English Leeward Islands Anguilla Because the land in the British colony of Anguilla was never very good for agriculture, its residents learned to make their living from the sea. It is a beach-lover's paradise, but it does not have the glitz and touristy shops of some of the other Caribbean islands. However, those who miss the crowds and the casinos can take a half-hour's boat ride to nearby St. Maarten/St. Martin's. Air connections are available from San Juan, the Virgin Islands, and some of the other islands in the region. Official language: English. Antigua At 108 square miles, this is the largest island in the British Leewards group. There are 366 public beaches on the island. While some are delightfully deserted, there are some, particularly in the northwest part of the island, that offer water sports, shopping, and nightlife. Those who don't want to spend their time on the beach or in the water may wish to rent a bicycle and explore some of Antigua's interior. Antigua and the tiny coral atoll of Barbuda, 26 miles away, got their independence from Britain in 1981. Official language: English. St. Kitts and Nevis These two islands, separated by a channel two miles wide, are the home to unspoiled beaches, fabulous rain forests, and interesting historic sites. In the early days of European colonization, green verve monkeys were introduced to St. Kitts from the Old World, and there are now more monkeys than there are people on the island. Visitors may enjoy a tour of Brimstone Hill, known in its heyday as the Gibraltar of the West Indies, with its restored 38-acre fortress. The views from the fort are spectacular. Nevis, slightly less developed than St. Kitts, has great beaches and an impressive volcanic mountain more than 3,000 feet high. The islands received their independence from Britain in 1983. Official language: English. Turks and Caucus This British Crown colony just north of Hispaniola consists of more then 40 islands, most of which are not inhabited. The capital, Grand Turk, is said to have gotten its name from the fact that the early settlers thought the red flowers of the native cactus resembled a Turkish fez. The islands have a reputation as a relatively quiet destination because there is not a port for cruise ships. and tourists have not flocked to the islands in large numbers. The Turks and Caucus have more than 230 miles of beaches, some very remote and accessible only by boat. Popular diving destinations off Grand Turk have names like the "Black Forest" and the "Library." Official language: English. |
