Beaches Premier Holidays Beaches Brochure 2018 | Page 60

A treasure trove of beautiful beaches and a welcome as warm as the weather ANTIGUA Located at the heart of the Leeward Islands, picturesque Antigua is ringed with an incredible 365 beaches, giving a different sunbathing spot for every day of the year. Of course, time may be against you visiting all of Antigua’s secluded coves and sandy bays, but whichever swathes of sand you choose, they’re sure to please. The popular north west coast includes stunning Galley Bay and serene Soldier Bay; the south west region is adorned with emerald green hills and is generally less developed; on the east coast Half Moon Bay, now a National Park, stretches for almost a mile around the curved bay while further east Long Bay’s calm waters are protected by a coral reef and ideal for children. Sailing enthusiasts swarm to the island at the end of April for Antigua Sailing Week, while year-round the well-preserved coral reefs are a snorkeller’s dream – particularly Paradise Reef and Deep Bay. Head inland to explore the rainforest clad hills; see Devil’s Bridge and dramatic blowholes spouting the foaming Atlantic surf; hire a jeep and explore scenic Fig Tree Drive or hop over to neighbouring Barbuda. Other island attractions include evocative English Harbour and historic Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO world heritage site and the world’s only Georgian dockyard still in operation; and a visit to Shirley Heights Lookout is a must, particularly on a Sunday when the far reaching views are accompanied by sizzling barbecues, rum punch and lively reggae and calypso beats. Nelson’s Dockyard Paradise Reef Soldier Bay Dickenson Bay Runaway Deep Bay Bay Galley 5 St John Bay 1 Starfish Jolly Beach Resort 2 Pineapple Beach Club 3 Curtain Bluff 4 Carlise Bay 5 Galley Bay Resort & Spa 6 South Point Airport Long Bay 2 1 Devil’s Bridge Freemens Village ANTIGUA Coco Beach Half Moon Bay Caribbean Sea 60 CARIBBEAN 3 4 Falmouth Harbour 6 English Harbour Shirley Heights WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Getting there: Non-stop flights from the UK to Antigua take around 8 hours. Twin centres: Antigua is a great add-on to a stay in the USA or Canada, see pages 6-7 for inspiring itineraries. It’s also possible to island hop within the Caribbean. Best time to go: The best months to visit are the drier winter months of December-April. The summer months of May-November bring short-lived rain showers with higher humidity and, on very rare occasions, tropical storms; however, visitors during these months may be rewarded with quieter beaches and excellent hotel offers. Please see page 64 for climate chart, pricing and further destination information. prices & offers change constantly - call for today’s best available deals!