Here is one of the most beautiful oases in the Caribbean, which has remained almost completely unspoiled and a place where nature is the absolute protagonist : we are talking about Barbuda, one of the islands that make up the nation of Antigua and Barbuda. In addition to being one of the ideal destinations for fans of Caribbean and deserted beaches (Barbuda Pink Sand Beach is among the most famous in the world), this island offers a unique wildlife, including for example the famous “frigate Bird Sanctuary” , its huge bird population typical of this land area.
So here is the guide to Barbuda: where it is, when to go and what you shouldn’t miss !
Travel informed: useful information
- Population : 1,638
- Residential town: Codrington
- Languages : English
- Local currency : East Caribbean dollar (€ 1.00 = $ 2.97)
- Time Zone : GMT-4 (-4 hours compared to Italy, -5 hours when daylight saving time is in force here)
- Climate : tropical climate, on average 29 °
- Vaccinations : no vaccinations are required
- Entry requirements : valid passport (at least 3 months from expiry), confirmed stay and return ticket. For Italian tourists, in particular, a visa is not required
- Distance from Italy : 1,580 km (14-15 hours of flight)
- Travel / health insurance : recommended. With us you get a 10% discount and you have full coverage, 24h medical insurance and unlimited telephone advice. Get
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Where is
Barbuda and one of the islands, second in importance, which are part of the small nation of Antigua and Barbuda; these are in fact both politically independent. The central government is based in Antigua, but Barbuda controls its affairs through a locally elected council. Starting from 1981, the year in which the independence of these islands was proclaimed, Queen Elizabeth II remained as head of state (given the historical past of British belonging), however to represent the state and a governor general.
How to get
- From Milan : there are no direct flights to the St. John’s airport in Antigua and Barbuda, so you can make a stopover in London, then from there in about 8 hours you arrive in Antigua; from here the flight to Barbuda takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Antigua is also connected to Barbuda by a catamaran: Barbuda Express, departs Port of Saint Johns, 5 times a week and takes about 90 minutes, € 45.50
Compare flights from Milan from € 510.00 – see the offers - From the main European capitals : there are several companies that connect the main European capitals to Barbuda, such as Virgin Atlantic or British Airways
When to go
Info on climate and best period
Month Average temperatures (min / max) Precipitation (days / mm) January 23 ° / 25 ° 5 days / 11 mm
February 23 ° / 25 ° 9 days / 45 mm
March 23 ° / 29 ° 7 days / 45 mm
April 23 ° / 29 ° 7 days / 70 mm
May 25 ° / 30 ° 9 days / 90 mm
June 27 ° / 30 ° 8 days / 60 mm
July 27 ° / 30 ° 12 days / 85 mm
August 27 ° / 30 ° 13 days / 100 mm
September 27 ° / 30 ° 12 days / 130 mm
October 24 ° / 30 ° 12 days / 140 mm
November 24 ° / 30 ° 12 days / 135 mm
December 23 ° / 27 ° 12 days / 85 mm
- Climate : tropical, there is a cooler and drier season between January and April, and a hot, rainy and sultry season between June and November; however the climate is hot and humid for most of the year. They are recorded on average 25 ° in January and February, and around 28 ° from June to September. Precipitation is rather limited due to the trade winds. The sea is warm enough all year round: from 26 ° C from January to April to 29 ° C in September.
- Best period : between December and April, when the climate is less rainy and muggy.
- Period to avoid : August and September are the wettest months, slightly less June and July, during which hurricanes could also occur.
- Advice : if you decide to leave between December and April, bring light clothes and a sweatshirt for the evening. For those leaving from May to November, opt for very light clothes and a raincoat for thunderstorms. For lovers of water sports, don’t forget aquatic or rubber-soled shoes for the coral reef.
Most Beautiful Beaches
1 – Barbuda Pink Sand Beach
Perhaps the most famous beach in Barbuda for the color of the sand which has pink shades caused by the presence of corals; this place is also quite surreal because it is characterized by scarce vegetation and seems to be suspended between the blue of the sky and the blue of the sea.
Ideal if you love deserted, uncontaminated places where tourist attractions are almost completely scarce; perfect place for snorkeling and to admire the famous coral reefs.
- Where it is : in the west of the island, 6 km south of the capital Codrington. It can only be reached by minicar, electric car, by bike or by sea – Get directions
- Ideal for : relaxation and swimming
- Type : white and pink sand
2 – Princess Diana Beach
Named in honor of Princess Diana, it is a long white beach washed by a cobalt blue sea. Unfortunately, the vegetation was swept away by a hurricane and therefore there are few shady areas.
Here until a few years ago there was the beautiful Krizia resort but it has been closed.
- Where is it : in the south of the island 14 km from the town of Codrington and can be reached by private bus or car – Get directions
- Ideal for : relaxation
- Type : fine white sand
3 – Low Bay beach
This wonderful and little frequented beach and you will feel a bit Robinson Crusoe as it is located a few miles away from Barbuda; the sand is white and soft, the turquoise sea and here and there a few palm trees are scattered to shelter from the sun.
The only danger is the currents that can be strong here and create undertow.
- Where is it : The beach is located on a small island west of Barbuda, 15 minutes by boat; you arrive with a water taxi – Get directions
- Ideal for : relaxation
- Type : white sand
4 – Gravenory Bay
This large bay in the southernmost part of Barbuda is characterized by a large beach lapped by waters rich in fish.
During windy days it is ideal for those who love windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Where it is : in the southern tip of Barbuda, 16 Km from Codrington; it can be reached by car or private bus – Get directions
- Ideal for : windsurfing, snorkeling and relaxation
- Type : white sand
5 – Coco Point
Another sensational beach of Barbuda and this one, characterized by white sand, a large shore and the coral reef a few meters from the shore where you can see turtles and different colored fish.
There is also a very expensive resort here, but the beach is open to everyone!
- Where is it : on the southern tip of the island, not far from Princess Diana Beach; it can be reached by car or private bus – Get directions
- Ideal for : relaxation and snorkeling
- Type : white sand
6 – Codrington Lagoon
Although not a real beach, this lagoon should be mentioned among the things to see in Barbuda; this place, near the Nature Reserve and characterized by brackish water, habitat of thousands of frigate birds that nest in the surrounding mangroves.
- Where it is : Codrington lagoon extends in several points in the north center of the island and can be reached by boat with organized excursions – Get directions
- Ideal for : spotting frigate birds
- Type : mangroves
7 – Palmetto Point
This beach is located on the central west tip of Barbuda and is a rather lonely place as it is difficult to reach .
The sand is so white that it dazzles and the sea has splendid colors; however the waters are immediately deep so you have to pay attention.
- Location : 7km south of Codrington, on the west tip of the island. It can be reached by car up to a certain point and then on foot; alternatively with a taxi boat
- Ideal for : relaxation
- Type : white sand
8 – Two Foot Bay
To reach this beach you cross the island on bumpy roads lined with cacti and once you arrive what awaits you is a place where the sea is often rough but you can still see the first settlements of the Indians on this beach. island.
Several caves and carvings characterize this place away from it all.
- Where is it : This place is located north east and is 7km from Codrington; and reachable by car or private bus – Get directions
- Ideal for : hiking
- Type : rocks, rocks, stones and sand
9 – Spanish Point
The name of this beach derives from the ancient Spanish ship wrecked just a few miles from here , where the waters of the ocean meet those of the Caribbean Sea.
This place is perfect for lovers of diving and snorkelling as it is home to one of the most beautiful coral reefs on the island .
- Where it is : in the south-east of the island, 16 km from Codrington and can be reached by private car or bus
- Ideal for : snorkeling and diving
- Type : rocks, rocks, hard sand on one side and soft sand on the other
10 – North Beach
On this wonderful beach there are the 4 “huts” of a very exclusive resort, but you can access it even if you are not a customer.
Here the beach is long and white, sometimes taking on pink shades and the sea is crystal clear and transparent, ideal for long swims and relaxation.
- Where it is : north of Barbuda at the northernmost point of the Codrington Lagoon and can be reached by taxi boat – Get directions
- Ideal for : relaxation
- Type : white sand
What to see and what to do
- Caves of Barbuda : they border the cliff on the sea and it is possible to see different species of animals that inhabit Barbuda; there and then a cave with petroglyphs that were left by the Arawak people.
- Frigate Bird Sanctuary : the island is home to the largest frigate bird colony in the Western Hemisphere; in particular it is located in the Codrington lagoon, and is accessible only by a short boat trip with an expert guide.
- Martello Tower : it is located on the southern coast and was erected in the early 1800s as a defense base for the British, to guard the landing on the river and the original quay of the island.
- Other excursions, tours and activities :
How much is a holiday in Barbuda
Prices, offers and advice
Photo by Yan Renucci. It is certainly not a cheap trip ! If you had to choose when to go, April is the perfect time as you will find very little rain and the climate will not be too sultry; and maybe some more offers.
Generally most of the people who decide to visit Antigua and Barbuda choose to stay in Antigua (just 90 minutes by fast catamaran) because it is full of services and resorts for all tastes.
However, in Barbuda you could stay overnight at one of the resorts located on the northern coast of the island.
For a 7-night all-inclusive stay, starting from Milan Malpensa airport, there are various packages on offer starting from € 3,456 per couple; the rest, then sports activities or car rentals to get around the island, will raise the cost up to about € 3,800.
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 150.00 per room – look at the offers
- Low cost flights: starting from € 510.00 – look at the offers
- Flight + hotel: Round trip flight + 10 days / 8 nights from € 1,850.00 per person – see the offers
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