Beach Travel Destination: Anguilla
BEACH TRAVEL DESTINATION: ANGUILLA
Approximately 16 miles long and 3 miles wide with a total land area of only 35 square miles, Anguilla remains one of the most popular beach travel destinations for beach go'ers from around the world. Anguilla is a British territory located in the Caribbean. It is one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, lying east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and directly north of Saint Martin. The territory consists of the main island of Anguilla, which is approximately 16 miles long by 3 miles wide, together with a number of much smaller islands and cays that have no permanent population. The total land area of the territory is only 35 square miles, with a population of approximately 13,500.
Capital: The Valley Population: Around 13,500 Official Language: English
Government: Parliamentary dependency under a constitutional monarchy
Legislature: House of Assembly Main Religion: Christianity Official
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Motto: “Unity, Strength and Endurance”
Climate: Tropical
Average Annual Temperature: 80° F
Airport: Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport
Fun Fact: The name Anguilla is a form of earlier Spanish anguila, French anguille, or Italian anguilla, all meaning "eel" in reference to the island's shape. For similar reasons, it was formerly known as, “Snake” or “Snake Island.”
Don’t Miss: Gwen's Reggae Bar on Shoal Bay East, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch, live reggae on Sundays, and then take a nap on a relaxing hammock under a palm tree grove.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Beaches: Anguilla has 33 pristine beaches with water colors ranging from aquamarine to cobalt blue. Beaches of all kinds, from gentle shoreline of Rendezvous Bay, perfect for a casual stroll, to the colorful beach bars situated on the white sands of Shoal Bay. The village beach of Sandy Ground welcomes fun times only – including dancing under the stars, beach parties and boat racing, as well as secluded coves, such as Little Bay, which offer picturesque scenes at every turn. All of Anguilla’s beaches are public, generally uncrowded and unspoiled.
Land Sports: While boat racing is Anguilla’s national sport, you will also find cricket, soccer, tennis, cycling and golf. Anguilla’s first and only championship level golf course, Cusinart Golf Resort & Spa, has been compared to California’s Pebble Beach. Designed by Greg Norman, this 7,063 yard course offers water features on 13 holes a Pro Shop, and unbelievable views of the ocean. For tennis enthusiasts, you can visit the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) at Blowing Point, a world class facility the offers courts to the public. Ronald Webster Park also has two tennis courts. Biking is another way to explore the island and if you enjoy the competitive side of biking, catch the John T. Memorial Cycling Race held each July by the Anguilla Cycling Association.
Water Sports: Waterskiing, tubing and banana boat rides are offered throughout the island, as well as kiteboarding, windsurfing and sail fishing. Regular fishing charters guide you to some of the top spots for fishing in the Caribbean. If you are interested in snorkeling or scuba diving, you can explore one of seven marine parks on the island including Dog Island, Prickly Pear, Seal Island Reef System, Little Bay, Sandy Island, Shoal Bay Harbor Reef System, and Stoney Bay Marine Park.
Art Galleries: Art lovers can enjoy a plethora of popular art galleries, including Art Café, Cheddies Carving Studio, Devonish Art Gallery, Estate Hope Art Studio, Lynne Bernbaum Art Studio, Savannah Gallery, Sea Rocks Studio, The Anguilla Arts and Crafts Shop, and the World Art & Antiques Gallery.
Sightseeing Tours: To be sure you don’t miss any of the island’s off-the-beaten path treasures, you can book a sightseeing tour with any of the established local tour companies, including Conchshell Environmental Tours, Turtle Nesting, Wallblake House Tour (pictured above), The Heritage Collection, and the Old Salt Factory and Pumphouse
Copyright 2016 © Lisa Springsteel Dupré of Launch Your Collection for Asher Marie
