Uncovering Antigua and Barbuda’s Hidden Gems: 5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations to Visit

Since the country is known for having 365 beaches, it can be hard to run out of places to visit and things to do in Antigua and Barbuda.

The beaches alone ensure you have different ones to visit and water sports and activities to try every day.

However, when you are visiting or moving to this country through its Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, you have to know that you don’t have to limit your destinations to its world-famous attractions.

Antigua and Barbuda also has several off-the-beaten-path destinations that you would do well to visit. 

Although you may have to take some time to know what these places are, learn how to reach them, and actually get there, all your planning and hard work will pay off since these places are hidden gems that are worth discovering.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Must-Visit Hidden Gems

Below are the five best off-the-beaten-path places that you have to visit while in Antigua and Barbuda:

1. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is located in the southeast part of Antigua and is one of the country’s best off-the-beaten-path attractions. It is a 40-minute drive from the cruise docks and requires a bit of a trek. Because of this, it is usually a quiet, uncrowded area.

The walking path to Half Moon Bay can be hard to find. Additionally, the paved but windy road also has little signage to help visitors.

Because of these reasons, if you want to visit this place, plan on visiting early in the morning. By doing so, you will arrive at the beach a few hours before lunch, allowing you to spend more time here before the sunset.

Keep in mind that you will also go on quite a long trek to get back to the main road. You don’t want to do this once it’s dark since you might get lost.

Waking up early and going on the long ride and trek will be worth it since the coastal area boasts soft white sands and clear turquoise waters. There are also various spots on the beach perfect for snorkelling, windsurfing, and other exciting activities.

There are a few beach bars in the area, so you can still indulge in some great eats and drinks during your stay here.

2. Rendezvous Bay

Rendezvous Bay is another off-the-beaten-path beach that you will surely love.

The bay is found on the southern coast of Antigua. To get here, you have to take a 90-minute walk through the rainforest or a 30- to 40-minute trek from Farrell Avenue.

Rendezvous Beach is an impressive 2,000-foot long beach. It is quite remote, so not many people come here.

The eastern beach is a pebbly, reef-lined coastline ideal for stimulating walks and runs.

On the other hand, the western beach is a spectacular stretch of soft white sand and clear blue waters. The area, which has a lush green and mountainous backdrop, is considered one of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

The waters are perfect for swimming and other activities that do not require motorised equipment. And with the soft sands and serene, picturesque backdrop, you’re sure to find it easy to relax here.

3. Road House Restaurant & Bar

If you are looking for an alternative to the famous Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant & Bar, head to the Road House Restaurant & Bar.

This restaurant and bar is an excellent place to go to if you are on the way to or coming from Half Moon Bay. Although it is a bit far from the central area, it is also worth a visit even if you don’t have plans of going to the beach.

Road House Restaurant & Bar serves scrumptious Caribbean-style breakfast and lunch throughout the week. Their menu is quite extensive; their most popular dishes include fried fish, wings, and conch chowder.

You also won’t be disappointed by the variety of offerings on their beverage menu.

Road House Restaurant & Bar can get pretty busy during the weekends, especially during Sundays when there is a live band, the perfect time to let your hair down, enjoy, and wear your best summer outfits. If you want to get a table, reserve one in advance.

4. Fort George

Antigua and Barbuda has several forts. One of its least visited yet most fascinating and historical sites in the country is Fort George, which is found on Monk’s Hill.

Fort George was once a vital and large defence post built in the late 17th century, overlooking Falmouth. It served as a signal station from where soldiers used flags, signal guns, and other devices to facilitate communication between the other fortifications.

The fort’s walls were built out of greenstone and its immense fortifications exceeded a kilometre in length. It also has a paved track that leads to the summit where you can get amazing views of Falmouth Bay and Nelson’s Dockyard.

Presently, the entire fort is now overrun by nature, giving out an uncanny yet exciting feeling of a “lost jungle city.” It is a splendid place to go to if you want to have a glimpse of the country’s history and be immersed in the country’s wilderness at the same time.

5. Barbuda Caves

Antigua’s twin island, Barbuda, has been slowly recovering since it was devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017. At present, it is now more accessible to visitors.

If you want to visit this isle’s hidden gems, head straight to its caves.

One of Barbuda’s must-visit caves is Darby’s Cave. It is not actually a true cavern but a vertical-sided sinkhole formed by substance underground, which caused its subsequent collapse.

The cave is thriving with vegetation, which resembles a mini-sinkhole, with the top of the palm trees at eye level. You will also see ferns, lianas, deer, and land turtles when you explore this area.

Darby’s Cave also has another area that features stalactites, with lengths of up to eight feet long.

Another cavern worth exploring in Barbuda is Indian Cave, where you can find petroglyph drawings on the cave walls left by Arawak Indians.

Lastly, Dark Cave features an enormous cavern with a large pool of water. It is the home of the rare species of amphipod, the blind eye shrimp, and several species of bats.

Experience Everything Antigua and Barbuda Has to Offer

If you want to visit Antigua and Barbuda, you can do so as a tourist. Another option is to obtain a passport issued by the country, which you can acquire through its Citizenship by Investment Program.

With an Antigua and Barbuda passport, you can enjoy visa-free travel to more than 130 countries, including all nations in the Caribbean. Moreover, you will have lifetime dual citizenship and the chance to own a home here.

Obtaining second citizenship from Antigua and Barbuda is something that you should consider if you want to stay for long periods in this country and explore more of its hidden gems.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you know other hidden gems in Antigua and Barbuda not mentioned here, please share them below.