Which Towns Should You Visit While Sailing in Antigua and Barbuda?

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Strolling through the stone pathways of Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour is a historian’s dream. Even if you’re disinterested in the Dockyard Naval History Museum, the beauty of the time-worn stone columns of the old sail loft and intricately restored architecture is unmistakable. For a bit of nature, hike up to Fort Berkeley on the point via the Middle Ground Trail. Come late afternoon, make the trip to Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant for sunset drinks or a barbecue dinner with an unforgettable view.

Falmouth is the business centre of the area; the streets buzz with locals and visitors, yacht crews gallivanting on their days off, and sailors provisioning for long crossings. Pop into one of the many small boutiques or art galleries for respite from the heat of the day. For lunch, try the local cuisine with a view of the harbour at Island Fusion restaurant (ask about their vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options).

More a resort village than a town, Mamora Bay is home to the high-end St James’s Club & Villas. Enjoy fine dining or a casual cocktail at one of the four restaurants, make an appointment at the salon and spa, or go for a dive with Mamora Bay Divers. Buy a day pass for access to the watersports and the beach loungers under tropical palms, or dock up among the megayachts for ultimate luxury.

Parham is a sleepy little town on the northern coast of Antigua. Once an important port and home to the Governor, it’s now a quiet fishing village and a great stop if you’re looking for the slow-paced island life. Though there aren’t many restaurants or services here, the people are friendly, and it’s worth visiting the old church, which has a unique domed ceiling.

A lively holiday area, this mile-long beachfront is the perfect place for fun in the sun. Brightly coloured sarongs and T-shirts billow in the breeze between beach bars, restaurants, hotels and resorts. For a little more action, chat to one of the many watersports vendors (glass-bottom boats and jet skis abound) or ask around about the nightly entertainment.

The capital of Antigua, St John’s is the place to shop. Boutiques, art galleries, groceries and liquor stores, many of them duty-free, are nestled among a pleasant mix of old- and new-world architecture. The local market is a flourish of colour; visit on Saturday morning for the freshest produce. Take the opportunity to learn more about the local ingredients with a hands-on Caribbean cooking class at Nicole’s Table, just outside town.

Jolly Harbour is a lovely little marina village. Grab a coffee from one of the cafes and stroll along the docks, admiring the boats of every shape and size. The beach is a short walk west, but to really admire the view, take the short taxi ride to Sheer Rocks restaurant, on the hillside. The food is excellent; call ahead to book a romantic daybed by the rock pool.

By far the most remote town on this list, Codrington, on Barbuda, is also the most charming. Many people make the passage from Antigua to Barbuda for the endless white-sand beaches or to tour the frigatebird colony in Codrington Lagoon. Impossibly low-lying and open to the unsheltered sun, the town itself is worth a visit in its own right. Locals often lead their horses and donkeys down the dusty roads to cool down in the water alongside the town dock.

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