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🇦🇮 Lesser Antilles · British Overseas Territory

Anguilla

The most northerly of the Leeward Islands, north of Saint Martin and east of the Virgin Islands — 33 powder-white beaches, barely any crowds, and some of the best beach bars anywhere in the Caribbean.

33 beaches The Valley capital +1 264 calling code
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🏛️ Capital: The Valley 👥 Population: 15,198 💵 Currency: EC$ & US$ 🕐 Time zone: EST (UTC-5) 🚗 Drives on: the Left ☎️ Calling code: +1 264
Get to know it

A British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean

Anguilla is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, located north of Saint Martin and east of the Virgin Islands. View map →

Anguilla, not much larger than an average US city, has a rich heritage that dates back a few thousand years to when the first Amerindians — the Arawak — settled here and were later routed by the Carib. Early Spanish explorers named the island Anguilla, meaning “eel,” for its elongated shape.

Anguilla became a British colony in 1650 and, despite attempts by the French to colonize it, has remained one ever since. In 1980 it was granted the status of a British Dependent Territory. Read the full fact sheet →

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Anguilla at a glance

Nationality: Anguillans · Size: 35 sq mi (91 sq km) · Highest point: Crocus Hill, 213 ft

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Anguilla National Trust
🌱 Conservation

Anguilla National Trust

Anguilla National Trust. There's a hidden world in Anguilla and it is yours to explore if you're up for it. The Anguilla National Trust offers Anguilla's widest selection of nature, heritage and WALKING TOURS. Come explore a different side of their beautiful island with them. They invite you to read more about the ANT, become a member, book a tour and get involved with their important work: sustaining the island's heritage through active management and education for the benefit of today's and tomorrow's generations.

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Anguilla
🧭 Tourism

Anguilla

Anguilla. Considered by many to be one of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets, spend any amount of time here and it'll be no secret as to why. Anguilla has become an oasis for solo travellers, couples, families and business travellers alike. Renowned for 33 powder-white beaches, turquoise waters and a culinary scene helmed by some of the Caribbean's most talented chefs. However, the truest spirit of the island lives within its people. Proud, warm, and welcoming.

★ Cool factor: 33 powder-white beaches Visit site
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💻 Website Solutions

gandor.tv

gandor.tv specializes in creating, maintaining, hosting and promoting websites in the Caribbean. They are known for their customer service, maintenance packages, fast response, e-commerce, booking systems and social media magic and creation of advertisments.

★ Cool factor: They create, maintain, host and promote websites. Visit site

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Private Sunset Sail
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Shared Little Bay Half Day Sail and Snorkel Adventure
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Beyond the beaches

5 fun facts about Anguilla

The stories behind the postcard — a few things worth knowing before you go.

1

Unique name origin

Anguilla's name is derived from the Italian word for “eel” — early European explorers named the island for its long, eel-like shape.

2

Famous for its beach bars

The Dune Preserve, owned by reggae artist Bankie Banx, is a famous spot known for live music — it's even been ranked among the best beach bars in the world.

3

Rich musical heritage

Anguilla hosts the annual Moonsplash Music Festival, the longest-running independent music festival in the Eastern Caribbean, founded by Bankie Banx.

4

Culinary diversity

Despite its small size, Anguilla has over 100 restaurants — often called the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” for its concentration of gourmet dining.

5

Hollywood connection

A favorite getaway for celebrities seeking privacy and luxury, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Don't miss

Top 10 things to do

Ranked by locals — the Anguilla essentials.

  • 1Shoal Bay East (see beaches below)
  • 2Snorkeling at Little Bay
  • 3Prickly Pear Cays — a private beach reached by boat
  • 4Socialize & BBQ with locals on the Strip
  • 5Visit Wallblake House on Anguilla's Heritage Trail
  • 6Meads Bay — less crowded than Shoal Bay East
  • 7Go horseback riding
  • 8See the geological & historical wonder Water Fountain Cavern National Park and its ancient petroglyphs
  • 9Try kitesurfing
  • 10Visit Ronald Webster Park, a multi-use stadium
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National Anthem

“God Bless Anguilla”

The serious facts

Anguilla fact sheet

Nationality
Anguillans
Capital
The Valley
Size
35 sq mi (91 sq km) — 16 mi long, 3.5 mi wide. Highest elevation: Crocus Hill, 213 ft (65 m).
Population
15,198
Currency & credit cards
Eastern Caribbean dollar and the U.S. dollar
Government
Under the authority of the British government at Westminster — a governor, an Executive Council, and the House of Assembly.
Time zone
EST (UTC-5). Summer/DST: EDT (UTC-4).
Drives on the
Left
Calling code
+1 264
Coordinates
Latitude 18° 13' 23.77" N · Longitude -63° 03' 23.88" W
Banks
Caribbean Commercial Investment Bank, Foreign Commerce Bank, National Bank of Anguilla (Private Banking & Trust), National Commercial Bank of Anguilla, Republic Bank (Anguilla).
Animals
The tiny Anguilla Bank Anole, over 1,700 species of sweet bees, the Sombrero Ameiva Lizard, the Hawksbill sea turtle, and the masked booby (65-inch wingspan).
Brief history

Anguilla, not much larger than an average US city, has a rich heritage that dates back a few thousand years to when the first Amerindians — the Arawak — settled here and were later routed by the Carib. Early Spanish explorers named the island Anguilla, meaning “eel,” for its elongated shape.

Anguilla became a British colony in 1650 and, despite attempts by the French to colonize it, has remained one ever since. In 1967 Britain encouraged Anguilla to form a relationship with St Kitts and Nevis to create a new Caribbean nation — Anguillians didn't fancy that, thinking they'd be undermined by the bigger islands. The islands became a “state in association” with the UK, and in 1980 Anguilla was granted the status of a British Dependent Territory.

33 to choose from

Top 5 Anguilla beaches

🏖 Shoal Bay East

Two miles long, soft white sand. Great for watersports, walks, swimming and dolphin watching — very popular, with resorts, restaurants and beach bars.

🏖 Meads Bay

Located on the north shore with restaurants and hotels. Equally popular, less crowded. Waves suited to more advanced surfing.

🏖 Savannah Bay

Wild, remote and natural, off the beaten path but easily accessible. Waves suited to advanced surfing.

🏖 Cove Bay

View of St. Martin, sensational sunsets. Very family-, walking- and swimming-friendly — also great for kitesurfing and horseback riding.

🏖 Sandy Ground Beach

Very urban and lively, loaded with amenities. Turns into a social hot spot in the evenings — venue for Anguilla's Summer Festival.

From a local

Caribbean tip of the day

When in the US Virgin Islands - St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John - drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Tips by Liz Strauss, an experienced traveler and piano entertainer. www.lizpiano.com · Disclosure

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