St Johns © Roger W

Antigua is a port of call on many South Caribbean cruises, with most ships docking at Nevis Pier in the deep-water harbour of St John's, the island capital. Tourist activity is generally centred around the harbour-front amenities of Heritage Quay, popular with cruise passengers, and the more traditional Redcliffe Quay.

Must-see attractions include Nelson's Dockyard, in English Harbour, which pays testament to Antigua's past as a Royal Navy base. Visitors should also venture up the hill to Shirley Heights, where the ruins of the Royal Navy lookout fort give panoramic views of both the English and Falmouth harbours.

Antigua has one of the best natural harbours in the region and has berthing facilities that can accommodate up to four of the world's largest cruise ships at a time. At a depth of 35 feet (10.6m), with the channel widening into the harbour, there is a vast turning circle for the ships.

Contact

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

Tel: +1 268 562 7600

www.visitantiguabarbuda.com/

Transport

Immediately outside Heritage Quay there are plenty of taxis available. Rates are set by the government, although it is advisable to negotiate a fare before leaving the port. Rental car companies operating in St John's include Avis, Hertz, Dollar and Budget. Walking in and around town is also a pleasant option.

Attractions

Aside from the nautical attractions of Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights, Antigua also has around 365 stunning beaches to enjoy. The beach closest to St. John's is at Fort Bay, near Fort James. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, housed in the nostalgically colonial Court House, is also interesting and displays artefacts from as far back as 35 AD.

Restaurants

Sheer Rocks for Mediterranean cuisine with fantastic sunset views.

Big Banana Pizzas in Paradise for a friendly eatery serving some of the best pizza and grilled chicken sandwiches in the Caribbean.

Best Dish

Antiguan lobster flambé (with cavalier rum)

Shopping

Both the Heritage and Redcliffe quays have lovely shops to entice cruise passengers, with everything from clothing to hand-crafted souvenirs to tempt shoppers. On Friday and Saturday mornings, the farmers market (southern St John's) sells local crafts and fresh produce.

Best Buy

Handmade ceramics (the Sarah Fuller Pottery Stand on Redcliffe Quay).

Excursions

Explore nearby Redonda, the world's smallest island kingdom

Visit Antigua's unspoilt sister island, Barbuda

Take a yachting day-trip from Jolly Harbour to experience fabulous Antigua sailing