Martello Tower

The Martello Tower, which stands at 17 meters tall, is Barbuda's tallest structure and a prominent landmark. These defensive structures were built by the British all across the British Empire, and this one is claimed to be the oldest of its sort in the Caribbean. The tower is located on the beach at River, a few miles south of the village, and was built by the British in the early 1800s on the site of a previous fort that was probably constructed by the Spanish.

When Hurricane Irma slammed into Barbuda in 2017, demolishing 90% of the island's structures, the tower's strength was put to the test. One of the few remaining structures was the Martello Tower. The modest defensive fort's thick stone walls and gun platform are mainly intact today, and the ruins are attached to the remains of the preceding fort. Although you cannot climb the tower, you can mount the back section and enjoy panoramic views of the seaside.

• Ideal for: Visiting
• Recommended hotel: Curtain Bluff Resort
• Location: H5WC+27G, Codrington, Antigua and Barbuda