Having a hard time deciding whether to visit Antigua or Anguilla for your upcoming holidays? Well, you are at the right place! In the following guide, we did in-depth research about both countries, and hopefully, this article will help you in picking the most suitable destination.
When thinking about a holiday destination that you should visit, many places come into mind. However, the most critical part is that you should visit a location that you will have the time of your life and experience nature at its best. Antigua and Anguilla offer some of the pristine holiday destinations that you have never seen before. It is the mecca of beach lovers and birdwatchers as well. Antigua is your best location when looking for a place in the Caribbean where you can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and other fantastic water sports.
The historic sites and exceptional cultural scene in Antigua are something that you should not miss on your next trip. The island is versatile, and with over 365 beaches, you are sure that you can soak in the sun as you walk on the white sandy beaches. Anguilla is a tiny Caribbean island with a huge reputation for its luxurious resorts and private getaway destinations. St. Barts is a popular location among many celebrities.
As a Caribbean island, Anguilla is the least visited, making it a perfect location that you can explore. The unique sandy beaches, unforgettable resorts, and private beach hotels are some of the major attractions of Anguilla. The island is a popular spot for intimate and high-end getaways. Anguilla is part of the Leeward Islands, and it is fifteen kilometers north of St. Maarten and 250 kilometers off Puerto race. The island has some of the most exquisite hotels that you can find out there, and you can explore this island on your next vacation.
Before continuing, be sure to keep our other comparison guides in another tab:
- Bahamas or Jamaica
- Belize or Bahamas
- Bahamas or St. Lucia
- Jamaica or Puerto Rico
- Jamaica or Aruba
- Bonaire or Curacao
- St. Lucia or Antigua
Table of Contents
Transport
Antigua
Taxi
This is a popular way of getting around Antigua; the drivers of these cabs will act as your guide as well; therefore, you have two for one. You must negotiate your price before you get into any cab. The price varies depending on the distance covered.
Bus
Although you will find bus services on the island, they are very unreliable hence, the need to choose a transport method that will suit you effectively. The buses in this country are usually minivans, and they carry fifteen passengers.
Rental cars
This is one of the methods that you can move from one location to another while in Antigua. However, if you choose to rent a car, it is integral that you have an Antiguan travel permit. You can get the license from major car agencies. The cost of renting a car per day is $20.
Anguilla
Rental car
Anguilla is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Since Anguilla is a British colony, you will be forced to follow British laws. However, there are speed limits of 50 kilometers per hour. Therefore, when you rent a car, you will have the freedom to explore different parts of the island freely without worrying that you should alight. The license on the island will cost you $20, and negotiate the fees with your provider.
Taxis
This is a standard method of transportation around the island if you do not want a rental car. The taxis are well equipped, and will you will have a fantastic trip around the island easily and seamlessly. Anguilla is a small island, and when on taxis, you can easily cover from one part to the other. The taxi fares are fixed on the island, and you should consult with the taxi providing company before you conclude. When you are well acquainted with your driver, you can easily arrange for your pickups and drop off.
Bicycle
One of the other alternatives that you can use to move from one location to another on the island is bicycles. Various companies offer bicycles to tourists at a fee. Bicycles are a perfect way of exploring the natural environment without worrying about how the day will end because you are moving around the island with ease. The cost of renting a bicycle on the island is $10 per day. Some hotels offer bicycles in their package. You should consult with your provider.
Ferries
If you want to try something interesting, then picking a ferry from one location to another is an alternative while on the islands. The cost of booking a ferry from Blowing point dock to St. Marten is $20.
Accommodation in Antigua
Budget
Guesthouses
You will find guesthouses in Antigua and Barbuda at competitive rates. You will be charged anything from $25 going up. The cost of the room will depend on its size, amenities as well as the location of the hotel. The rooms are usually spacious, and in some cases, you can get complimentary breakfast depending on the hotels selected.
Airbnb
These are budget accommodations that you can try while on your stay while on your trip to Antigua. The Airbnb’s will cost you anything from $50 gong up, and you should explore the available amenities so that you can choose the best. In most cases, the Airbnb comes with a well-equipped kitchen, and you will get spacious rooms.
Midrange
Greenville apartments
This is an ideal location that you can spend your time during your next vacation on the island. The rental property is suitable for people who want to enjoy the tranquil environment of Jolly Harbor, which is nearby. The rooms are large and airy, and you can enjoy the best amenities in one environment. The cost is from $100 going up.
Tamarind cottage
The tamarind cottage features two exceptional places that have views of the harbor across the rooms. The location of this hotel is perfect because you enjoy the views of the sea and the mountains. The rates are competitive, and the rooms are spacious. The prices range from $120 going up.
The tropical garden cottage
This is a perfect environment if you are looking for a place where you can relax and unwind. The tropical garden cottage is suited in the middle of Antigua, and the serene tropical climate makes this location the best that you can ever visit. The prices range from $150 going up.
Luxury
Antigua yacht club marina resort
This is an exquisite environment that you can explore what the area has to offer. If you are looking for luxury, this is the right place because, with over twenty rooms, a gym, a 36-suite studio residence, and a full-service marina, this is the best place to stay during your vacation. The price per room ranges from $600 going up.
Jumby Bay Hotel
This hotel is located on a private island, and it is one of the best destinations you can stay in during your visit. The hotel features a suit and a 9-bedroom mansion equipped with an infinity pool. The services are exceptional, and you should try to explore what this place has to offer. The prices are from $ 600 per night.
The In At English Harbor
This is an upmarket restaurant located on the galleon beach, and it is a place you should try. If you reside in this hotel, you will be given a free ride to the airport and nearby location. The Italian-infused cuisine adds a unique dimension to pacific and Asian cuisine, thereby giving you the proper food quality. Their rooms are spacious, and they have beautiful views. The price per night is around $700 per night.
Accommodation in Anguilla
Budget
Great house beach resort
The beach resorts in Anguilla take hospitality to the next level, and they feature the best amenities that you have ever seen while on your trip to this fantastic island. This hotel offers a tranquil environment where you can relax and unwind. The rooms are pretty spacious, and you are sure that you will have the time of your life during your stay on the islands. In addition, there is a pool and restaurant where you can sample some of the meals. The cost will range from $100 going up.
Airbnb
You can book Airbnb in Anguilla from $50 going up. These Airbnb are perfect because you can make your meals and interact with people as well. The clean, sweet, and comfortable units offer an ideal environment for a blend between convenience and privacy.
Allamanda Beach Club
This beach club is five minutes from the shoal bay east, and it is a perfect vacationing spot that you have been looking for in the Caribbean. At the beach club, you have a wide array of choices to make from the food and the rooms that you are going to stay in during your visit. The prices range from $150 going up.
Midrange
Carimar Beach Club
The hotel is one of the most equipped hotels that you can find on the islands. The quality of the restaurants that surround it is on top of this world. The rooms in the hotel are pretty spacious, and they are equipped with modern facilities such as Wi-Fi and breakfast as well. The price of a room in this hotel starts from $300 to going up.
Bella Blu
This hotel boasts of a beautiful location on meads bay, and you will have exclusive views of the ocean. It is a unique destination that will redefine the meaning of holidaying in the Caribbean. The rooms are spacious, and they are all bright, giving you comfort away from home. The pricing is from $350 going up. Be sure to check out the amnesties offered before you can sign up for a room.
Turtle’s Nest Beach Resort
This hotel is situated on the sandy shores of Meads bay, and it is a perfect location where you can relax and unwind as you check out the fantastic coastline. There is a large condominium complex, which is very spacious, and you can enjoy your time in the region in the comfort of your room.
Luxury
Four Seasons Anguilla
The four seasons Anguilla redefines luxury, elegance, and glitz. If you are looking for a perfect location where you can spend your money and enjoy top-notch services, then this is the right spot for you. The hotel personnel are so friendly, and they will ensure that you get only the best services in the region. The hotel has an iconic pool, and you can relax at the spa as well. The price is from $900 going up.
Cuisinart Golf Resort and Spa
The Cuisinart golf resort and spa are some of the best hotels in Anguilla, and if you are looking for a tranquil location where you can unwind, this is the perfect place. The hotel features a golf course, and from the rooms, you can have the most amazing views of the region. So when looking for a place to relax and unwind, this is the perfect location for you. The price is from $800 going up.
Zemi Beach House
This is one of the perfect locations if you are going to visit Anguilla. The hotel blends contemporary features with Caribbean warmth, creating an ideal environment where you can relax on your vacation. This five-star hotel delivers an exceptional experience to tourists, and you can feel the Caribbean’s tranquil environment sweeping. The cost for a room in this hotel is anything from $800 going up.
Daily budget
Antigua
The budget for a day in Antigua will depend on what you want to experience while on the islands. The budget for a backpacker or someone on a tight budget will cost anything from $90 to $200. The food on the island is cheap, transportation and entertainment costs can increase the budget. An average traveler will spend anything from $200 going up, while a traveler on a luxury budget will spend anything from $600 going up.
Anguilla
The budget for Anguilla can be quite high because Anguilla is one of those expensive islands. A traveler on a tight budget will spend around $180 per day, while that will spend about $300 per day on a midrange budget. However, Anguilla offers the best tranquil locations that you will miss this awesome location once you are off your holiday. The cost per day for a luxurious traveler will range from $800 going up.
Activities
Antigua
Explore the white sandy beaches
Antigua offers some of the whitest sandy beaches in the world, and you can explore them on your visit. There are some nude beaches as well therefore if you are adventurous you can try them if it is your thing.
Kayaking
Antigua offers some of the best kayaking spots in the Caribbean. You should not be left behind. Explore the deep blue waters as you go kayaking.
Swimming
Who does not like swimming in turquoise waters? Antigua offers a perfect location where you can go and swim with the dolphins as you have fun with your loved ones.
Anguilla
Sightseeing
Anguilla offers the best location that you can explore nature at its best. The white sandy beaches and the fantastic coastline offer some of the best views you can have while on your vacation. Amazing restaurants are serving fresh lobsters, and it is a perfect place for you to enjoy your stay.
Visit the national park
One of the fun activities you can do while in Anguilla is to visit the national park that will give you a glimpse of the ancient population.
Visit Anguilla Catholic Church
This is the only major church on the island, and you can take your time to explore what this incredible destination has to offer. There is so much history that you can learn about the local people and the nation’s history as well.
Food Options
Antigua
Conch
Conch is one of the best dishes that you can try while on the island. The intricate spiral shell served with other food dishes is an iconic meal in the islands. Conch from Antigua is sweet, and it has a texture that lies between calamari and clams.
Ducana
This meal is similar to tamales, and it is made from ingredients that are native to the islands. Ducana is a mixture of grated coconuts and sweet potatoes seasoned before serving in banana leaves.
Pepper pot
Pepper pot is a typical Caribbean dish, and the islands usually have a variation of the meal depending on the ingredients used. However, the version in Antigua is out of this world, and it is considered a national dish alongside fungee.
Anguilla
Rum punch
This is not a meal but some drink that you must try on your visit to Anguilla. Anguilla has a unique taste and production when it comes to the drinks made in the country. For example, the rum punch is made from local ingredients such as guava, orange, pineapples, and lime syrup. You can enjoy this drink after a meal.
BBQ
Anguillans love their barbecue; if you are looking for a barbecue with a twist, then this is the perfect location that you should visit. The moist pieces of meat sizzle as they are grilled slowly before being served with an accompaniment of your choice.
Fish
Anguilla is home to a wide array of fish species, and you can sample some of the exceptional delicacies from the island in this location. The fish is usually served with cornmeal, vegetables, and spiced coconut, among others.
Culture & People
Antigua
Antiguan culture is a blend of African heritage and European influence, making it a unique location. The culture is quite vibrant the people are welcoming.
Anguilla
Anguilla has a mixture of British and indigenous African culture. The locals are pleasant people, and you can learn so much about the country and history when you visit.
Best time to visit
Antigua
The best time that you can visit Antigua and Barbuda is from May through October. During this period, the temperatures are favorable, and they range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Anguilla
The best time that you can visit Anguilla is from May through August. You will find the best package deal because there is no rush for the available resources. However, if you want to avoid the harsh winters of Europe, then October through January can be your season.
Safety
Antigua
Antigua is generally safe to visit, and as a tourist, you must exercise some personal safety, such as keeping your belonging well and avoiding flashy jewelry while on the streets.
Anguilla
Anguilla is a safe island, and you can explore different parts of the island, whether during the day or at night. However, be sure to stay in well-lit places to avoid mugging, which is negligible, according to data.
