Antigua and Barbuda OVERVIEW
Somewhere in the middle of the Leeward Islands, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, there are two picturesque volcanic islands. Their complex coastline of bays and inlets once made an ideal hideaway for the legendary fleet of Admiral Horatio Nelson who, soon after 1784, established Great Britain's most important Caribbean base here. By that time, the land had already been colonized by the British who saw Antigua's large-scale sugar cultivation potential and, by the middle of 18th century, dotted the land with 150 cane-processing windmills and sizeable plantations. Fuelled by slave labor, the sugar money-maker exploded. The islands had become not only crucial commercial colonies but also strategic ports as their location turned out to be ideal for control over the major sailing routes to and from the empire's colonies.
With the 1834 slavery abolition the sugar industry started to dwindle and burdened Antigua with a prosperity struggle. It was not until the tourist boom of past few decades that the islands caught some favorable winds in their floppy sails. The region's merits appreciated by the British colonizers are still there and world-famed. Today, the vast winding coastline pampers holidaymakers with sun kissed powdery beaches, the coral reefs draw hordes of snorkelers and scuba divers whereas the perfectly navigable winds facilitate the world's premier maritime events of the Sailing Week and Nelson's Dockyard yachting and sailing scene. Should you grow weary of the aquatic themes, the islands will keep you excited with the stunning natural phenomenon of the Devil's Bridge, a solid cliff crafted by the colliding Atlantic and Caribbean surf, and the colorful Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary where, very likely, birds outnumber the island's population.
Be sure that when you come here, you'll live the Antigua and Barbuda Caribbean-defined way. That includes taking things very easy, strolling leisurely around the markets and sipping fresh pineapple and coconut juices. Life is governed by splashes of water fun here so pack a really hard-wearing swimming suit, too. The islands cater for many tastes and budgets. Big names like Eric Clapton, Giorgio Armani, Ken Follett and Oprah have their luxurious hideaways here but mere mortals can live a comfy life as well. In the myriad of azure inlets you shall also find your own golden sandy spot.
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