The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are most inviting, with a warm climate tempered by a lovely breeze. Its coastline, once considered safe harbours for the settlers, now offers numerous secluded beaches of white and pink sand for your pleasure and relaxation. Active travellers will surely be pleased with such a large array of sports, whether in the ocean or in the many verdant national reserves. The nearly unbroken coral reefs invite snorkellers and scuba divers.

Antigua is the larger of the two islands. Its many historical sites and museums will fill you days with new discoveries. The little island of Barbuda is now home to one of the most significant bird sanctuaries. Divers will enjoy the several ships wrecked litter the ocean floor. Delicious meals, an exciting nightlife and great shopping opportunities are sure to complete an unforgettable holiday.

The islands offer authentic Caribbean cuisine with an emphasis on slow cooking and careful seasoning. A perfect example is the national dish of Pepperpot & Fungee. This rich stew of salt beef, pork, pumpkin, vegetables and spices was first conceived by natives as a means of preserving food. Fungee is a paste-like ball of cornmeal and okra.

Other traditional meals include doucanah (sweet potatoes, coconut, raisins and spices), pumpkin soup, raycan (smoked herring), crusted Baked Snapper with Ginger, salt fish balls, garlic conch, antrobers (eggplants), bread pudding, Barbudan peas and rice, Johnny Cakes and Green Figs (unripe plantain). Desserts include delicious coconut pie and Antigua Black pineapple pie.

Your thirst can be easily quenched with a homemade soursop drink or a ginger beer. A refreshing pale lager is the Antiguan Wadadli beer. Cocktails made with Antiguan rum are superb, like the local rum punch.

Ninety percent of the population is of African descent, while the remainder of the population mostly share a European background. Antiguans are known for their kindness and generosity.

Antiguans are great artists and handicraftsmen. Fine examples of pottery have been created here for centuries already. Many art galleries display wonderful artworks, like paintings and sculptures. Famous artists include Michael 'Scrim' Strzalkowski, who has been crafting the finest sculpture from whale's tooth ivory, and Linda Webber.

The rhythms of the islands are best represented by calypso, soca, steeldrum, zouk and reggae. The Rio Band play music typical of Antigua's past. The fife band usually consists of a fife (a small flute made of bamboo), a grudge or grater, a boom pipe (as bass), a ukulele and a traditional guitar.

The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are located in the Eastern Caribbean in the Leeward Islands grouping. Barbuda is separated from Antigua by a 52 km stretch of Atlantic Ocean. Coral reefs surround both islands, protecting it from rough waves.

Relatively flat lands combined with gentle rolling hills make up the majority of the Antiguan landscape. The highest point on Antigua is Boggy Peak, extending 402 m above sea level. Antigua's rugged shoreline has created about 365 white sanded beaches and cove. Barbuda's beaches are known for pinkish sand beaches. The so-called Highlands of Barbuda reach only 64 m in height.

A people known as the Siboneys were the first to settle on the island of Antigua some 4000 years ago. This group seems to have vanished some 2000 years after. They were later followed by the Arawak Indians, who were in turn dominated by the Caribs Indians.

Columbus identified the island in 1493 and named it Santa Maria de la Antigua. The next century and a half was marked by battles over ownership between the French, Spanish and English. The British finally took rule in 1625. Slaves from Africa were brought to work the sugar, cotton and tobacco plantations, the backbones of the island's economy at the time. Life remained unchanged until slavery was abolished in 1834.

Little is known of Barbuda's history but it was annexed to Antigua in the year 1860. Antigua was the first British Associated self-governing State in 1967. Full independence from Britain was gained on November 1, 1981.

The Hawksbill Turtle, distinguished by its narrow pointed beak and often jagged edge on both sides of the shell, were once hunted for its tortoise shell but is now on the endangered species list. The European Fallow Deer was brought here in the early 1700s and has adapted remarkably well on Barbuda and Guiana Island. It is only found on these islands.

The west coast counts a number of mangroves. Some areas have lush vegetations and several varieties of fruits, flowers, and vegetables are grown on farmlands. The Antigua Black Pineapple was introduced by the Arawaks and mainly used for making twine cloth and for healing purposes. Today you will find it in many desserts. Banana, mango, and coconut groves are common sights in the countryside as well. Forests of red cedar, white cedar, mahogany, whitewood, and acacia have been planted. Barbuda is heavily wooded as well.

Although most tourists favour sunbathing and swimming, there are a multitude of sports available for practice in the many resorts and beach areas, mostly involving water of course. Popular activities include snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing , water skiing and sailing. Scuba divers will enjoy Antigua's and Barbuda's coral ref and many ship wrecks.

Tennis is big in Antigua and most hotels have great courts for day and night playing. Horseback ridding, biking or hiking are always a delight. You will find two wonderful golf courses on the island: the Jolly Harbour Golf Club and the Cedar Valley Golf Course.

The game of Cricket is taken very seriously. Matches can be found almost anywhere on the island, at almost any time. The Antigua Recreation Grounds is the test cricket venue.

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