Antigua

Antigua is the most popular and most developed of the Leeward Islands. Its foremost attractions are its beaches, one for almost every day of the year, and the restored historic areas of Nelson's Dockyard and Falmouth Harbour. Along with its abundance of beaches, there are reefs and wrecks for diving and sailing activities at English Harbour every April.

The largest of the Leewards at 281sq mi/725sq km, Antigua is ringed by a protective reef, and its coastline is characterized by many bays, inlets, coves and harbors. It has a dry, flat landscape and steady winds make for a comfortable climate.

Antigua's colonial atmosphere is witnessed in the old stone windmills of long-abandoned sugar plantations that covered the island two centuries ago. Its two main centers are English Harbour and the capital St John's, a busy cruise-ship harbor.