Antigua is a stunning island in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean. The island’s rich history has been well-preserved making this the perfect destination for history buffs and beach bums alike!
Christopher Columbus named the island Antigua in 1493 in honor of a cathedral found in Seville, Spain. In 1632, the first permanent British settlement was established on the island. Within a few decades, the British imported slaves on the island to work the sugar fields. By the mid-1770s, more than 37,500 slaves inhabited the island compared to 3,000 Brits.
In recent times, Antigua’s economy has shifted to rely heavily on the tourism industry. Antigua is a well-known luxury Caribbean escape. It is also the home to Antigua Sailing Week and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta which draws hundreds of yachts and sailboats from around the world.