Antigua is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands. But at just 14 miles long and 11 miles wide it won’t take you long to explore its landscape, towns and natural attractions. It is a low lying volcanic island with its highest point Boggy Peak, standing just 1319ft in the south western corner of the island.

Other than Boggy Peak, Antigua is mainly flat and covered with sugar cane, tropical fruit trees, exotic flowers and palms. It has 365 stunning beaches, a near perfect climate and loads to do so when you’re tired of lazing on the beach you can go sailing, diving or snorkelling.

Its neighbour, Barbuda, lies 30 miles north and is a flat coral island with only an area of 68 square miles. The nation also includes the tiny (0.6 square mile) uninhabited island of Redonda, now a nature preserve.

The islands warm, steady winds, complex coastline of safe harbours, and protective wall of coral reef made it the perfect place for Admiral Horatio Nelson to hide his fleet in 1784. Antigua was then established as Great Britain's most important Caribbean base

It is hardly surprising then to learn that the islanders’ way of life is governed by water with Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour at the forefront the islands yachting and sailing scene.

The entire nation has a population of approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. Johns’ on Antigua. This is a lively centre for shopping and dining. With its recently completed cruise ship dock, much of the tourist activity is around the harbour-front areas such as Heritage Quay and Radcliffe Quay.

Antigua offers the tourist much in the way of local colour and relaxation with its stunning beaches, wonderful climate and clear blue seas.

The currency on Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (which is tied to the US Dollar) but the US Dollar is also widely used. Major currencies and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at the international banks in St John and at many of the hotels.

Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted by ATMs are few and far between.