Ideal places to relax or play, both Antigua and Barbuda are wonderful islands to let your hair down and unwind. Claiming to have a beach for every day of the year, these Caribbean paradises are the perfect getaways for those who want nothing more then to just chill and have some fun. What makes Antigua and Barbuda so great is that here you have a tremendous wealth of things to do and see.

If you are in Antigua for the beaches, then there are more than enough to go around. With roughly 365 beaches, this island is a water sports haven. Swim, dive, snorkel, sail, windsurf, cruise, parasail and fish your way to a fun-filled holiday. The waters here are prefect to enjoy a whole host of activities, with the sailing and yachting rated as being among the best in the world. Go for a sea-kayak ride or visit ‘Stingray City’ for an underwater adventure. You can also swim with the dolphins here or go windsurfing in Dickenson Bay.

For those land lovers who are here to kickback, shopping is aplenty with many markets and stalls found all over both the islands. If you happen to be staying out of St. John’s in the many resorts here, a trip to the central market in the capital is well worth it to absorb the fantastic culture that is on hand. Filled with plenty of handicrafts and everything else from chickens to delicious vegetables and succulent fruits, this market has it all. Another market you should also definitely see is the one in southern St. John’s on Saturdays in Market Street. You can find plenty of knickknacks here, along with brightly colored souvenirs.

If you enjoy touring, then a fort tour of Antigua is wonderful. Not only does this tour give you an insight into this island’s rich colonial heritage, but it also offers tourists some superb and breathtaking panoramas and vistas to enjoy. In the 1700’s the coastline of Antigua had a number of forts, thus giving it supremacy as a naval base. Though most of the forts are now in ruins, they still make for an excellent way to spend an afternoon. Fort Barrington, Fort James, Fort James Bay and Shirley Heights are all amazing places to explore.

To get a more authentic taste of calypso fun, try out a game of cricket! One of the most popular sports in the Caribbean and a national pastime, you will find plenty grown ups and kids playing cricket here in the many streets all over the island. Known for producing some of the best cricketers in the world such as Sir Viv Richards; a game of cricket is a fun way to soak in the local ambience.

Aside from cricket, tennis, golf and hiking are also popular pastimes for landlubbers. Antigua’s annual tennis week in May every year, draws a number of competitors from all over the world. There are plenty of hiking trails to be found both on Antigua and Barbuda that let you walk on for hours at a stretch. The Historical and Archaeological Society in Antigua often organizes group hikes. For the avid golfer, the best golf courses in Antigua are the Cedar Valley Golf Club and the Jolly Harbour Golf Club. On Barbuda, the K-Club has a 9-hole course.