Antigua Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Antigua holidays - where there's always sun to be bathed in, water to snorkel in, and rainbow-coloured towns to get lost in.

Destination Highlights

Small and quiet for those chilled island vibes - perfect for laidback holidays 💤
Delish foodie options (think seafood as fresh as it gets)
A water sport wonderland - pack your snorkel 🤿
Year-round sunshine, unlike the disgraceful climate back home

🎉 3 Fun Facts About Antigua

365 beaches – Yep, one for every day of the year. Antigua’s not just beachy – it’s beach royalty. Fancy ticking off a new one daily? Better pack extra swimwear.
Sunday Funday at Shirley Heights – Antigua’s biggest weekly party isn’t in a club – it’s on a hill. Think steel drums, BBQ ribs, rum punch, and views that’ll have your camera roll begging for mercy.
Antigua Sailing Week is a BIG deal – Every year, this world-famous regatta brings together party people and pro sailors for a week of racing and revelry. Even if you can’t tell port from starboard, you’ll wanna be part of the action.

🚗 Getting Around on your Antigua Holidays 2025

🚌 Buses... Budget with a Breeze - Antigua’s colourful minivans double as local buses – no timetables, but cheap and cheerful. Wave one down, hop in, and enjoy the ride (bonus points if there’s reggae blasting).
🚕 Taxis... Friendly and Flexible - official taxis don’t use meters, so always agree on a price upfront. Drivers often double as tour guides, so don’t be shy – they know everything. Like, where to find the best goat curry after midnight.
🚗 Car Hire... Explore Freestyle - want to chase down those hidden beaches and secret snorkel spots? Hiring a car gives you full freedom. Just remember – they drive on the left and the potholes occasionally have personalities of their own.

🗓️ When’s the Best Time to Go on Your Antigua Holidays?

Antigua is sunshine central nearly all year, but here’s the seasonal scoop for 2025:

December to April – peak season, peak perfection. Think warm days (26–29°C), breezy nights, and prime beach conditions. Yes, it’s popular, but it’s popular for a reason.
May to August – Quieter, cheaper and still glorious. This is the sweet spot if you love fewer crowds and fancy finding a hotel deal that leaves more rum money in your wallet.
September to November – Hurricane season, but don’t panic! Storms aren’t guaranteed, and you’ll still get sunshine. Just keep an eye on the forecast and pack a raincoat with your bikini.

Top tip: Time your visit for Carnival in late July – two weeks of music, dancing, parades and feathers galore. Pure Caribbean magic.

What are the best beaches to head to on your Antigua holidays 2025?

First of all, rude. Asking us to choose between beaches is like asking us to choose a favourite colleague, or a favourite toastie. It all depends on our mood. Thankfully, we're always in the mood for a beach holiday, and this island paradise ticks all of our boxes with its 10/10 sandy spots (all 365 of 'em). If you're ready for some towel action, check out these top beaches in Antigua:

Dickenson Bay - the gleaming example of a typical Antigua beach, with a mile-long stretch of airbrushed white sand, a ton of water sports on offer (from snorkelling to parasailing), and a bunch of swanky resorts and beach bars dotted about
Half Moon Bay - named after its iconic crescent shape, this stretch is lined with the pink and white sands sloping into the bluest waters (no, we're not exaggerating), bringing the peaceful vibes and a top spot for snorkellers
Jolly Beach - this place gets point for its name alone (so on-brand), with powdery-soft sands offering plenty of space for a sunbathe, and the mountainous backdrop is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down (cocktail-in-hand optional)
Carlisle Bay - a paradise for divers, swimmers, and simple sunbathers, this place is decked out with fine white sand and clear waters full of exotic fish
Pigeon Point Beach - a local fave with calm, clear waters perfect for youngsters, and a choice of two restaurants dishing up tasty Caribbean food right along the sand
Ffryes Beach - a beach that stays on the quiet side, with a huge stretch of white sand and the most vivid waters you ever did see (but they can get a bit deep, so keep your eye on the little ones!)
Galleon Beach - if you like to escape the tourism buzz, this is the beach for you. Reachable only by car or water taxi from the English Harbour, it's the perfect spot to enjoy some peace and quiet, with a shingle surface, tons of palm trees for shade, and a choice of scenic hiking trails in the area if you fancy getting some steps in

What are the top hotels to stay at on your holidays to Antigua?

Holidays to Antigua might be all about the beaches, but everyone knows you need an equally-beaut hotel to really make it a jolly to remember. Whether you're a sucker for an all inclusive concept, you're craving some five-star luxury or you're craving a spa holiday for ultimate chillaxing vibes, these top hotels in Antigua won't disappoint:

Jolly Beach Resort - remember that beach we spoke about earlier? Well, this is the hotel to go with it. It's got 2 pools to dunk into, an on-site spa, a kids' club for the youngsters, and a bunch of dining options, including - wait for it - a 'Pizza Factory' right by the beach. Where do we sign up?
Pineapple Beach Club - sorry kids, despite the Spongebob-esque name, this place is for the adults only. It's got a choice of pools (including one with sea views and a waterfall), a BBQ restaurant, and a ton of activities to try your hand at - because who said grown-ups can't have fun too?!
The Verandah Resort - adults will love this dreamy hotel that's right on the beach, kitted out with modern rooms, a ton of dining options (*cough* Michelin-star chef *cough*), live entertainment by the pool, and spa treatments to melt all that stress away in a jiffy
Hammock Cove - this resort is another adults-only pick, featuring swanky rooms with private infinity pools, a terrace restaurant dishing up specialties like Caribbean lobster and Wagyu beef burgers, and a ton of watersport activites, like snorkelling and paddle-boarding
St. James's Club & Villas - set in the hillside with a gorge pool area, this resort offers light and airy rooms, direct beach access (we're sold), and stunning views of the harbour - even better at sunset!

Antigua Holidays 2025 Travel Guide

👩‍❤️‍👨 Things to do in Antigua for couples

Antigua’s giving serious main-character energy when it comes to romance. Think sunset beach walks, candlelit dinners on the sand, and luxe boutique stays that feel like they were designed with honeymoons in mind (even if it’s just a cheeky week away from the kids). Fancy a boat trip? Charter a catamaran for the day and snorkel in crystal-clear coves before popping a bottle of bubbly on deck. Total movie moment.

For that extra sprinkle of romance on your couples holiday, head to Shirley Heights Lookout on a Sunday night. Steel drums, rum punch, BBQ food, and panoramic views that’ll have you proposing all over again. Or for something more chill, take a couples’ spa day at a clifftop resort – volcanic stone massages, ocean views and absolutely zero stress. That’s how you do love island vibes.

👪 Things to do in Antigua for families

Antigua is a win for family holidays – shallow beaches, relaxed resorts, and just the right amount of adventure to keep the little ones buzzing. Dickenson Bay is your go-to for calm waves and soft sand (perfect for sandcastle showdowns), while Half Moon Bay is great for more energetic explorers and bodyboarders in training.

Take the kids to Stingray City (don’t worry, it’s safe!) where they can swim with gentle stingrays in the shallows – a proper wow moment they won’t stop talking about. Then it’s time to climb aboard the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour – zip lines, rope bridges and jungle trails through the treetops. Adventure? Sorted. And when the sun’s setting, back to the resort for poolside snacks and an early night... for them, anyway.

👯‍♂️ Things to do in Antigua for groups

Holidaying with the whole gang? Antigua’s got the group trip formula nailed. Jolly Harbour is your base for big villas, private pools, and a marina packed with bars and restaurants for the nightly meet-up. Rent a boat (or hire a captain if you're more ‘pass the Prosecco’ than 'hoist the sails') and explore the island’s secret beaches and snorkel spots.

Daytime? Try a group hike up to Mount Obama – the highest point on the island with views worth the sweaty effort – or hit up Darkwood Beach for paddleboarding, cocktail shacks and golden hour photo ops that’ll have the group chat buzzing for months. Top it all off with a catamaran sunset cruise complete with a rum bar and a reggae soundtrack. Good vibes only on your group holidays.

🍽️ Things to do in Antigua for foodies

Rum. Seafood. More rum. Antigua doesn’t mess around when it comes to food. Start your culinary journey with fresh-off-the-boat lobster at Turner’s Beach, or go full local with a plate of fungi and pepperpot – the island’s national dish (don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it). Sweet tooth? You’ll love sugar cakes, tamarind balls, and fresh pineapple like you’ve never had before.

Book a spot on a foodie tour of St. John’s and taste your way through bustling markets, hole-in-the-wall takeaways and fusion restaurants serving everything from jerk chicken to gourmet roti. Want a fancy evening? Reserve a table at Sheer Rocks or Catherine’s Café, where the cocktails come with ocean views and the menus are packed with Caribbean-meets-modern bistro magic. Add a rum tasting session and you're basically in foodie heaven.

More Caribbean holidays:

Popular Antigua hotels

Weather in Antigua

JAN

25^°C

FEB

26^°C

MAR

26^°C

APR

26^°C

MAY

27^°C

JUN

28^°C

JUL

28^°C

AUG

28^°C

SEP

28^°C

OCT

27^°C

NOV

27^°C

DEC

23^°C

Good news: unlike back home, Antigua's weather is scorchio all year round, making it a top-tier destination for all you sun-seekers. We're talking a nice, toasty constant of 27°C that rarely dips or spikes, perfect for those dreamy beach days.

December to April is peak sunny season for your Antigua holidays, with just enough breeze to keep those palm trees swaying. May to November, on the other hand, is what's known as 'wet' season - but don't stress, rain showers over here are always short and sweet, and they're just what's needed to give the island a little refresh after all that scorching sun.

Luckily, Antigua manages to dodge the extreme end of hurricane season (August to October), but we'd always recommend checking ahead to be double sure.

FAQs

It takes around 9 hours to fly to Antigua from the UK/Ireland, but don't worry - that just means you'll have enough time to watch your fave films, eat your fave snacks and have a cheeky nap in between 💤

Antigua is 5 hours behind the time in the UK/Ireland - but stepping back in time never looked so good.

The official currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, so stock up if you plan on bagging any bargains 💰

Good news! The official language spoken in Antigua is English, so you no longer need to spend your commute to work glued to Duolingo.

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah

OK, so maybe you've done a zipline before, but have you ever done a rainforest zipline before? Well, this is your chance. An Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tour is the perfect way to sate your adrenaline cravings while getting a unique eco-tour of the lush rainforest with all its leafy canopies and tropical birds.

Reach new Shirley Heights

Like the look of the photo at the very top of this page? Well, that's the exact view you'll have from the Shirley Heights lookout in Antigua. Yep, it's a good'un. It's a restored military lookout perched at just under 500ft, offering the most stunning views of the English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. In fact, it's so special, that there have been many a wedding taking place here! Stop by at sunset for extra romance points.

Feed a giant tortoise

This is at the top of everyone's bucketlist, right? If you just nodded, then we've got good news. All you have to do is head to Lavinscourt Island, where you'll be instantly greeted by dozens of the local tortoises - some of which will be up to 200 years old, and up to 300lbs in weight! You can head on a tour of the huge enclosure, before having the chance to pet and feed some of the little cuties. Or big cuties, should we say.

Give you a rum for your money

When in the Caribbean, right? Galleon Beach offers special rum workshops which are the perfect way to pass an afternoon. You'll start with some rum-tasting to see what kind of flavours you like, and then you'll use a pot still to distil your rum in the authentic West Indian way. At the end, you can bottle your bespoke creation, finished with a label and a fancy wax seal. Chin chin!

Check out the Pillars of Hercules

Talk about a glow-up courtesy of Mother Nature. The Pillars of Hercules are Antigua’s answer to coastal drama – towering limestone formations carved out over thousands of years by sea spray and salty winds. You can reach them by boat (easy breezy) or tackle the steep hike from Galleon Beach if you’re feeling like an explorer. Either way, the views are chef’s kiss. And don’t forget your snorkel – the clear waters around the pillars are a hotspot for diving and underwater selfies with the fish squad. Total main-character moment.

Make way for the mangroves

If adrenaline isn't your vibe and you’re more about floatin’ than flyin’, a kayak tour through Antigua’s mangroves is the dream. Glide through calm, glassy lagoons shaded by leafy green canopies while birds chirp away like they’re putting on a private concert just for you. It's peaceful, it's pretty, and it's way better than just lying on a sunbed all day (though we fully support that too). Ideal for a slow-paced explore on your Antigua holidays that still feels magical. Nature walk, but make it splashy.

What events can I go to in Antigua?
No matter when you're jetting off on your Antigua holiday, there's plenty to add to your calendar. Whether you're off for a classic summer jolly or some winter sun, keep an eye out for these key events:
- Music to Inspire Festival (March) - local musical talents come together for a performance showcasing the rich musical heritage of the island - artists and locations change each year, so stay updated!
- Antigua Kite Festival (April) - get ready to look up! Held every Easter Monday, this family-friendly festival sees the skies filled with vibrant homemade kites in every shape and size. It's a colourful island tradition and a hit with kids (and big kids).
- Antigua Sailing Week (April/May) - a Caribbean Sailing Association event, spanning over 5 days at the English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, with a bunch of activities, themed parties and international sponsors - make sure to catch the awards presentation after the final day of racing!
- Dockyard Day (May) - hosted at the UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard, this nautical fest features model boat races, bun-eating showdowns, beer-drinking contests and the legendary Greasy Pole competition. Classic Antiguan fun, island style.
- Mango Festival (July) - celebrate the king of tropical fruit with cooking demos, taste-testing stalls, craft markets and—yes—mango-eating contests. Juicy, sweet, and seriously good fun for foodies and families alike.
- Antigua Carnival (July - August) - the island's biggest festival, with colourful parades, extravagant costumes, steel pan tunes and all-night street parties
- Urlings Seafood Festival (August) - head to Urlings Village for a seafood street food showdown. Local chefs serve up the best of the island’s daily catch, from grilled lobster to conch fritters. Come hungry, leave happy.
- Francis Nunes Jr. Fishing Memorial Fishing Tournament & Seafood Festival (September) - bit of a mouthful, but this popular festival is your chance to take part in an adventure on the water, get your hands on a fresh catch from one of the returning boats, and sample some delish seafood from the local vendors
- Antigua and Barbuda Independence Festival (November) - exactly what it says on the tin, this festival celebrates the island's independence with parades, cultural performances, the island's largest food fair, and a firework show for the patriotic finale
- Nelson's Dockyard Christmas Day Party (December) - celebrate the festive season with live bands, DJ sets, a ton of activities, and a Christmas-themed buffet feast
Where is the best nightlife in Antigua?
When the sun goes down in Antigua, the island turns up the volume. Whether you’re in the mood for steel drums and rum punch, or a swanky clifftop cocktail spot, Antigua’s nightlife scene is all about good vibes, great views and unforgettable tunes. From laid-back beach bars to marina-side dance floors, here are the best places to spend your evenings on your Antigua holiday:
- Shirley Heights Lookout Sunday Night Parties - a chilled lookout by day, a lively party scene by night (on Sundays) - head to this spot for live steel bands, reggae beats and BBQ feasts with panoramic sunset views
- C&C Wine House - find this chic spot in Redcliffe Quay, offering a selection of fine wines and tasty tapas for a classy night on the town or a romantic date night venue
- 2SIX8 Craft Brewery - for those among you who love the sound of a cold one cracking open, or a crisp pint poured to perfection, this craft brewery is the perfect spot. Perfect for pre-drinks, perfect for post-beach catch-ups, or perfect for a chill one with the gang.
- Cloggy's - first of all - what a name, second of all - this place is located on the second floor of the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, and it's recognised as one of the best sailors' bars in the world, with dance parties that continue well after sundown
- The Hut at Little Jumby - now this one’s boujee. Accessible by boat (yep), The Hut is tucked away on private Little Jumby Island. Think Mediterranean beach club meets Caribbean cool – cocktails, luxe loungers and island beats ‘til late. Worth the boat ride, trust us.
- BeachLimerZ - rustic, relaxed and right on the sand, BeachLimerZ delivers fresh seafood, rum cocktails and live Caribbean music in a no-frills setting. It’s the kind of place you’ll pop into for a drink and accidentally stay all night. Sunset toes-in-the-sand vibes? Absolutely.
- Catherine's Café - located along Pigeon Beach, this is the perfect spot for a late afternoon rosé as the sun goes down, complete with live music for the perfect atmosphere
What’s the food like in Antigua?
Feasting in Antigua is like diving head-first into one big flavour-packed carnival. Think fresh seafood, tropical fruits and spices that'll have your taste buds on fire (in a good way). If you're eyeing up the menus for your holiday to Antigua, give these local staples a whirl:
- Fungee and Pepperpot - it's the national dish, so it'd be rude not to! Featuring cornmeal (fungee) cooked with orka and paired with a rich, hearty meat and veg stew, it's the best local comfort food you'll find
- Ducana - delish sweet potato dumplings mixed with grated coconut and spices, usually served with saltfish
- Jerk chicken - smoky, spicy and downright irresistible, this flavour-packed dish is an island staple served at any street vendor
- Saltfish and Johnny Cakes - no, we're not just making stuff up. Salted cod is served with fluffy, fried dough for this traditional brekkie combo
- Rice and Peas - not exactly like our version at home, this classic Caribbean side dish mixes rice with kidney beans and coconut milk for a creamy texture
Wondering where to tuck into these local dishes? We've picked out some of the top restaurants in Antigua to keep on your radar...
- Sheer Rocks - perched on the cliffs at Cocobay Resort, Sheer Rocks mixes fine dining, creative cocktails and live DJ sets with dreamy Caribbean Sea views. This one’s for the boujee beach club lovers – come for the sunset, stay for the beats and small plates under the stars.
- Trappas - tucked in the heart of English Harbour, Trappas is one of those spots that feels like home – if your home served up hearty Caribbean plates, ice-cold drinks and friendly vibes to boot. Loved by locals and holidaymakers alike, this is your go-to for a relaxed dinner with flavour that slaps.
- Papa Zouk - if your dream meal involves fresh fish and a wall of rum, Papa Zouk is your place. Known across the island for its epic seafood menu and off-the-charts rum selection, this place is the ultimate in laidback island dining. No frills, all flavour – and did we mention that sweet, sweet rum.
- Incanto - pizza... but make it posh. Incanto is all about handmade pasta, seaside views and a menu that reads like a love letter to Italy – with a splash of island flair. Nab a table by the water at sunset and live your best dolce vita life, Antigua-style.
- Cecilia's High Point Café - this clifftop cutie near Saint George has big Sunday brunch energy. Expect eclectic dishes, lush cocktails and sea views that’ll have you forgetting to check your emails (which is the point, right?). It’s part beach shack, part Scandi-cool hangout.

Places to visit

Nelson's Dockyard
This national park is your chance to learn a bit of history about the island on your Antigua holidays, while taking in some of the incredible views while you're at it. The dockyard is located in English Harbour, built back in 1725 as a base for the English naval squadron, and it's the only working Georgian dockyard in the world, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kind of a big dealio! A trip here will have you walking in the footsteps of Admiral Nelson himself, with beautifully-restored buildings now housing boutiques, restaurants and culture-packed museums. The marina is a great place for a stroll too, packed out with boujee yachts that'll have you dreaming of a life on the high seas.
St John's
St John's is the capital of Antigua, bursting with candy-coloured houses and pretty ports dotted with boats. It's a sight to behold, and the perfect way to add a pop of colour to your Insta feed. Aside from the colourful sights, craft shops and picturesque streets, you can also check out some of the town's historic landmarks, like St John's Cathedral with its iconic white towers, and Fort James, perched on a headland with incredible views over the Caribbean. If you're partial to a bargain, be sure to check out Heritage Quay right in the middle of the action for some duty-free shopping. Here you'll find shops selling everything from jewellery and clothing to tacky souvenirs. We can't think of a better day out.
Stingray City
Take your snorkelling adventure to a whole new level with a visit to Stingray City, which, yep, is exactly what it sounds like. Book yourself on a speedboat ride to this place, and you'll have the chance to swim with, snorkel among, cuddle up to, and feed the island's Southern Rays. You'll be up close and personal with some of the island's most gorgeous coral reefs and tropical fish (it's giving Finding Nemo vibes), with plenty of photo opps, and even a complimentary rum or fruit punch thrown in. Count us in!

We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.

Nope! There are currently no tourist tax charges in Antigua.

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Antigua Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Destination Highlights

🎉 3 Fun Facts About Antigua

🚗 Getting Around on your Antigua Holidays 2025

🗓️ When’s the Best Time to Go on Your Antigua Holidays?

What are the best beaches to head to on your Antigua holidays 2025?

What are the top hotels to stay at on your holidays to Antigua?

Antigua Holidays 2025 Travel Guide

👩‍❤️‍👨 Things to do in Antigua for couples

👪 Things to do in Antigua for families

👯‍♂️ Things to do in Antigua for groups

🍽️ Things to do in Antigua for foodies

More Caribbean holidays:

Popular Antigua hotels

Weather in Antigua

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

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FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Antigua?

What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Antigua?

What currency do they use in Antigua?

What language do they speak in Antigua?

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah

Reach new Shirley Heights

Feed a giant tortoise

Give you a rum for your money

Check out the Pillars of Hercules

Make way for the mangroves

What events can I go to in Antigua?

Where is the best nightlife in Antigua?

What’s the food like in Antigua?

Places to visit

Nelson's Dockyard

St John's

Stingray City

Key facts about Antigua

Currency

Eastern Caribbean Dollar

Time Difference

-5 hrs

Flight Time

9 hrs

Language

English

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Antigua?

Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Antigua?