The Best Beaches in Antigua—And Where to Stay Nearby

05.11.2024 - 17:51 / cntraveler.com

We have a way of exaggerating things in the Caribbean: Jamaica’s seven-mile beach is roughly four miles, and Bonaire’s 1,000-step limestone staircase is only 67 steps, for example. But in Antigua, there really are 365 beaches, enough to fill a calendar year—and the island’s undulating coastline is a beach lovers playground where bay hopping is a mandatory island pastime.

I’ve traveled all over the Caribbean, and Antigua's beaches are truly some of the best—mainly because of the sheer variety. Want calm, shallow waters? Or seeking bigger waves that pound the surf? Maybe you want a deserted cove? Fortunately, Antigua has it all. Though it's difficult to choose the best beaches in Antigua among the (actual) hundreds across the island, here are seven of the biggest names to work into your itinerary—and the best place to stay near each one, if you want to experience it for a little bit longer.

The luxury, adults-only Hammock Cove Resort & Spa has its own secluded beachfront, but a day trip to Half Moon Bay is only 25 minutes away.

On the island's southeast side, the remote Half Moon Bay is 40 minutes from the capital via winding roads, but the journey is rewarded with a stunning crescent-shaped beach with few visitors. Bodysurfers hang out on the island's south end, while snorkelers enjoy the calm, clear waters on the island's north end. Beach Bum Bar and Grill, steps from the shore, is a rustic beach shack with a chalkboard menu and plates of hand-battered coconut shrimp and local lobster. Bring your own beach towels; there’s little on the beach except a few picnic tables scattered under palm trees.

Where to stay: The luxury, adults-only Hammock Cove Resort & Spa has its own secluded beachfront, but a day trip to Half Moon Bay is only 25 minutes away.

Flanked by sea grape trees, Ffryes Bay is only a 10-minute taxi ride from downtown St. John on the island's west coast. The curl of white sand beach rarely fills up, and on Sundays, locals come here to cool off. The beach’s gentle slope and calm, shallow waters are a magnet for families with young kids, and along with chair and umbrella rentals, there are BBQ facilities if you want to DIY your cookout. If you’d rather sit back and watch the waves lap the shore from a patio table, head to Dennis Beach Bar for fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs, curry conch, or fried snapper.

Where to stay: A bit north of Fryes Beach, Cocobay is a collection of private villas with infinity pools that overlook the water.

The red phone booth on Dickenson Bay is a near-iconic image of the best beaches in Antigua.

Google beaches in Antigua, and a few images usually pop up: an aerial shot of English Harbour and a shot of a red phone booth on Dickenson Bay. While Dickenson Bay isn’t the