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Since its establishment in the 1600s, travelers have found something new to discover with every visit to this former British colony. With a beach for every day of the year, it's not difficult to be wowed anew; each of the 365 have a character all their own. The largest of the British Leeward Islands, a winding coastline sets the scene for dramatic sunsets, even more breathtaking after a 1,200 foot elevated hike through lush vegetation or a ride on Fig Tree Drive through canopies of wild mango and almond trees. Come back down to earth in some of Antigua's most secret spots, such as Bryant Cave, and kayak among sea turtles, whistling ducks, and flying fish while endangered fallow deer gaze curiously from the shores. After all, taking to the magnificently aqua waters that surround Antigua is instinctual. To the south, English Harbour—the site of Nelson's Dockyard, the only Georgian naval dockyard in the world, ANTIGUA St. John's Shirley Heights A N T I G U A English Harbour Boon Point Fullerton Point Coolidge International Airport Guade l oupe Passag e Cari bbean Se a A T L A N T I C O C E A N B A R B U D A Goat Pt. Spanish Point Palmetto Pt. 0 4 miles 0 4 km 0 5 miles 0 5 km 8 6 3 14 9 2 12 13 5 4 11 1 7 and its brilliantly restored colonial buildings—and Falmouth are international yachting and sailing destinations; toward the north, cruisers look forward to stopping at the port of the island's capital of St. John, one of the most cosmopolitan municipalities in the Lesser Antilles. And just a high-speed catamaran ride or 20-minute flight away lies the largely unoccupied island of Barbuda, if frigate birds are all the company you need. 10

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