Antigua is a paradise island lying between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is well-known for its breathtaking beaches, calm waters, tropical climate and rich nature. The shore that surrounds the island is magnificent with unrealistically beautiful hidden coves, lagoons and natural harbors. The highest point on the island is a peak called Boggy reaching 402 meters above sea level. Antigua together with Barbuda and Redonda, make the country of Antigua and Barbuda. Barbuda is also famous for its sandy beaches and Redonda is an uninhabited island which represents a nature reserve.
The capital of Antigua is St. John's. The population reaches a little bit over 85000, mainly people of African origin. English is widely spoken and Catholicism is the primary religion. Economy mostly depends on tourism, so people have a relatively good life. You can move around the island either by taxi or by bus. Buses are cheap, but they can be quite unreliable. Rent-a-car services are also available.
Antigua is a destination not only for people who take pleasure in the calmness of the surrounding, but also for people who seek dynamic vacation and adventure. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular here. The clean waters offer a great underwater view and this attracts divers from all over the word. If you choose a good spot for diving, you may easily come across vividly colored coral reefs and diverse species of fish. Underwater fishing can be a good opportunity for seeing the rich marine life in the waters surrounding the Caribbean islands. Around the reefs of Barbuda, treasure hunters have been searching lost riches for long time now. Barbuda's bays are notorious for wrecking many ships in the past.
Dinghies and cruisers can be rented for exploring the secret places of the islands or getting to the island of Redonda. Sea currants and warm winds make ideal conditions for surfing. An event called Surfing Week takes place right in these waters. Harbors are perfectly safe for anchored ships. Back in 1743, Admiral Horatio Nelson made Antigua an important strategic point for the Royal Navy. At that point, he did not have a clue that 250 years later this island will gain its independence and it will grow into a world-wide tourist attraction.
Your favorite past times here will be the beaches. They say there are 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. If you want to do some water sports or socialize go to the more crowded beaches, but if you just need a quiet place for relaxation or fishing find your way to some of the secluded coves away for the mass.
Sports have a very important role in Antigua. Water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing and many other water sports are of course dominant. But neither are other sports neglected. Visitors have within close reach premium golf courts, horse riding and horse races. Cricket is the national sport and vary special attention is paid on matches between local teams. The season of cricket games starts in January and end in May. The golf tournament takes places in March. After all the important sports events have finished, the streets of St. John are getting ready for the Carnival in July and August. In addition to the various sports, there are many fitness and spa centers.
Antigua has always been an attractive place. Long time ago, it represented a shelter for the British fleet. Today it is a gathering point for visitors who come here to enjoy the gentle sunshine, tempting beaches and tranquil waters. The most common way of reaching Antigua is by air. However, lot of cruising ships that pass by the islands dotted all over the Caribbean Sea, don't usually miss Antigua. Often, they make a stop and thousands of tourists overflow St. John. They don't miss the opportunity for a short walk and quick shopping.
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