Melanie Martins

Welcome to Antigua! One of the Island of Antigua & Barbuda.

I spent only 1 day in the Island, but by what locals told us, we couldn’t miss the wonderful Valley’s Church Beach. There isn’t a second to loose! I took my bikini and went straight forward to the beach!

Valley’s Church Beach is truly Amazing, the water is not just Blue. It’s fairy tale blue. A foggy beautiful light blue that makes you felling that you’re actually inside a fairy tale. There’s something truly magical and unique about this Place that words cannot really explain. You have to be there to feel it. The lush vegetation hills, full of little houses, seem to be made for painters and photographers replicating an authentic heaven.

However with 365 beaches, one for every day in the year, miles of colorful fruit groves and a deep maritime history reflected in its magnificent azure waters, Antigua offers the quintessential Caribbean experience as sweet and refreshing as the trade winds that blow off its shores.

What To Do, Eat, Shop

What To Do:  With 365 pristine white-sand beaches to choose from, everything from the secluded to family-friendly is available. No need to worry about taxis when you participate in the beach break tour at one of the island’s beach resorts. Valley’s Church Beach is definitely a great option if you’re not sure about which beach you should go to. When the thirst for adventure strikes, take a tour to Stingray City, where you can touch, feed and play with these graceful and sweet creatures of the sea, touted as the “Brightest Rays in the Caribbean”. The warm waters and beautiful coral reefs make for a splashing good time for everyone and one of the island’s top eco-experiences.

I also heard very well about the Bird Island: a 3km islet near Antigua with several different bird species.

What To Eat: In Antigua, local foods reflect the bounty of the island. Sweet black pineapple, green figs (bananas), roast pig, barbequed chicken, and abundant seafood make for sweet, spicy and flavorful meals. The roadside fare is wonderfully fresh and a great way to sample Antigua’s flavors. Try a roti, a pancake filled with curried meats or potatoes, or a ducana, sweet potato mixed with sugar, spices and coconut and served in a banana leaf. Or, sit down and enjoy a hearty meal. Callaloo, a spinach soup with cloves and crab, and bull-foot soup are popular starters. Add an entrée of pepperpot stew – an aromatic blend of salted meat with vegetables, eggplant, pumpkin and cornmeal dumplings – often served with fungi, a cornmeal and okra pudding. Wash all these down with fruit juices, coconut milk and even goat water!

What To Shop: St. John’s has two distinct shopping areas for visitors – Heritage Quay and the restored Georgian buildings of Redcliffe Quay, both located near the pier. Enjoy an excellent selection of jewelry, watches, crystal, & china at duty-free prices. Most stores are generally open 9.30am to 5.00pm, Monday through Saturday.

If you have any question, feel free to ask by leaving us a comment or if you know Antigua, recommendations are welcome! I will be very pleased to read and reply back.

Wish you all the best. See you very soon!

Xoxo, Melanie

Credits
Author: Melanie Martins
Photography: Diogo Novo

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