The Antigua Online Tourist Guide has moved. Please adjust your bookmarks. You should be automatically redirected. Please click here if not redirected in three seconds. Come savour the many flavours of peaceful Antigua and Barbuda! Immerse yourself in an exotic, amiable world at the heart of the Caribbean geographically, socially, culturally and spiritually. Antigua is a "beach with an island in the middle." Its famed countless, silky beaches lapped by iridescent azure seas are cooled by lyric breezes. Surrounded by dramatic reefs, there's fabulous safe diving, swimming and watersports and for those preferring "terra firma," tennis golf, squash, hiking and horse riding. The unspoilt, naturally charming resort island is the largest in the Leeward islands with its serene, small sister island, Barbuda 26 miles to the north. Retaining an eminence amongst those more selective visitors, our traditions of a high proportion of repeat visitors, our traditions of service, a smiling face, superb cuisine and a wonderful variety of accommodation are ensured. Entertainment is both local and cosmopolitan and soft Caribbean sounds can be heard throughout the island. Summer carnival is the cultural and entertainment highlight of the year and one of the liveliest! Fascinating Nelson's Dockyard at English harbour, for centuries recognized as on of the finest shelters in the entire Caribbean, was built by the famous Admiral and still stands, just as it was. It is now the home of one of the world's biggest ocean racing events. "Sailing week," a fun-filled experience in itself. This spacious island, with its rolling hills and sightseeing, maintaining a priceless village ambiance to add to the sensation of timelessness. Independent since November, 1981, Antigua was initially discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and named after the miracle working virgin Santa Maria de la Antigua of Seville Cathedral in Spain. Thanks to a network of excellent services to and from the international airport, Antigua is closer than you think.