At just 108 square miles, Antigua is the largest of the Leeward Islands, little sister Barbuda being 30 miles (48 km) to the North, enjoying a delightful climate where the temperature rarely rises above 90^o F (32^o C), or falls below 75^o (25^o C), all year round. Gentle trade winds, low humidity, and clear calm warm seas create conditions for the idyllic beach holiday.

But Antigua offers far more than wonderful watersports, sailing and beaches. Cross the Island to English Harbour and Nelsons Dockyard, the only functional Georgian harbour in the World, lovingly restored and brought back to life as a yatchsman's paradise, take in the breathtaking view of Shirley Heights. Visit the capital, St John's, full of bustling character, packed with duty free shops, museums, restaurants, bars, something for everyone - rent a car or take a taxi for the day, and simply explore.

The island is very fortunate with its expansive coastline and stunning scenery, which has led to several maritime festivals and the ever popular Antigua Sailing Week - 25th April - 1st May. Antigua boasts a wide variety of water sports, ranging from scuba diving, windsurfing to fishing.

Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches (114 cm), making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September. Low humidity year-round.

One of the most colourful times in Antigua is between 24th July - 3rd August when the Annual Antigua Carnival takes places. It is the Caribbean's greatest summer festival. A riot of colour, lively Caribbean music fills the air, aromas of local cuisine makes your mouth water and the friendliest faces around, enjoy the carnival if you are lucky enough to be on the island at this time.
October 31st is Heritage Day - For two weeks proceedings this day, schools, businesses and government offices commence decorations for judging. There is the official launching of celebrations, a service, fairs and festivals culminating with a ceremonial parade marking Independence on November 1.

One cannot fully grasp the culture of Antigua without considering the island's fierce devotion to cricket. The sport is played everywhere and at any time, though official matches tend to be held on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The cricket season lasts from January to July and is interspersed during most seasons with regional and international matches. The Antigua Recreation Ground, which became in 1980-81 the 52nd international test venue, is one of the most exciting places in the world to observe a match. The local crowd is extremely devoted to the game, and the facilities themselves are outstanding. Spinnakers Beach Bar and Restaurant in Dickenson Bay (very close to Antigua Village) is the home of the Vivian Richards Cricketeer Club and a good place to catch a glimpse of the man himself. June 6-10 International Cricket - West Indies v. Sri Lanka, at the Antigua Recreation Grounds.