As you approach Anguilla by air , you notice a very flat , seemingly dry island of scrub and low bushes but also the vibrant blue , green and turquoise hues of the surrounding sea , which contrast against the white sand beaches that stretch all around the island . Anguilla is a beach lover ’ s paradise that offers numerous water sports too : diving , snorkelling and sailing are all possible around its shores . The island has several excellent restaurants so dining out is an additional pleasure here . Although the scenery is not dramatic , the beaches , the sea and the incredible charm , warmth and friendliness of the local people make Anguilla a very special destination .

TRAVEL POINTERS Access to Anguilla is via Antigua . Flying time from London to Antigua is approximately 8 hours . British Airways has direct flights from London Gatwick to Antigua . Virgin Atlantic has direct flights from London Gatwick to Antigua . Onward flight of between 30 and 50 minutes to Anguilla by LIAT . Private charters are also available at a supplement .

MALLIOUHANA VICEROY ANGUILLA

CUISINART CAP JULUCA

WALLBLAKE AIRPORT

“ FOR SEEMINGLY NEVER-ENDING SOFT WHITE SAND BEACHES LAPPED BY THE CLEAR WARM WATERS OF THE CARIBBEAN , ANGUILLA IS UNBEATABLE ”

TWO-CENTRE RECOMMENDATIONS Nevis and St Kitts , St Barts .

LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS The beaches at Shoal Bay East , Meads Bay and Rendezvous Bay . Island Harbour and Road Bay are harbours and beaches , lively and picturesque . Two miles offshore from Island Harbour is Scilly Cay where you can spend the day sunbathing , swimming and dining on lobster and crayfish specialities . Anguillan lobsters are renowned in this part of the Caribbean . Commemorative stamps depict birds and fish of the Caribbean . Leading local artist Weme Caster ’ s paintings and montages of Anguillan life . Boat racing is the national sport .

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT Being such a small , flat island , Anguilla is very easy to travel around . There are few roads so finding your way around is quite easy too . Taxis are readily available to take you from place to place or for island tours . Car or jeep hire is useful especially if you think you want to get out and about quite often . Boats can be chartered to take you around the island and to offshore islands and cays for swimming , snorkelling and diving . Ferry trips to St Martin .

FACTUAL INFORMATION Capital : The Valley Airport : Wallblake . Size of the island : 16 miles long and 3 miles wide . Population : 9,000 approximately . Average temperature : About 26 degrees Centigrade .

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