Antigua Holidays: Top 15 facts about Antigua
It might be smothered in more stunning beaches than you count, but there’s more to this tiny island than miles of sun-soaked shoreline. We’ll prove it! Did you know these super interesting facts about Antigua before today?
We already know it’s absolutely gorgeous, but there’s also a laundry list of other interesting facts about Antigua. Like, for example, did you know it’s home to the rarest snake in the world?
Well, you do now! But there’s more where that came from.
In this blog, we’ll list 15 truths about the island and go through them in more detail to give you an even better view of how amazing it truly is.
So, what are the facts?
15 Facts About Antigua
These 15 pieces of knowledge prove that there’s more going on in Antigua than gorgeous beaches and sun-filled days.
- Antigua & Barbuda is actually made up of three islands
- Mount Obama is the highest point on the island of Antigua.
- Antigua is one of the smallest countries on earth, ranked 182nd by area
- Antigua has been nicknamed the land of 365 beaches
- The current population of Antigua and Barbuda combined is 99,539
- Antigua has a rich cultural heritage of British and African influences
- English is a widely spoken language in Antigua and Barbuda.
- Antigua is home to the largest nesting colony of frigate birds in the Caribbean
- It’s quite likely you’ll encounter sharks, particularly reef and nurse sharks when diving near the coats of Antigua
- At least 182 bird species have been recorded in Antigua
- The national flag was adopted on 27 February 1967 to mark the achievement of self-government.
- Antigua is a foodie destination because of its fresh seafood, delicious rum, and flavourful dishes
- Antigua was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1493
- Cricket is the national sport
- The capital of Antigua is St John’s
1. Antigua and Barbuda is actually made up of three islands
Although the country is known as Antigua and Barbuda, there are actually three main islands which make up the nation: Antigua, Barbuda and an uninhabited island called Redonda – plus a few other even smaller atolls. Consider taking a day trip to Redonda, to check out the tranquil beaches, stunning cliffs, and diverse wildlife.
Bonus fact
The island of Antigua was born out of the sea by a volcano about 30 million years ago!
2. Antigua Has a Mountain Named After a President
Originally known as Boggy Peak, Mount Obama is the highest point on the island, standing just over 400m tall. The peak is part of the Shekerley Mountains, a low mountain range on the southwestern part of the island.
Although the peak was renamed after the 44th President of the United States in 2009, its name was reverted back to Boggy Peak in 2016. While it may not be the biggest range, exploring the mountains is one of the best excursions in Antigua. Climbing to the peak offers incredible views across Antigua and out towards the surrounding islands.
3. Antigua is one of the Smallest Countries on Earth
Antigua is only around 14 miles long and just 11 miles wide. With an area of 442 km² the islands are 550 times smaller than the UK. In fact, you could fit Antigua in the area of London three and a half times. The individual island of Antigua is around 280km², while Barbuda is roughly 160 km².
4. Antigua Has a Beach for Every Day of the Year
Known as the land of 365 beaches, the island is said to have a different beach for every day of the year. Make the most of your holiday to Antigua by booking resorts right on the sands – such as the adults-only Jolly Beach Antigua or the Pineapple Beach Club, with apartment-style rooms.
Plus, those beaches carry a pinky hue due to the presence of a red shell in the sand grains. This distinctive colouration makes them incredibly Instagrammable beaches.
5. Antigua Has a Population Under 100,000
The tiny nation is ranked 201st in the world for population and 130th for growth rate.
According to the data provided in the National Bureau of Statistics from Antigua and Barbados, as of 2021, the population of Antigua and Barbuda was projected around 98,000, up by nearly 2% compared with 2020. In 2024, travellers more than tripled the country’s population with over 300,000 visitors coming to stay on the islands.
6. Antigua has a Rich Cultural Heritage
One interesting fact about Antigua and Barbuda is that its cultural heritage spans from the UK to Africa.
It’s thought that this unique blend of influences stems from colonial times and the importing of thousands of West African slaves back in the 1800s.
However, there are still British influences across the islands today. Queen Elizabeth II is recognised as the Head of State still, they drive on the left-side of the road and there is a Princess Diana Beach which was renamed on what would have been her 50th birthday.
7. English is Widely Spoken in Antigua
Most people in the country speak some form of Antiguan and Barbudan Creole, an English-based Creole language rooted in English and Kwa languages. Much of the population also speaks Antiguan and Barbudan English, which is commonly used in government, business and academic settings. Spanish has also grown more common, mostly due to an influx of immigrants from the Dominican Republic back in the 80s.
8. Antigua has Frigate Birds for Days
You can find the largest colony of frigatebirds in the Western Hemisphere on Anitgua.
These brightly coloured birds inflate their pinky-red chests to attract a mate and have been named the national bird of the country because of the sterling work they do to balance the local fauna. The Frigate Bird Sanctuary on Barbuda is one of the best spots in the country to see these beautiful birds up close.
9. There are Jaws-ome Sharks in Antigua
It should come as no surprise that the azure Caribbean Sea waters around the 365 beaches are loaded with sharks. The thriving coral reefs and warm temperatures provide plenty of food sources.
However, an interesting fact about Antigua is that there has never been a shark attack here in recorded history.
Get up close with Antigua’s stunning underwater wildlife by booking at resorts like St James’s Club & Villas or its sister resort The Verandah, Antigua and heading out on a diving excursion with the Mamora Bay Divers Dive Shop.
10. Antigua has Fascinating, Unique Wildlife
Every country in the world has its own unique biodiversity. However, Antigua and Barbuda (and the surrounding islands) are the only places where you can catch a glimpse of certain creatures.
For example, the Antiguan Racer Snake, the rarest snake in the world, is critically endangered and can only be found on Great Bird Island just off Antigua.
11. Antigua’s Flag is Packed with Symbolism
Every national flag in the world is unique (that’s kinda the point of them), but Antigua’s is incredibly recognisable. The red and black banner carries an image of the rising sun, and each colour has a specific meaning.
Red symbolises the lifeblood of the island’s slave ancestors and the dynamism of the people. Meanwhile, black represents the soil and African heritage.
The gold, blue, and white elements stand for Antigua and Barbuda’s stunning sun, sea and sand.
12. You Can Enjoy Tasty, Unique Dishes in Antigua
There are many incredible restaurants in Antigua. But the abundance of fresh seafood and punchy flavours make it a perfect destination for foodies.
One of Antigua’s best-known dishes is fungee and pepperpot. Pepperpot is a kind of wholesome beef stew, usually served with fungee, a cornmeal dish similar to polenta. Popular sweets include peanut brittle, sugar cake and tamarind balls.
13. Antigua was named by Christopher Columbus
The eponymous Christopher Columbus was the first European to visit the island, way back in 1493. Following his visit, he renamed the island after the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua in Seville. The island’s indigenous population originally called the island Waladli, but – over time – this has transformed into Wadadli (a name you might spot on a local beer brand).
14. People in Antigua Don’t Just Like Cricket, They Love Cricket
The penultimate of our interesting facts about Antigua is that they adore cricket. As the national sport, cricket in Antigua is more like a religion than a common interest.
In fact, they have a national stadium and even produced one of the greatest players the world has ever seen, Sir Vivian Richards.
Along with international competition, the country also fields the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the Twenty20 Caribbean Premier League. They play matches at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, just outside Saint John’s.
15. Antigua’s Capital is a Must-Visit Destination
The capital city of Antigua and Barbuda is St John’s. Here you can find a mesmerising array of shops, bars, restaurants and beaches (of course). Check out historic sites like Fort James or the neo-Baroque Saint John’s Cathedral. Or, pay a visit to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda to learn even more fascinating facts about Antigua.
As well as being the capital, St John’s is also the largest city on the island and its main port. Making it a main stopping-off point for Caribbean cruises. Stay at nearby resorts like Royalton Antigua Resort and Hawksbill Resort Antigua to enjoy a little bit of everything that the island has to offer.
Explore it for yourself
All these incredible, interesting facts about Antigua and Barbuda showcase it as the wonderfully unique island it is. But don’t take our word for it, get out and explore it for yourself. If you’re ready to book your next getaway, check out our Antigua Holidays | 2025/2026 Packages on Blue Bay Travel right now.
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