Antigua and Barbuda: Located in the Caribbean Sea, Antigua and Barbuda is an archipelago, of which Antigua is the largest and most populous. It is home to no fewer than 365 beaches.

Antigua and Barbuda is a small country in the West Indies, located near Guadeloupe. The country is made up of two main islands and a number of minor ones. In 1493, Christopher Columbus landed on these islands on his second voyage to the New World.

The country's official language is English, although most inhabitants speak Creole.

The paradisiacal beaches of Antigua and Barbuda are among the most beautiful in the West Indies. The powdery white sand is accompanied by impressive turquoise waters. This island is made for sailing. Viewed from the sea, it is superb. The boat enters bays and coves of turquoise water and you can swim in heavenly spots. Diving enthusiasts will also marvel at the coral reefs offered by Antigua.

On the other hand, walking around the island holds few surprises. The British cut down the original vegetation to plant sugar cane, which is no longer grown and has not been replaced. The only place on the island where there is still some beautiful woodland is Old Road in the south-west. The view from the top of Shirley Heights is not to be missed. The old sugar plantations date back to the 18th century and have been transformed into bars and restaurants.

Nature lovers will find plenty to do on Barbuda, the northern island. Preserved from mass tourism and sparsely populated, it offers breathtaking scenery, thanks in particular to its pink sandy beaches. It is also an excellent bird-watching spot. It is one of the most unspoilt islands in the West Indies.

Local dishes include dried fish, goat stew, fish or chicken. These can be enjoyed in the small restaurants of St John's. But the island also boasts a number of talented chefs, who often combine traditional dishes from their own countries with their own gastronomic creations. There are excellent Caribbean, French, Italian and Indian restaurants. The best restaurant on the island, Chez Pascal, is in Galley Bay. It serves tasty local Caribbean-style cuisine. At the market, depending on the season, you can find mangoes, guavas, pineapples, oranges, papayas, breadfruit... And of course all the seafood.

Sugar cane has shaped the face of Antigua since the early days of Western colonisation. The islands have a strong Western and American influence. There are many off-shore banks. At weekends and during Carnival, steel band (large metal drums) and reggae orchestras perform.