Antigua and Barbuda Description

Antigua and Barbuda - the state in the West - India, located on the islands of Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda, members of the Leeward Islands group of the Lesser Antilles. This paradise of nature is extremely popular among tourists from all over the world. A large number of magnificent sandy beaches (there are about three hundred and sixty-five), azure waters of the ocean, protected from waves by coral reefs, excellent conditions for diving and a relaxed atmosphere create the ideal conditions for the exotic holiday.

Tourism is the dominant direction of the economy. The most lively tourist center is the island of Antigua. The island of Antigua was discovered by Columbus in 1493 during a second visit to the New World. The whole team was impressed by the extraordinary beauty of the coast, surrounded by coral reefs. Indelible impression made by the mountain peaks, which are punched through the emerald green of the tropical, white and golden sand beaches that frame many quiet bays and lagoons, which for more than three centuries, sheltering from the weather British ships. For tourists in Antigua has everything you need for a good rest: comfortable modern hotels, nightclubs, casinos, entertainment complexes and luxurious beaches. In the area of tourism business employs about 70% of the population of the island.

St. John's - capital, the oldest trading port of the Caribbean, as well as entering the item ships that cruises the Caribbean Sea. Along the coast there are comfortable hotels and beautiful, framed by palm trees, sandy beaches with white and pink sand. The main attraction of Antigua - a beautiful coast of the island and an abundance of places, reminding visitors of its colonial history. On the island you can see many beautifully preserved old stone windmills. They are located in places where in ancient times, the colonial history of the island were sugar cane plantation. Also attract the attention of tourists restored naval dockyard Nelson, built by British colonizers in the XVIII century. Numerous hotels are located in Antigua directly on the beach.

The second largest island of Barbuda is of coral formation and is located 50 km north of Antigua. Here is best preserved wildlife. The remarkable and almost deserted beaches littered with shells and washed by calm ocean waters, rich in its underwater world. On the island there is a unique city Codrington. Here is more measured and calm life, a place for lovers of secluded relaxation. The Island of Barbuda, above all, attracts the attention of those tourists who are great lovers of nature here. The island is a large colony of frigate birds.

Near the island of Barbuda is a tiny island of Redonda - an area of 1 square kilometer Redonda is a national nature park and is under protection.

The total area of the islands - 441, 6 square. km. Islands have many beautiful bays that are protected from storms and waves bordering their coral reefs. The largest of the islands - Antigua (the length of the island - more than 20 km, width - about 15 km, the highest point - the peak of "Bobby"). The total area of Antigua - more than 270 square. km.
The second largest island - Barbuda, full of coral, has an area of about 170 square. km.