The capital and the north
St. John's is the capital and main town, with the cathedral, the national museum, Saturday market, the duty free quays and the island's main bus stations. Just north, Dickenson Bay is the liveliest beach strip, with resorts, water sports and sunset bars, and it sits close to the airport.
The west coast
South of the capital the road follows a string of calm Caribbean beaches. Jolly Harbour is the hub, a marina village close to Jolly Beach, Valley Church, Ffryes and Darkwood, and the starting point for the rainforest and Mount Obama.
The south
English Harbour is the historic heart: Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, Falmouth Harbour and the superyacht scene, with good restaurants and walking trails.
The east
The east coast is wilder and less built up, with Half Moon Bay, Long Bay, Devil's Bridge, Betty's Hope plantation and boat trips from Seatons to Stingray City and Great Bird Island.
Barbuda
Barbuda lies about forty kilometres north. It is flat, quiet and lightly visited, with the frigate bird sanctuary, pink sand beaches and caves. Go by ferry or small plane for a day or longer.
Putting it together
Most first visits use one west or north coast base for beaches, add a day in English Harbour, an east coast excursion and a day on Barbuda. Our places to visit list helps you pick spots in each area, and the free trip planner helps you shape the days.