Antigua (pronounced an-TEE-ga) doesn't have the quaint shopping zones of islands like St. Thomas or St. Croix. And it doesn't have the lush tropical beauty of islands such as Jamaica or St. Lucia.

What Antigua has are beaches: 365 of them, a beach for every day of the year. Stretches of white sand that border turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Beaches where the two of you can walk hand in hand and hardly see another soul. Beaches where you can shop for local crafts and buy a burger at beachside grill. And beaches where you can just curl up under a tall coconut palm and sit until the sun sinks into the sea and marks the end of another perfect Caribbean day.

This 108-square-mile limestone and coral island is somewhat scrubby, with rolling hills, especially on the southern reaches. The capital city is St. John's, home of most of the tourist shopping and the cruise port.

The south shore of the island is favored by yachties, who call into Nelson's Dockyard at English Harbour.

For lovers in search of real peace and quiet, tiny Barbuda may just be the answer. This exclusive island is a jetsetter's hideaway, but it's also a nature lovers' island. Accessible as a day-trip from Antigua or as a vacation destination of its own, this small island is much less developed than its larger sister. Outside the lavish resorts, the island belongs to the wildlife, primarily the feathered variety. It's also noted for its spectacular beaches, long stretches of either pink or white sand that divide the sea from the land.

Festivals

The hottest event of the year is Antigua Sailing Week, held each year in April. During this time, Antigua hotel rooms can be hard to come by (in fact, many hotels continue their high season prices just to include this busy week). During this week, Nelson's Dockyard at English Harbour comes to life with the color and pageantry of the largest regatta in the Caribbean. Parties, barbecues, races, Lord Nelson's Ball, and more highlight this annual event, now in its third decade.

Other special events include the Culinary Exposition in late May and Independence Day on November 1st. Carnival is the hottest summer activity, held each year from late July to early August with musical entertainment, parades, and Antiguan cuisine.

In late October and early November, the Hot Air Balloon Festival lights the skies. Close to a dozen hot air balloons schedule launches at English Harbour, Newfield, Jolly Harbour, St. John's, Curtain Bluff, and other sites around the island. To celebrate Antigua's independence, British skydivers jump from 2,000 feet carrying the Antiguan flag. Other festivities include parades, gun salutes, and dancing in St. John's. A night flight over English Harbour is a spectacular scene to witness. Contact the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism for more information on any of these events.  212-541-4117.