Antigua was first added to the map when it was spotted by Christopher Columbus, back in the 15th century. He named the main island but didn't land there, meaning modern settlements had to wait for the arrival of British colonists in the 1600s. Sugar plantations and tobacco farms soon sprang up in their wake. Then, the Royal Navy noticed the natural harbours on offer around the coast, and Antigua and Barbuda became the official home of the British West Indies fleet. You can trace that history at the UNESCO-attested Nelson's Dockyard, home to the old residence of Horatio Nelson, 18th-century barracks and big cannons aplenty.
Unless you plan on spending your whole trip by the cruise ship terminal and cricket grounds of St John's, it's a good idea to rent a car. There are a few local bus services that leave the capital and a number of private transfer companies that can get you to Antigua and Barbuda villa rentals in the main resorts along the coast. However, there's much more freedom in having your own wheels – empty beaches and more-off-the-beaten-track parishes await those that take that option. Getting from the main island of Antigua to smaller Barbuda means hopping on a local ferry connection or a charter short-haul flight.
A spice-packed fusion of Indian, Cajun, Latin and European cuisine imbues the Antigua and Barbuda kitchen with a whole host of taste-bud-tempting dishes. Barbecues of fresh catches are the order of the day in the little fishing shacks that line the shore, with spiny lobster topping the favourites, served boiled or grilled with garnishes of pepper and herbs. The national dish of fungie is another mainstay on the menus, made from cornmeal, topped with okra stalks and partnered with salted codfish. Those with a penchant for spice might also like to delve into realm of jerk kebabs, which bring the culinary influence of Jamaica across to the markets and street stalls of Antigua.
Whether you're on meditative strolls on ivory sands or sipping evening cocktails as the sun sets, you can really get the romance flowing when staying in Antigua and Barbuda holiday lettings. The remote inlet of Half Moon Bay is a good place to go to be alone with the swaying palm trees and the white-capped Atlantic waves. Spa resorts also pepper the island, meaning a day of coconut-milk massages and aromatherapy is always an option. Then there are the acclaimed bistros, which often have special honeymoon packages – think tasty Caribbean fine-dining for 2, with a flickering candle and cabana right on the sands.
Yes, our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 389 vacation rentals near Antigua and Barbuda. From 224 villas to 29 cottages, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Antigua and Barbuda for a holiday or a weekend are on Vrbo.
There are many lovely places to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Antigua and Barbuda. From Vrbo UK travelers, the most popular destinations to visit are:
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Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the cities with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Antigua and Barbuda:
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Vrbo UK offers a large selection of rentals near lovely places in Antigua and Barbuda. From Vrbo UK travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:
But there are many other points of interest around Antigua and Barbuda listed on Vrbo UK where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection.