Antigua - pronounced An-Tee-ga - is an island set in the
Caribbean Sea forming one of the islands of the Eastern Caribbean. Antigua's
romantic history began with its re-discovery in 1493 by Christopher Columbus,
who named it for the Santa Mara la Antigua Church in Seville, Spain. Antigua,
which is partly volcanic and partly coral, is surrounded by superb white sand
beaches which are almost entirely reef-protected. An ideal place for swimming,
Antigua offers snorkeling and all forms of water sports year round.
Escape even further to Barbuda, 25 miles north of Antigua -- chic, remote and short on hotels
but long on seabirds. Investigate one or more of 200 underwater wrecks or enjoy
the island's wildlife sanctuaries. The rich and famous find Barbuda especially
appealing.
Antigua's size is 108 square miles, while Barbuda's size is 62 square miles.
Antigua's population is 67,000, and Barbuda's is 1,200.
Information provided by the
Caribbean Tourism Organization
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