Antigua is the only Caribbean island to have a beach for every day of the year. This in itself is incredible, and a reason to visit this tropical paradise. The beaches have soft white sand, beautifully clear and turquoise waters, swaying palm and coconut trees. One of the big questions to consider the last time I went to Antigua was how to choose which beach to visit and would I want to leave the comfort of my hotel beach to explore the island? Antigua has a plethora of luxurious hotels, many of them with their own stretch of beach complete with excellent restaurants and beach bars.

If you are happy to hire a car, it’s easy to do, they drive on the left in Antigua however it is important to know that you need to get a local licence before you are allowed to drive there. In general the car hire company should help you with this so you can be on your way. This freedom allows you to explore the country and its incredible beaches with ease. Just be careful of the potholes! If you are nervous or only considering one or two day trips, most hotels will arrange a taxi which is simpler, just remember to ask them to put it on the meter.

Onto the beaches now; Half Moon Bay, part of a national park, is one of my favourites, set on the southeast of the island, it is a half moon cove, and arguably the most beautiful on the island. The sand is a beautiful white-pink colour and whilst it is a popular beach, during the week it is often quiet and you can have the beach to yourself.

Dickenson Bay, on the northwest of the island, is more lively, with hotels and restaurants lining the beach. It is more developed and an excellent beach to pop to for a delicious lunch, afternoon drinks, or even if the weather is poor as it offers lots of water sports and a few bars, highlighting how colorful and vibrant Antigua is.

Darkwood Beach, on the southwest coast of Antigua, just south of Jolly Harbour is an excellent place for bird watching and wildlife. A more remote and undeveloped part of Antigua, it is a quieter beach but excellent for watching the sun set over the sea.

Cades Bay and Cades Reef are also along the southwest of the island. Excellent for snorkelling, there is a large sand bank that protects the cay from the Atlantic, it is a relaxing and quiet beach with wide open views. Runaway Bay is a wonderful spot to end the day or week on, watch the sunset go down and have a cocktail, relaxing in the true Caribbean way of life.

One beach to watch out for is Hawksbill, a nudist beach, depending on your preference check which beach you are aiming for as there are a number of resorts and beaches in the area.

The southern part of the island is much less developed than the northern part of the island. Around St. Johns the roads are rougher, and it is more secluded. Some of the beaches such as Rendezvous Bay are quiet, it’s a trek to get there but worth it when you do. No beaches in Antigua disappoint so whichever you choose to go to you will be pleased you made the trip.