Pillars of Hercules

Antigua


The entrance to English Harbour is guarded by this phalanx of rock soldiers eroded by the relentless wind, rain and crashing waves. The formation is best appreciated from a boat but it's also possible to get close-ups by hiking to the end of Galleon Beach and then scrambling over large boulders. They're slippery, so watch your footing and don't go during high tide.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Antigua attractions

1. Galleon Beach

0.29 MILES

The beach closest to the entrance of English Harbour, Galleon borders a resort and thus has plenty of facilities, calm waters and a snorkeling reef close…

2. Fort Berkeley

0.35 MILES

Though ruined, this fort, built in 1704 to protect English Harbour, still has enough walls and a cannon to evoke the challenges of the colonial era. It…

3. Shirley Heights

0.42 MILES

This restored military lookout and gun battery was named after Sir Thomas Shirley (1727–1800), who became the first Governor of the Leeward Islands in…

4. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park

0.61 MILES

Continuously in operation since 1745, this extensively restored Georgian-era marina is Antigua's top sightseeing draw and was made a Unesco World Heritage…

5. Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre

0.75 MILES

For a primer on Antigua's history from the Amerindian era to the present, watch the 15-minute multimedia presentation at this interpretative center just…

6. Pigeon Beach

1.19 MILES

This tree-shaded community beach has showers, bathrooms, a playground and several cafes and bars, but only so-so snorkeling. The water is remarkably…

7. Antigua's Donkey Sanctuary

2.98 MILES

Meet Charley, Chrissy, blind Stevie or any of the other 150 or so stray donkeys that have found a loving home in this sanctuary operated by the Antigua &…

8. St Barnabas Anglican Church

3.28 MILES

Passing through the village of Liberta en route to English Harbour, this quaint little church on a hill is worth a quick stop. It was built as a school in…