Antigua attracts millions of tourists to their white turquoise waters every year. The little island series is home to some of the Caribbean’s most gorgeous landmarks and pleasant local cuisines. The tiny island chain, together with a long and colorful past and the friendly locals, means you’d be hard-pressed to look for a reason not to visit. If you are planning about taking the trip, here, we have prepared a list of interesting facts about Antigua.
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Antigua is a Hotspot for Tourism
Antigua is always on the list of backpackers, thanks to its beautiful beaches and historic infrastructure that has made Antigua a destination for vacationers all around the world. “As many as 269 million visitors explored the islands in the year 2018 “, According to the World Tourism Organization. The country’s most visited tourist attractions are Stingray City, Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, St. John’s, Dickenson Bay, to name just a few. Due to the continuous influx of backpackers and vacationers, tourism contributes to more than half of the Country’s GDP ( gross domestic product).
Devil’s Bridge: Indian Town National Park, Antigua
just off the rugged northeast coast, the panoramic view of Indian Town National Park showcases the natural limestone Devil’s Bridge, carved over the thousands of years by the artistic pounding surf. When the tides are high, waves force spouts of water through the blowholes in the center of the rock. The Indian National Park also renders some of the most exhilarating hikes and rewarding birding. Almost, 30 avian species settle in the park, among the acacia trees, and the eastern point of the park is thought to have been an Arawak campsite.
Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
Located in the former 18th-century Courthouse in St. John’s, the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is believed to be the oldest museum on the island. Visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda which is a great place to get familiar with the history of these islands and to get a feel for the island’s identity. Some wondering about the vastness of exhibitions, you will be disappointed. In one room, all the exhibitions are contained, and they cover topics such as colonial history, slavery, sports, political independence in 981, and the island’s geological origins. It showcases a full-scale replica of an Arawak dwelling, weaving tools, as well as pottery and exhibits on the island’s unique ecosystems.
Fig Tree Drive, Antigua
Besides Antigua’s southern shore, Fig Tree Drive goes through farmlands, rainforest, and fishing villages. The breathtaking drive boasts a glimpse of local life. Banana trees ( known as “figs” by the locals), coconut palms, mango trees are abundant on the landscape, as well as remains of sugar mills. Stop by roadside food stalls selling fresh-picked fruit, especially the super tasty pineapples. Along the route, look for Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tours for an incredible canopy tour, and stop by The Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery which sells rich local artworks, if you’re interested in something aesthetic.