While the territory's official name is Antigua and Barbuda, it really consists of three islands. Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda are included. This is definitely one of the things about Antigua and Barbuda you should know.

Redonda is a 0.5-square-mile rocky and desolate volcanic rock (1.3 square km). It towers over the Caribbean Sea at 1,000 feet (305 meters). Despite its small size, the little island has its own monarchy and king. It, along with the other islands, became a British property in the 1860s. According to legend, in 1865, Shiell, a quarter-Irish Montserratian businessman, planned to seize the island so that his newborn son might become King of Redonda. The Bishop of Antigua anointed him King Felipe I of Redonda on his 15th birthday. Since then, there has been a king.

Antigua is approximately 108 square miles (280 square km) in size. It is primarily flat and undulating, although there are volcanic rocks that reach 1,330 feet (405 meters) in the west. It is the location of the country's capital, Saint John's.

Barbuda, originally known as Dulcina, is located 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Antigua. It is a coral island with several trees and mountains. It receives less precipitation than Antigua. The lone community is Codrington, which is located on a lagoon to the west.

Because of the island's lengthy history as a British colony, English is the official language. Patois, which is related to Jamaican Creole, is the local dialect of English. Approximately 150,000 people in the Leeward Islands speak this natively. With the increase in immigration, Guyanese Creole, Trinidadian Creole, Jamaican Creole, and Bajan Creole are gradually influencing this creole language. Even now, Standard English is often tied to the speaker's social standing.

As a result of significant immigration from the Dominican Republic in the early 1980s, there is also a considerable Spanish-speaking community there. Spanish-language signage is common in metropolitan areas, and there is a rising number of Spanish-speaking churches. Some government services are also available in Spanish. Since the early 2000s, there has been a Spanish language curriculum at public schools with a large Hispanic student population.

Mount Obama is the nickname given to the island's tallest mountain. It was previously known as Boggy Peak, but the island changed its name in 2009 to commemorate Obama's historic election victory. It is known as Antigua's "Everest," rising 1,319 feet (402 metres) over the island's southern tip. It's also a scenic location, topped by lush trees, and a favorite hiking destination. The entire region is a national park, with new paths being built along the northern side of Christian Valley all the time. It also acts as a television and telecommunications transmission facility.

The hills were used for sugarcane plantations during the colonial era. The old name, Boogy Peak, stemmed from slave owners' myths about the Boogie Man, who took spirits and dwelt on the highlands. They would tell them the narrative in order to discourage slaves from fleeing. African slaves who escaped would hide out in the neighboring hills, establishing their own villages.

One of the things about Antigua and Barbuda you should know is the Frigate Bird. Frigate birds are red-and-blackbirds that are distinguished by their huge inflated chests and attract bird watchers from all over the world. Because of their size, they are commonly referred to as "man o' war" birds. The most numerous frigate bird colony in the western hemisphere may be found at Barbuda's Codrington Lagoon National Park. The park preserves a vast estuary that is home to one of the world's largest frigate bird populations. Every year, about 2500 roost in the mangroves. The best time to visit is during the mating season, which lasts from September to April.

The lagoon can only be reached by licensed marine taxi from the Codrington Jetty, which must be reserved through the tourist office. There are many other birds to view. Expect to see sea pelicans, gulls, and terns, as well as tropical mockingbirds and West Indian whistling tree ducks.

The island's national dish is fungie, pronounced foon-jee. The dish is similar to Italian polenta in that it combines cornmeal with a robust vegetable mash and sauce. It's a zesty cross between porridge and spaghetti that's generally prepared with saltfish. Under colonial control, it was most likely carried to the Caribbean by African slaves. It's typically served like rice, pasta, or porridge, but it can also be rolled into balls.

Although these cuisines are traditional to Antigua and Barbuda and several other Caribbean nations, the local diet has expanded and now includes Jamaican specialties such as jerk meats or Trinidadian dishes such as Roti, as well as other Caribbean countries.

This homestyle Antiguan meal is prepared across the country. Millers by the Sea in St. Johns has some of the greatest. It's accompanied by conch water and saltfish. This is also one of the things about Antigua and Barbuda you should know when you come to this island.

One of the things about Antigua and Barbuda you should definitely know is the beaches in Antigua. Antigua is known as "the country of 365 beaches" because there is a beach every day of the year! It's not without reason; the island has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. There is a beach for everyone, whether you want watersports, bustling beach bars, or isolated coves. There are several beaches to visit, ranging from the tiny crescent beaches of Hawskill Bay to the limitless length of white sands at Darkwood.

Dickenson Bay, located in the northwest of the island, with powdery white beaches and quiet waters (as still as a bath) that are ideal for families. Head to Valley Church Beast on the west coast for the best coconut shrimp on the island, as well as tons of lovely seashells.

There is also a large density of surfing sites, however, windswell seldom reaches three feet. Hurricane season may also offer some fantastic surf days, however, you'd need to be quite skilled to enjoy them. Sand Haven, just south of Dickenson Bay, is one of the nicest. Because of its long and rippable waves, Fort Barrington is another favorite choice. Kite Surfing and Stand Up Paddle Surfing are also popular.

Antigua boasts one of the Caribbean's most prominent carnival celebrations, and the celebration here is appreciated by many since it is such a sight to behold. If you visit between July and early August, when carnival is celebrated, you will discover a swarm of activity, especially during the 10 days of celebrations that include glitzy costumes, parades, steel bands, and live music.

If you don't want to 'play Mas' with one of the local bands but still want to be a part of the carnival fun, try joining a j'ouvert band. In Antigua, J'ouvert takes place in the early hours of carnival morning, and you'll get to dance through the streets in a t-shirt band to lovely Soca music! Caribana is the name given to the island of Barbuda's annual carnival festival, which takes place in June.

St. John's, Antigua's main city, is one of the regions on the island where you're most likely to spend time during your holiday. There's so much to do in St. John's, and it's such a vibrant city, that you'll feel the beat of the Caribbean from the moment you arrive. The high-rising St. John's Cathedral is one of the town's most recognizable and ancient landmarks, and following a tour of that place, you can make your way to Heritage Quay for some duty-free shopping.

St. John's is a fantastic spot to buy souvenirs, especially around Redcliffe Quay. If you're in town for the weekend, go to the harborside public markets on Fridays and Saturdays; you can also spend some time exploring the ruins of the 18th-century Fort James and Fort Barrington, which date back to the days of conflict. The cruise ship port is situated in the city, and the days when ships are in port are usually the busiest.