If you want to buy some trinket or delicacy on the street, local sellers will accidentally not have change.
Prices
The local population in Antigua likes to dine in the evenings at roadside cafes. They mostly eat meat and drink local beer; a tourist can easily join their company and have fun together.
Prices in roadside cafes and mid-level restaurants
Average prices in markets and large stores
| Name | Price,$ |
| Milk, 1 l | 3,20 |
| White bread, 0.4 kg | 1,87 |
| White rice, 1 kg | 1,92 |
| Chicken eggs, 12 pcs. | 3,99 |
| Cheese, 1 kg | 14 - 15 |
| Chicken breast, 1 kg. | 7,75 |
| Apples, 1 kg | 7,50 |
| Oranges, 1 kg | 2,97 |
| Tomatoes, 1 kg | 4,05 |
| Potatoes, 1 kg | 1,95 |
| Bottle of water, 1.5 l | 2,00 |
| A bottle of wine | 8 - 11 |
| Bottle of local beer, 0.5 l | 4,00 |
| Marlboro pack | 3,10 |
Prices for travel, fuel, communications, utilities, excursions
Prices for clothes and shoes
Apartment rental cost
| Name | Prices,$ /month |
| Rent a 1-room apartment per month | 360 - 380 |
| Rent a 1-room apartment per month, in the center | 420 - 480 |
| Rent a 3-room apartment per month | 1000 - 1250 |
| Rent a 3-room apartment for a month, in the center | 1100 - 1400 |
How to avoid problems
In general, the islands are quite safe and comfortable; the only thing a tourist may encounter is petty fraud. It is enough to follow the usual safety rules to avoid trouble. Recommendations from experienced tourists:
- You should not give in to temptation and buy drugs;
- You shouldn’t expect to leave by minibus in the evening; they simply aren’t here at that time.
Big cities
Since the country is small, by our standards the cities are not that large, but nevertheless...
Large settlements in Antigua and Barbuda
Shopping
Despite the fact that the country is small, Antigua and Barbuda is a great place for shopping lovers. In St. John's, there are entire neighborhoods with branded stores that operate under the Duty Free system. When going shopping, you should not forget about your passport and return ticket. They are necessary to provide discounts when filling out documents.
In this country you can buy watches, clothes, jewelry and cosmetics from branded manufacturers. The local range of goods includes souvenirs, jewelry, textiles, rum and coffee. You can also easily purchase inexpensive Chinese consumer goods in Antigua.
Jewelry made by hand by local jewelers and colorful clothes sewn by fashion designers in the Caribbean style are in great demand among tourists.
St. John's Main Market begins early Saturday morning with local vendors offering fruits and vegetables at bargain prices. Only here can a tourist truly learn the customs and culture of communication of the country in which he has arrived. There is also a handicraft market located nearby.
Kitchen
The indigenous people of Antigua and Barbuda are big fans of good food and drink. Favorite foods: fish, eggs, salads, chicken, pork, beef. During carnivals and holidays, a liquid stew is prepared in large containers from pork joints, legs and tails with the addition of copious amounts of onions and spices. Locals love blood sausage; in addition to the main ingredients, it includes rice and meat.
5 dishes that every visitor to the islands should try:
- Dukanoo is a local dumpling based on sweet potatoes with the addition of coconut milk, grated coconut, flour and sugar. Grated nutmeg is used as a spice. Add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract to the dish. The mixture is wrapped in a banana leaf and boiled for half an hour.
- Roasted corn. There are plenty of grannies on every corner of St. John's with grills roasting corn. A good way to grab a bite to eat while exploring the local sights.
- It is worth trying fried pork, beef or chicken marinated in local spices.
- Roti (similar to our pita bread). Meat stewed in a special sauce and boiled potatoes are wrapped in a flatbread.
- Don't miss popular desserts: ice cream, fruit pies and cakes.
For drinks, tourists can try the juices of local plants from passion fruit, hibiscus, guava, and mango.
Local rum is considered national pride; Ponche Kuba is extremely popular. It is a thick, sweetish-tasting cream liqueur, which is sold in special elongated bottles.
Entertainment
- Devil's Bridge (Devil's Bridge);
- Shirley Heights (beach parties);
- Hell's Gate;
- Antigua’s Donkey Sanctuary (elephant shelter).
Attractions
- Fort James (defensive structure);
- Nelson's Dockyard (historic naval base);
- Fort Barring;
- Admiral’s House Museum (house museum);
- Museum of Antigua & Barbuda.
Holidays and Events
March-April - Good Friday.
March-April - Easter.
April-May - Trinity.
The first Monday and Tuesday of August is Carnival. The largest festival in the country, at this time circus performances, concerts, parades and processions take place everywhere.
November 1 - Independence Day (a holiday of national significance). Many events are held - craft fairs, yachting competitions, golf tournaments, etc.
Historical facts
- The islands were discovered by Columbus during his second expedition to the Indies.
- Since 1632, the islands became a British colony. Since 1674, sugar cane began to be cultivated here.
- The state gained independence on November 1, 1981.
- The first people appeared on the islands more than 5 thousand years ago.
- Below the island of Barbuda there is an underground lake that is connected to a network of caves where people lived in ancient times.
- You need to beware of pickpockets, whose favorite habitats are airports, public institutions, and markets.
- Homosexual relations on the islands are punishable by law, but swimming and sunbathing topless is possible without problems.
- Hunting for fish with harpoon guns is prohibited; fishing is permitted only from aboard a ship that has the appropriate permit.
- Local residents do not like being photographed without their consent.
- In Barbuda restaurants there is no shame in haggling and asking to add some ingredient to a dish. Cooks and waiters are happy to respond to the client's request.
- It is not recommended to travel around Antigua with a child on foot or by minibus. Public transport here does not operate according to schedule; the best option for families with children is to rent a car.
- On the uninhabited island of Redonda there is a National Park that covers the entire island.
- The most popular sport is cricket.
- Antigua and Barbuda has 365 official beaches (you can swim, changing your vacation spot all year round).
- There are no freshwater rivers or lakes on the islands. All water sources are underground.
- Only in Antigua and Barbuda you can try the sweetest variety of pineapple, which is black in color.
- The origin of the island of Antigua is volcanic, while Barbuda is coral.
- Pirated discs are only legal in this country. In 2007, the WTO officially allowed this country to violate intellectual rights.
- The inhabitants of the two inhabited islands have different accents.
Three islands - Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda - form a small but proud state, lost in the Caribbean Sea.
For several centuries in a row, starting from the 17th century, the British owned the islands and used them essentially as huge plantations of sugar cane, tobacco and cotton. Slaves were used for work, whose descendants make up the bulk of the modern population. The country became free only in the last century, when Foggy Albion gave Antigua “freedom” and the status of a state associated with Great Britain.
The tropical climate of the islands offers a variety of beach holidays, and the best time to travel is from November to April, since during the European summer there is a rainy season. The country has beaches for every taste, and without exaggeration - 365 of them are at your service.
Natural attractions
The coasts of Antigua and Barbuda are indented with lagoons and bays that were once the craters of ancient volcanoes. By the way, three volcanoes still rise above such a modest territory of the islands: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. But don't worry, it's safe to relax here, as the volcanic activity of these three giants stopped several million years ago.
In Barbuda, it is highly recommended to visit the caves.
Since the island is rich in limestone, you can see with your own eyes real stalactites, stalagmites, underground pools and other cave delights.
To feel like a real islander, you can go on a safari with the promising name “Tropical Adventures”; however, for safety reasons, you will move through the bushes in jeeps, accompanied by professionals, but this fact will not harm your impressions much.
Active recreation and cultural program
When you realize that you are tired of the exotic island life, you can plunge a little into the bohemian environment and visit a casino, yacht club or golf center on the island of Antigua. For extreme sports enthusiasts, there is diving and windsurfing, for which competitions are held here.
The capital of the country is St. John's (Antigua), where the main attractions of the country are concentrated. If you want to study this exotic state more thoroughly, it is worth visiting the National Museum.
The Devil's Bridge, carved into the rocks by the stormy waters of the Atlantic, is a truly impressive sight. They say that slaves used to use the bridge to gain eternal freedom - they threw themselves headfirst into the abyss of the waves. Another must see is St. John's Cathedral, a colonial-style Anglican church. Here, in the capital, a market has been preserved to this day, where slaves were traded for several centuries in a row.
Cultural characteristics
Antigua and Barbuda is a country that mixes the nationalities of European, African, American and Oriental peoples. Calypso and reggae, carnivals and, as a legacy of colonial times, cricket are held in high esteem.
Among the locals there are excellent cricketers, some of the best in the world.
The people living here are believers and peace-loving, guests are greeted cordially, but some accepted standards of behavior must be followed. For example, you should refrain from overly revealing backgammon and military style - any military symbols in civilian clothing are simply prohibited.
The most significant events in the cultural life of Antigua and Barbuda are Sailing Week (held annually in April) and Carnival (organized every summer). The magnificent show lasts for 10 days, so there is a high chance of getting into the very center of the action and enjoying the incredible extravaganza.
National holidays
- January 1 - New Year;
- the first Monday in May is Labor Day;
- November 1 - Independence Day;
- December 9 is National Heroes Day;
- December 25—Christmas.
Kitchen
The cuisine of Antigua and Barbuda is a mixture of taste preferences of Latin Americans, French, Chinese, Danes and many others.
At the head of the table are legumes, from which soups are prepared, stewed, fried and steamed. The ingredients of many dishes include sweet potatoes and corn, fish and various seafood. Main courses are usually served with meat, poultry, beef or pork, also fried or stewed. Roast is popular, which usually contains tomatoes, the same legumes, as well as meat or sausage. They cook here in the usual ways, but there is also a non-standard approach - for example, baking a dish in banana leaves.
For dessert, various sweets are traditionally served - fruit jelly, apple, pineapple or mango pie, ice cream or coffee with fruit.
As for drinks, residents prefer juices from dates, apples, raspberries, mangoes, passion fruit, guava, etc. Alcoholic products are consumed less frequently; beer or rum are popular.
Shopping
Antigua and Barbuda is a duty-free zone, which will undoubtedly make your shopping experience even more enjoyable. What do travelers bring from the islands? Local rum, which is some of the best in the world, as well as Bay Rum cologne, which is produced at a local distillery.
Susie's Hot Sauce, which includes chili peppers, is now a beloved Caribbean delicacy and is known throughout the world, and it all began with a small family business.
Pay attention to hand-painted T-shirts with images of various animals and flowers, ceramics, figurines, wicker baskets, original jewelry made from sea shells and tree seeds. When purchasing ceramic cookware, it is important to remember that it can only be stored warm, but will crack in cold temperatures.
Store opening hours: from 08:30 to 16:30
VisaThe period of stay in the country under the visa-free regime is 1 month. Is it possible to enter the country using a general Russian passport? No. What is the validity period of the passport? The passport must be valid at the time of entry. But the rules may change, so it is better that the passport is valid for the entire trip. Do I need additional documents for entry?... Read more
How to get there?The island nation is a popular tourist destination. Direct flights from Russia to St. John's Airport... Read more
Border nuancesRussian citizens do not need a visa to visit Antigua and Barbuda; there are no other border nuances. You should have with you... Read more
CustomsDuty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 2 liters of alcohol and items for personal use is allowed. Import and export of foreign currency must be declared if the amount ... Read more
Car rentalAll the world's major car rental brands are represented on the islands. This area is superbly developed here, which makes the tariffs comparatively...
Antigua and Barbuda are two islands located in the Caribbean Sea. Two islands with a complicated history, two islands - but one country. More than three centuries ago, British colonial rule was established here. Antigua and Barbuda was, in fact, a huge sugar cane plantation where slaves brought from Africa worked. By the way, the descendants of former slaves today make up the indigenous population of the country, of which, alas, there are not many.
It is noteworthy that the head of state of Antigua and Barbuda is still the Queen of Great Britain. But, despite the colonial past and ambiguous present, it was still possible to preserve both the national flavor and the splendor of nature.
Capital |
St. John's |
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Population |
86.5 thousand people |
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Population density |
194 people/km 2 |
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English |
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Religion |
Protestantism |
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Form of government |
constitutional monarchy |
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East Caribbean dollar |
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Timezone |
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International dialing code |
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Internet domain zone |
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Electricity |
Climate and weather
The climate in Antigua and Barbuda is tropical. The average temperature of the coldest month is +25 °C, the hottest - +28 °C. The rainy season lasts from May to October. Winds blow almost all the time in the country, which become stronger closer to September. The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are located in the path of tropical hurricanes. The strongest of them sweep through here from June to November.
The average annual water temperature in the Caribbean Sea is +25°C.
The winter months are considered the most favorable time to visit the islands.
Nature
The nature of the country impresses with its majesty and exoticism. Here, in a small area, there are three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. In Antigua and Barbuda you can enjoy amazing sights and aromas of exotic plants. A typical landscape for the country's city streets is lush bougainvillea bushes growing on cracked stones.
The coastline of the island of Antigua is formed by many bays and lagoons, which, in fact, are the craters of ancient volcanoes. By the way, volcanic activity stopped on these lands about 8 million years ago, so vacation here is safe.
There are no freshwater rivers or lakes throughout the state. Therefore, there are practically no large forests on the islands. Water suitable for drinking is obtained from underground sources.
Attractions
The country has many interesting historical buildings that deserve the attention of tourists. Among others, one cannot fail to mention St John's Cathedral. It was built in 1683. For various reasons, the cathedral was rebuilt many times. The last of the reconstructions dates back to 1845. There is a version that the statues of John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist located in the cathedral were taken from one of the ships belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte himself.
If you want to take a closer look at the amazing history of Antigua and Barbuda, you can visit the state museum. It is located in a courthouse built in 1750. The museum hosts exhibitions dedicated to the geology of the country, its culture, as well as the political vicissitudes of the state.
The Devil's Bridge is a breathtaking sight. The stormy waters of the Atlantic Ocean seemed to carve the likeness of a bridge out of stone. This bridge has a sad reputation. Fugitive slaves often jumped from it into the foamy waters of the ocean, thereby gaining long-awaited freedom.
Today it reminds us of the country's colonial past fort james. Built in 1675, it has been perfectly preserved to this day. Here you can still see barracks, powder magazines, canteens, as well as guns that once ensured the inaccessibility of the harbor.
Particularly charming neo-baroque St John's Cathedral, which combines both stone and wooden elements.
The island of Barbuda has large deposits of limestone, so the main attraction here is the caves. IN caves in barbuda you can see real stalactites and stalagmites, admire the underground pools where the ancient Indians drew water.
In the capital of the country, a former slave market has been preserved, also open to tourists. In addition, it is in Antigua and Barbuda that you can see with your own eyes the English naval base where Admiral Nelson’s military career began.
Nutrition
The local cuisine is similar to Mexican or Brazilian. The diet of the local population is based on meat and vegetables. Particularly popular here are pies filled with meat, served with spicy seasoning. Of course, in a country located on the Caribbean Sea, they eat a lot of fish. A special flavor is given to fish dishes by a mixture of spices prepared by local herbalists.
The main drinks in Antigua and Barbuda are juices, coffee, and all kinds of date drinks.
Antigua and Barbuda, like any other major tourist center, has a developed catering network. The average check in local cafes is approximately $30.
Accommodation
Antigua and Barbuda has an excellent network of hotels to suit every taste. However, hotel prices vary greatly. So, a night in a four-star Catamaran Hotel Marina, which is located in the capital, right on the seashore, will cost $155. But you can spend the night at the four-star Cocos Hotel Antigua All Inclusive for $374.
On the islands there is a practice of renting out villas to tourists. Renting a villa with eight beds for a week will cost $2,300.
Entertainment and relaxation
60% of Antigua and Barbuda's budget depends on tourists, so there is plenty of entertainment here. There are 365 beaches in the country - one for every day of the year, as the locals joke. The island of Barbuda has pink and white sand beaches that are open for swimming.
The national sport of Antigua and Barbuda is cricket, a legacy of the country's colonial past. Diving is no less popular here, because near the islands there are coral reefs, as well as coral gardens that are impressive in their beauty and exoticism.
A restored pirate ship sails along the coast of Antigua "Dolly Roger" On it you can take a cruise with a stop in a remote bay, where it will be pleasant to swim, sunbathe, and maybe even snorkel. In simple terms, swim on the surface of the sea with a mask and a breathing tube, observing underwater life. This pastime enjoys undiminished popularity in Antigua and Barbuda.
For extreme sports enthusiasts, there is the opportunity to take a jeep safari to remote corners of the islands. Just the name of such a safari - "tropical adventures"- It sounds promising.
In January and July, on the island of Antigua you can see windsurfers competing, and later try yourself in this sport.
A couple of times a week, crab races are held in bars and cafes in Antigua and Barbuda. By betting on one of the crabs, you can win a small amount.
Every spring, a classic regatta is held in Antigua, which has long been among the main ones in the world. And the island of Barbuda delights visitors with an annual folklore festival in the spring. Here you can see colorful processions, rituals, and dances of the aborigines. An equally striking spectacle takes place in August on the island of Antigua. The annual carnival brings together a huge number of people dressed in a variety of costumes on the streets of the capital. They walk along the city streets, sing and dance. In a word, they create a festive atmosphere.
Purchases
There are many duty free shops on the islands. Local jewelry is especially famous for its low price but good quality. In addition, you can buy rare Colombian emeralds here.
However, the shops in Antigua and Barbuda have one drawback - they are only open until 17.00.
Transport
You can enter the country by plane. The national airport is located 6 km from the capital. There are no buses from the airport, you will have to take a taxi. Trips to Antigua and Barbuda have a fixed cost. In addition, taxi drivers here are qualified as tour guides.
Public transport is poorly developed. There are only a couple of flights connecting the main cities of the country.
Tourists can rent cars. To rent a car, you must have a national driver's license, a credit card, and a local driving permit. Such a permit can be purchased directly at the rental office for $20. Traffic in the country is on the left.
Connection
The country has GSM cellular communications, so most mobile operators support roaming for Antigua and Barbuda. In the capital and large cities you can find Internet cafes. The cost of one hour is $5.
Safety
Antigua and Barbuda has a very low crime rate, but cases of theft still occur. You can contact the police at 462-01-25.
There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter the country, but vaccinations against hepatitis A and polio are recommended. It is also not recommended to drink water directly from the tap; it is better to purchase bottled water.
Business climate
Antigua and Barbuda became one of the first countries in the Caribbean where gambling can be licensed. By the way, the gambling business is very popular here, because the legislation regarding it is quite liberal. Today, 32 online casinos operate legally in the country. The procedure for obtaining a license does not take much time: you need to register a company in Antigua (about 3 weeks), and also wait for a decision on issuing or refusing a license - another 30 days.
Real estate
Real estate in the state is not cheap. For a one-bedroom home here you will have to pay about $300,000. For luxury housing in Antigua and Barbuda they are asking approximately $9,000,000. To this amount it is necessary to add the costs of paperwork: 5% of the cost of the property will be used to obtain a license to own housing for a non-resident of the country. The service of transferring ownership from the state to the buyer will cost another 2.5%. Lawyers' services to support the transaction will need to be paid in an amount equal to approximately 1% of the cost of the property.
Although the currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the East Caribbean dollar, US dollars are also accepted here. Before you go on vacation, you need to check the dress code at the hotel. Some hotels and restaurants require visitors to wear a certain appearance (for example, a suit for men or a dress for women in the evening).
Visa information
Russian citizens do not need visas to enter the country. When crossing the border, you may be asked to show proof of a hotel reservation, as well as sufficient money.
Please remember that all citizens over 12 years of age will be charged a $20 fee when leaving the country.
There is no embassy of Antigua and Barbuda in Russia. The nearest state embassy is located in Germany, in the city of Hamburg, at Van-der-Smissen-Strasse 2. The embassy phone number is +49-40-3899-8911.
Antigua and Barbuda are West Indian islands that are part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago.
Antigua and Barbuda is a paradise of nature surrounded by mighty mountains, the clearest waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, endless coral reefs, unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, developed infrastructure and a total of 365 beaches for complete relaxation.
The area of the islands is just over 440 square kilometers, and the local population is almost 87,000 people.
The capital of the state is located on the island of Antigua and is called St. John's.
The largest city in the archipelago is St. John's. There is an excellent beach holiday, delicious food, beautiful nature, a variety of entertainment and a rich excursion program.
The island of Barbuda is no less exotic and beautiful place, and is recognized as one of the most beautiful on the planet. Barbuda has good conditions for divers and snorkelers.
The third island of the archipelago, uninhabited, Redonda, is considered a national park and is preferred by yachtsmen.
There are no direct flights between Belarus and the archipelago.
The best option would be to fly to London, and from there take a direct flight to the islands.
Connecting cities could also be Frankfurt am Main or Vienna and New York, Warsaw and Toronto.
In any case, the flight will take almost 30 hours.
Climate of Antigua and Barbuda
A tropical trade wind climate dominates the territory of Antigua and Barbuda.
All year round, the average air temperature on the islands ranges from +26 to +32 degrees, but the intense heat is moderated by winds constantly blowing from the ocean.
The rainy season is usually observed in the period August-September - December. And the period June - November is characterized by tropical hurricanes, stormy winds and heavy rains.
Beach holidays on the islands are most comfortable from the second half of December to the first half of April.
Antigua and Barbuda Hotels
Accommodations in Antigua and Barbuda are small, cozy hotels with approximately 200 rooms. The cost of accommodation is usually all-inclusive. The level of such hotels usually corresponds to the usual 3* - 5* for us. Everywhere you will find a high level of service, a magnificent view of the ocean from your room, a balcony or terrace with a hammock - also right in the room, and there may also be a swimming pool with a wellness center on the hotel premises.
There are practically no large hotels on the islands.
Antigua and Barbuda has 365 beautiful sandy beaches. All of them belong to the state, and admission to them is free.
Gully Bay is characterized by the presence of nudist beaches.
The entire coastline of the islands provides excellent conditions for divers, snorkelers, surfers and fishermen.
Half Moon Bay is a comfortable place for families with children to relax – the beach is located within the national park.
English Harbor is home to many historical monuments.
Banks, money, exchange offices
The currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the East Caribbean dollar, equal to 100 cents. There are paper banknotes in denominations of 5,10,20,50,100 local dollars and coins in denominations of 1 local dollar, 1,2,5,10,25,50 cents. The US dollar is also freely circulated throughout the country (the cost of goods is indicated in two currencies - local and American).
Banking hours:
On weekdays – from 8.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00
Some - on Saturdays - from 8.00 to 12.00
Currency exchange can be done in banks, hotels and large stores. The most favorable rate is in St. John's banks.
You can pay with any credit cards almost everywhere, but you should clarify the terms of conversion (if the price is indicated in local dollars, and the card is in American dollars). Travel checks (preferably in US dollars) can also be cashed almost everywhere.
Tips are accepted (if the service charge is not included in the total price) in the amount of 10 - 15% depending on the quality of service, for taxi drivers - 10%, for porters - 0.5 dollars for each suitcase.
Tourist safety
Antigua and Barbuda is practically safe for tourists, but following simple rules will help you avoid any troubles.
It is prohibited to be topless on the beaches.
You should only drink bottled water, and before your trip it would be a good idea to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and polio.
Transport
There are well-established air connections between the islands, but there is no railway service as such.
The movement of passengers to Antigua and Barbuda is carried out by buses and taxis.
Travel by bus is relatively inexpensive, but not all localities can be reached by this type of transport, and some only run on Sundays.
The taxi service operates in a very civilized manner: the cost is calculated according to certain tariffs, which will be indicated on the receipt that you will be given. Taxi drivers have undergone special training and can double as tour guides.
You can also rent a car yourself, with only one amendment - traffic here is on the left.
Entertainment, excursions, attractions
The capital of the archipelago offers to alternate a beach holiday with excursions, of which there are many - to historical places, museums, and attractions. In Saint John, you can visit the local market, where farmers offer their freshest products, or you can go on a jeep tour, kayaking, or a boardwalk on motor boats. There are golf courses for those interested.
The island of Barbuda is home to mysterious caves and rare bird species, as well as large golf courses. Various festivals, carnivals and holidays are regularly held on this island.
You can take a walk along the coast on a pirate ship, fly in a helicopter, or swim with dolphins.
Cuisine and restaurants
All countries in the region have in one way or another left their mark on the culinary traditions of Antigua and Barbuda.
For Europeans, lobsters, shellfish, shrimp and shells prepared in a certain way are exotic and preferred. Unusual dishes include sunfish, flying fish and red snapper.
Be sure to try the lamb and rabbit stew, as well as the local sweet potatoes with coconut and herbs.
Coconut milk is often offered as a drink on the islands.
Shopping and shops
The archipelago is home to duty-free shops where you can get great deals on jewelry (even the popular emeralds from Colombia), watches and other goods.
The main souvenirs of the islands are ceramics, jewelry made from shells and corals, and wooden crafts.
Customs
Large sums of money must be declared upon entry, but their quantity is not limited.
You can export amounts within the limits entered in the declaration upon entry.
There are restrictions on the import of cigarettes and alcohol.
It is prohibited to import narcotic substances and weapons to the islands, and to export objects of artistic and historical value.
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