Antigua

It is the coast that attracts attention here – Antigua is almost completely encircled by coral reefs and its beautiful white sand beaches are famous around the world.The 365 beaches (one for every day of the year, if you’ve got time) offer plenty of opportunity for sunbathing, strolling, paddling, swimming and watersports. Diving is, inevitably, a popular pastime, but the Caribbean obsession with cricket is also particularly strong here.

Making the most of Antigua

Antigua's landscape is mostly flat with wooded valleys and relics of its sugar-producing days. Antigua claims to have a beach for every day of the year, so it is hardly surprising that this is where the action is. Also, sailing has had a long history on Antigua ever since Horatio Nelson made English Harbour the base for his fleet. The island hosts the Caribbean's largest regatta at the end of April - Antigua Sailing Week ranks among the top five in the world. Antigua is warm and sunny all year round with the high season from December through to April.

Must sees

Sailing apart, take time to admire the elegant Georgian architecture of Nelson's Dockyard; as well as the restored buildings there's an interesting museum. If you're up to the walk, climb to Boggy Peak, the highest point of Antigua. For breathtaking views out across English Harbour, visit Shirley Heights with its rambling array of military buildings. Here on Sunday afternoons you can enjoy entertainment Caribbean-style complete with a barbecue, rum punch and the distinctive sound of steel bands. Also of interest is the Sea View Farm Village where you can see potters at work.To get an artistic perspective of the island, call in at Harmony Hall Art Gallery, the centre of the island's arts community.The sugar mill tower, around which Harmony Hall is built, has been converted into a bar and rewards visitors with one of Antigua's best panoramic views.You could also take a catamaran trip around the island, a great way to see Antigua's coastline of beautiful beaches and small fishing villages.

Must buys

Take a trip to Heritage Quay for duty-free shopping or try the open-air market in St John's, the capital - a good place to buy the fruit and vegetables grown on the island. T-shirts, straw crafts and wood carvings are all sold along the beachfront, while you'll find some sweet little gift shops in Nelson's Dockyard.

Must tries

All of our featured hotels boast good restaurants, although everyone should promise themselves at least one evening out to sample the local cuisine.The local beer, Wadadli, is worth sampling, as are the non-alcoholic green coconuts sold by vendors at the side of the road.