Discover Antigua's best beaches

Fringed by 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – Antigua is paradise for anyone who measures happiness in grains of sand. The water glows turquoise, beach bars hum with reggae and there’s always a rum punch waiting. But the island’s appeal runs deeper than its shoreline, with rainforest zip-lines, colonial forts and a culture bursting with flavour.

Here’s how to find your favourite corner of Antigua, from secret coves to sunset parties and everything beyond the beach.

Antigua’s best beaches

Ffryes Beach – South of Jolly Harbour, this stretch of soft sand is one of Antigua’s quieter hideaways. Pack a picnic of spicy jerk chicken and pineapple from the local market, then grab a spot at Dennis Cocktail Bar & Restaurant for ‘Arthur’s Catch of the Day’ and views to die for. The water barely bothers to ripple, the crowd’s low-key and the sunsets are some of the best on the west coast.

Valley Church Beach – With its teal-green water and backdrop of low forested hills, Valley Church is pure colour therapy. The sand is cool and powder-fine, the sea made for lazy swims, and the beach bar serves the island’s best fish tacos. Sitting just south of Jolly Harbour, it’s an easy favourite for a long, unhurried afternoon.

Dickenson Bay – This is Antigua’s showpiece beach and the one that nails the postcard brief every time. Long and lively, it’s edged with watersports huts, beachfront restaurants and sailing boats bobbing just offshore. Paddleboard past the reef, then head back for a lime spritz with your feet in the sand.

Half Moon Bay – Curving around Antigua’s southeastern tip, this sweep of sand has a wilder, more natural feel. Trade swimmers for bodyboarders (the surf can get lively) or take the short clifftop path for spectacular sea views. Stop by Smiling Harry’s for a cold drink before the drive back.

Nonsuch Bay – Tucked away on the east coast, this is Antigua for the in-the-know. The sheltered waters are made for sailing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding, with lessons available at the small watersports centre. Make time for nearby Devil’s Bridge, where the Atlantic crashes dramatically through natural rock arches.

Darkwood Beach – Known for its clear-as-gin shallows, this beach is made for snorkelling straight from shore – look out for parrotfish gliding through the seagrass. There’s a rustic beach bar for grilled lobster and a front-row view of Montserrat on the horizon. Come mid-afternoon, the light here turns everything a soft gold.

Fort Bay Beach – Just a short stroll from St John’s, this is where locals come to cool off after work. Stop by the capital’s colourful markets, then join in a game of beach cricket before catching the sunset with a cold Wadadli beer in hand.

Hawksbill Beach – A cluster of four coves framed by tropical gardens and shady trails. Each has its own personality, from gently shelving bays made for swimming to rockier patches where you’ll spot angelfish weaving between the coral. Bring a snorkel and drift over the coral near the headland, where the water shifts from jade to aquamarine and pelicans dive for their dinner.

Mosquito Cove – Don’t let the name fool you. It takes its name from the small fishing boats once nicknamed “mosquitoes” for their speed and size, which used to dot the bay. These days it’s a favourite among yachties who drop anchor for a swim and a cold drink well away from the crowds.

Runaway Beach – A west-coast stretch that lives up to its name in all the right ways. You’ll spot hotel staff cooling off after shifts and paddleboarders tracing lazy circles in the bay. The shallows stretch forever, the water’s glass-clear and the beach bars pour a mean rum punch, heavy on nutmeg and freshly squeezed lime.

Beyond the beaches: what to see and do

Antigua’s beaches bring this Caribbean island major kudos, but the rest of the island easily holds its own. Start at Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the story of Britain’s naval history in the Caribbean. Wander through the restored Georgian buildings, browse local art studios, stop by the small museum for a quick history hit and grab a coffee at the historic Admiral’s Inn.

For a fix of adventure, head inland to the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour, where zip-lines send you soaring through emerald treetops. Or take to the water with a catamaran cruise around the island’s coastline – expect a highlight reel of hidden beaches and sea turtles keeping pace with the hull.

Foodies will find plenty to love here too. Sample local specialities like conch fritters, pepperpot stew and saltfish at roadside stalls, or book a table at one of the island’s fine-dining spots (French-inspired Catherine’s Café is one of our favourites) where chefs reimagine Caribbean flavours with flair. Don’t miss the Shirley Heights Lookout on a Sunday evening, when the whole island gathers for barbecue, steel drums and sunset views over English Harbour – hands down one of the best parties in the Caribbean.

Where to stay

Keyonna Beach Resort: Couples flock to this chic beachfront haven for its farm-and-boat fresh food, authentic activities (such as steel pan lessons and a Caribbean cooking class) and adorably rustic rooms – upgrade to a Beachfront Sanctuary Pool Cottage for the extra wow factor.

The Verandah Antigua: This relaxing, adults-only resort has a plum position between two powdery coves. Unwind with a sea salt scrub in the spa, sip ice-cold beers in the Wavy Wicket Pub and tuck into everything from ocean-inspired dishes to Papa Ricco’s pizzas as part of your all-inclusive stay.

Antigua Access All Areas: See two sides to Antigua. Kick off your escape at Pineapple Beach Club, where soft sands, laid-back bars and that anything-goes holiday mood set the scene. Then dial it up at Galley Bay Resort & Spa, a boutique beauty serving up sheer tranquillity and five-star pampering on tap.

When to visit Antigua

You’ll find the sun clocking in almost every day in Antigua, with average temperatures sitting around 28°C. The dry season runs from December to April, perfect for winter escapes. May and June are quieter but still balmy, and by late July the island turns up the volume for Carnival with music, parades and a riot of colour.

This article was created on 9th December 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Feature by Heather Flanagan.