25 interesting facts about Antigua and Barbuda that you must know

These interesting facts about Antigua and Barbuda, besides being an interesting read, will help you plan your trip to Antigua. It will help you understand more about the local culture and the highlights of this amazing destination

Antigua & Barbuda is a Caribbean island of unique beauty, with its white-sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and rich cultural heritage.

Antigua & Barbuda is now one of the most demanded all-inclusive destinations among the Caribbean islands especially preferred by honeymooners and couples for a romantic getaway but also great for families or anyone who loves deserted white-sand beaches and a turquoise calm sea where to swim, snorkel, scuba dive or play.

Antigua is indeed a destination for anyone, not cheap though. There are a few interesting facts about Antigua and Barbuda that are good to know before traveling there. Let’s find out.

21 Facts about Antigua and Barbuda

1. Where is Antigua and Barbuda Located?

Where is Antigua Located? Antigua and Barbuda are geographically located within the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. An ex-British Colony, Antigua and Barbuda became an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations on 1 November 1981.

2. Antigua and Barbuda Country includes more than 2 islands

Among the facts about Antigua and Barbuda, not many people know that the country’s territory includes more than two islands. Little Redonda is the third one, a tiny, rugged, uninhabited rock, the remnant of a volcanic cone of only 0.5 square miles (1.3 square km) in the area and rising to nearly 1,000 feet (305 m) above sea level, with steep cliffs on all sides.

Redonda was a kingdom unto itself, and its interesting story is worth reading.

Other small islands are part of the Antigua and Barbuda territory, among which are Guiana Island, Bird Island, and Long Island, where some of the snorkeling tours in Antigua will take you.

3. Antigua is tiny

The island of Antigua is about 22 kilometers (14 miles) long and 18 kilometers (11 miles) wide, encompassing 281 square kilometers (108 square miles). 

Its sister island, Barbuda, covers 161 square kilometers (62 square miles).

4. What does Antigua mean?

“Antigua” means “Old” in Spanish, named by Christopher Columbus, who first discovered the island, in honor of the Seville Cathedral of Santa Maria La Antigua.

5. How do you pronounce Antigua?

Antigua is pronounced “Anti-ga“, by the locals, so basically you drop the “U”, while the original Spanish word is pronounced “Anti-gwa”

There is a never-ending debate on that. If you think about it, though, “Antigua” is a Spanish word, not an English word, so it should be pronounced according to the Spanish language rules.

Makes sense?

However, the local official language is English, because of the British colonization, which was the longest in Antigua.

Hence, the English pronunciation of the word Antigua (“Anti-ga” without the “u”).

Conclusion: You are free to pronounce it the way you want, but I would go with the locals. 🙂

Also, the English pronunciation will help you distinguish Antigua (the Caribbean Island) from Antigua (the pretty city in Guatemala)

6. A tiny country with such a diverse territory

I remember when I joined a tour, way back, the guide was explaining how the island is made of three kinds of territory: volcanic rocks, tropical jungle, and limestone. You can see it by yourself while you are touring around.

The volcanic rocks, while climbing to Boggy Peak or Devil’s Bridge, the tropical jungle in the center of the island, and on the way from Jolly Beach and English Harbour, where the Zipline is. And you can admire limestone rocks at Half-moon beach or on a boat tour to the Pillars of Hercules.

7. Antigua’s Official Language is English

One of the reasons I have fallen in love with Antigua is the local accent and dialect, known as the English patois. Although I don’t speak it, I could manage to understand quite a bit because I come from Jamaica, whose dialect is very similar.

Even if English is your native language, you may struggle to understand at first. But once you do, it’s just like a funny melody. It sounds like they are always mad at you, even when they are complimenting you. But maybe it’s just my impression.

Oh! How I miss it.

8. Antigua has its own currency

Although USD is commonly accepted anywhere, the local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (1 USD = 2.70 ECD), but you don’t have to exchange it.

9. The highest peak is named after Former US President Obama

I remember that at the time when President Obama was elected for the first time, I was living in Antigua. It was a huge thing, so heartfelt by the Antiguans. So they decided to name their highest peak, formerly Boggy Peak, after President Obama.

Mount Obama is the remnant of a volcanic crater rising 402 meters (1319 feet).

10. The national sport is cricket

And it’s worshipped like a religion. And even with such a small population, some of the world’s best cricket players are Antiguans, among whom Sir. Viv Richards is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Sir. Viv Richards is one of Antigua’s national heroes.

Unfortunately, I never managed to understand this game, although I attended a match of the popular cricket tournament Twenty20 that took place in Antigua while I was there. I have to say the excitement was contagious, and even if I didn’t understand what I was watching, I had a blast!

11. Antigua Carnival is one of the main events of the year

Carnival is celebrated in Antigua on the dates of its emancipation from slavery, which occurred at the end of July to early August. It is a ten-day celebration filled with colorful costumes, live music, and parades. The most important day is “J’ouvert” when steel and brass bands play all over the island.

12. Barbuda is home to the second-largest Frigate Bird Colony in the western hemisphere (after the Galapagos)

Located at the Codrington Lagoon, in Barbuda, this amazing birdwatchers’ paradise is only accessible by a short boat trip with a knowledgeable tour guide. Tours to Barbuda are organized by Barbuda Express and include a visit to the Frigate Bird Colony.

13. Barbuda has a pink beach for real

It’s not surprising. The tiny island of Barbuda is a coral island, and so is its beach. From Spanish Point to Palmetto Point, you can walk 8 uninterrupted miles of deserted oceanfront where the champagne color of the sand is mixed with crushed corals, which is what gives the rose glow.

You can see and enjoy it either by going to Barbuda on your own or by joining a tour. Definitely not to be missed.

14. All-inclusive is king

Although you can find nice bed and breakfasts and now many Airbnbs in Antigua, the all-inclusive resorts are very popular in Antigua and, with some usual exceptions, all of them are 5-star properties with amazing views of the turquoise ocean.

Although I am not a fan of All-inclusive, I can honestly say that the all-inclusive hotels in Antigua take this concept to a whole different level.

However, please keep in mind there are many delicious restaurants to enjoy and many things to do in Antigua, even if you are tempted to stay in your amazing hotel and get pampered, I invite you to go out and explore the island as well.

15. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island

Antigua is tiny and there aren’t many roads, so, if you are not me, the chances of getting lost are inexistent, considering that you now have the GPS on your phones.

Don’t laugh, but when I was living in Antigua, there was no Google map, just regular road maps, and I spent the first week driving around trying to familiarize myself with the island roads and getting lost all the time.

I remember once I stopped at a gas station to ask for information and the guy bluntly said, in a strong Antiguan accent (which I love, by the way), “Don’t you know how to read a map?” I was so embarrassed but I had a good laugh!

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The best beaches are only reachable by car or by taxi, but consider that taxis are way more expensive and not as flexible as having a car and being able to drive around at your own pace.

Driving a car in Antigua is not dangerous, but please consider that there are many potholes, and animals can suddenly cross the street. So just be mindful and drive slowly, especially at night.

16. The national dish is Fungie and Pepperpot

fungie (pronounced “foon-jee”) and pepperpot.

The fungie is very similar to Italian Polenta, but different (I am Italian). The pepperpot, which I loved when I wasn’t vegan, is a sort of stewed veggies with meat cooked with spices and in a very specific way. Very tasty! Here is the recipe.

17. Sailing is big in Antigua

With its winding coastline and many different ports and docking facilities, Antigua has become one of the ideal destinations for sailing.

Not only do many sailors choose Antigua as the docking hub for their boats, but it has also become a huge tourist attraction. You will find many sailing options to explore the beautiful shore by boat. Or if you decide to learn how to sail, you have great options for sailing classes.

In fact…

18. Don’t miss Antigua Sailing Week

Antigua Sailing Week is a premier annual event that attracts professional sailors from all over the world to participate in yacht racing, but it’s also an occasion to party and enjoy the island vibes. An amazing atmosphere that marks the end of the high season in Antigua.

19. A Hollywood star’s retreat

Antigua’s charm casts a spell on anyone who visits, including many famous people of the international jet set, who chose this island as one of their luxury retreats.

The list includes Oprah Winfrey, author Jamaica Kincaid, the fashion designer Giorgio Armani, Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic, and Eric Clapton, who built Crossroads, an exclusive drug and rehabilitation center on the island.

The majority of those Hollywood-owned luxury villas are located on Jumby Bay island, within the premises of the homonymous hotel, obviously as spectacular and exclusive as its villas.

20. A major Caribbean cruise hub

I am not a fan of those gigantic cruises, and I will never be, but they bring a lot of business to the island, so well, what can I say?

It’s a fact that St. John Harbor was one of the most important and in-demand Caribbean cruise hubs until the pandemic. So if cruise ships are your thing, make sure you choose one that includes Antigua in the itinerary. Then you will realize that one day to visit Antigua is not enough, and you’ll be back for a week or two. 🙂

22. In Antigua, there are no rivers

In Antigua, there are no rivers and no lakes…and no snakes except for the Antiguan racer a harmless and one of the rarest snakes in the world that has been found only in Bird Island off the coast of Antigua.

23. Traveling alone in Antigua is very safe, but it could make you feel lonely

Antigua is not exactly a destination for solo travelers, especially if you are interested in meeting other people and parties. It’s a tranquil island where you can find random parties now and then, there are no hostels, and the majority of tourists are couples or families.

It’s a very romantic place. However, suppose you love peace and tranquility, and you are not interested in meeting other people. In that case, it’s perfect for you to travel alone and enjoy one of the exquisite boutique resorts on the island.

Although Antigua is considered a relatively safe place, be cautious and avoid isolated beaches by yourself. As a solo female traveler, I wouldn’t recommend it, but that’s everywhere not only in Antigua, obviously.

24. It’s not for budget travelers

For the reasons mentioned above, Antigua & Barbuda is not exactly a destination for those how to travel on a budget. Even the cheapest hotels are still above the average of what you usually pay for a cheap hotel anywhere else. Also, there is practically no reliable public transportation.

I believe the best way to travel to Antigua on a budget would be to stay in one of the small guest’ houses or a home rental and rent a car. However, you should be able to include in your budget a couple of boat tours to have the best Antigua experience.

All in all, the way I see it if you really want to have the full Antigua experience, I would plan a 2-week stay, of which you can splurge in one of the spectacular all-inclusive resorts, for at least 3 or 4 days and then rent a home and a car and enjoy exploring all the beautiful secret beaches in Antigua.

25. Watch out for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season usually affects the tourism industry in the Caribbean Islands, and that is when prices decrease to persuade more tourists to visit, despite the risky weather. Even if Antigua is one of the least affected islands during this time of the year, it can still be a concern.

However, although winter is definitely the best time of the year to travel to Antigua, I would take my chance in the summer and save some bucks. You can still find sunny days, and even if it rains a bit, you will get what the locals call liquid sunshine 🙂

Sometimes it actually rains while the sun is shining, and the weather changes so fast, you can never tell.

Here is a table where you can see the recent hurricanes and how they affected Antigua and Barbuda. 2017 was a particularly sad year for the island of Barbuda, which was wiped out, people had to evacuate the island, and many never went back.

Facts about Antigua and Barbuda FAQ

Interesting Facts about Antigua and Barbuda: Final Thoughts

I hope this list was useful, but I suggest you check out all my other Antigua Travel Guides to learn all about Antigua and Barbuda so that you can travel prepared and make the most of your vacation in one of the most beautiful Caribbean Islands.

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