Anguilla

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Overview

British Overseas Territory, northernmost Leeward Island and home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the Caribbean

With its reputation as a tax haven and predominance of luxury hotels, Anguilla is not one of the Caribbean's cheapest destinations. But its extensive beaches are stunning and the diving offered both around the island and at nearby cays is amongst the best in the region.

The Valley is the island's administrative centre and it is here you'll find the island's handful of 'sights'. Wallblake House is a restored plantation house dating from 1787. St Gerard's Roman Catholic Church and the nearby Methodist Church are other old buildings of note.

Road Bay/Sandy Ground Village is where the action is, both day and night. It's the starting point for most day trips and dive tours and a popular anchorage for visiting yachts. When the sun sets the restaurants and bars start buzzing.

Further afield, The Fountain National Park is home to ancient Amerindian petroglyphs. There is also an Amerindian ceremonial centre, Big Spring Cave, near Island Harbour. Modern day Robinson Crusoe’s will enjoy Sandy Island, a deserted cay that is ideal for snorkelling and swimming.

Nature lovers should visit between April to November to spot leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles on the beaches at Maunday's Bay, Mead's Bay, Captain's Bay and Limestone Bay.

Wanderlust recommends

A day trip to Scrub Island – this uninhabited island boasts white sand beaches, crystal blue waters and the evocatively named Deadman's Cay.
Sandy Hill Bay – secluded and tranquil with a great old fort to explore.
Enjoy a cocktail from an Anguillan beach bar; preferably a classic West Indian shack like Johnno's at Sandy Ground.
Take a hike with the Anguilla National Trust to the unexpectedly remote areas around Anguilla's eastern end, including some of the island's better archaeological sites.
Dive. With some of the Caribbean's most spectacular reefs on your doorstep, you'd be mad not to.