10 of the Best Beaches in Antigua

Posted by Rachel in Caribbean on 10 14th, 2010 | Read Comments(4)

Best beach in Antigua

Gorgeous beach

The Eastern Caribbean island of Antigua, the largest of the Leeward Islands, has an abundance of beautiful beaches and is the perfect location for a beach holiday in the sun. If you’re debating whereabouts on the island to stay, whether in a hotel or self-catering villa rental, then here are 10 of the best beaches in Antigua to help give you some ideas!

1. Half Moon Bay beach, Antigua – you’ll find this lovely crescent-shaped beach (hence the name) which is now a National Park, on the south east coast of Antigua. One of things that makes it extra special is its very fine pink sand.

2. Jabberwock beach, Antigua – this wonderfully named beach can be found on the north-east coast of Antigua. The beach is a mile long in length, with wonderful white sand and turquoise blue sea.

3. Runway beach, Antigua – found on the north-west coast of the island of Antigua, this large expanse of sandy beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. It’s also home to many hotels, restaurants, bars and rental villas, so is a good place to stay near if you like to remain near the hub of nightlife and good restaurants.

4. Crab Hill beach, Antigua (also sometimes known as Turner’s beach) – this lovely beach is located on the south west coast of Antigua, between the villages of Crab Hill and Johnson’s Point. If you’re after a quiet atmosphere, head for the Crab Hill end. The other end, near Johnson’s Point is livelier and is frequently used as drop-off point for passing cruise ships.

5. Dutchman’s Bay beach, Antigua – If you’re looking for an active beach where you can indulge in watersports activities, then Dutchman’s Bay, north of the airport, is the perfect place to put your windsurfing to the test.

6. Ffrye’s Bay, Antigua – found on the south-west coast of the island, this is a beach for nature lovers and bird watchers. The sea is calm and, if you’re lucky, you could get to see a pelican or two.

7. Hawksbill Bay beaches, Antigua – located in the Five Islands Peninsula, on the west coast of the Caribbean island, you’ll find four secluded beaches here, including the only nudist beach.

8. Galleon Beach, Antigua – located in Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, this beach is a quarter of a mile long and is blessed with gold sands. The perfect spot to relax and unwind.

9. Carlisle Bay beach, Antigua – located on the south coast of the island, this gorgeous beach is about half a mile long, has fine sand and is a great place to try out your snorkelling skills. It’s also home to an exclusive luxury resort.

10. Rendezvous Bay beach, Antigua – one of the most remote beaches on the island of Antigua, this unspoilt beach is found on the south coast. If you fancy a quiet rendezvous here, the beach is reachable by sea, horseback or a long hike through the hills.