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Antigua’s myriad beaches are hard to beat.Charmaine Spencer

If you can't find the perfect beach in Antigua, you might as well give up. The island, which measures 20 kilometres long and 17 km wide, reputedly has 365 beaches – one for every day of the year and every type of beach-goer.

Head south to the sun-dappled waters of Turner's Beach, where you can laze under a rented umbrella and watch people bargain with local vendors for jewellery and colourful sarongs. Or try Jabberwock, which offers good breezes and sheltered waters, perfect for novice windsurfers. Deep Bay beach is great for snorkelling, and if you tire of all that sand and water you can explore the nearby ruins of a colonial fort.

Here's a look at seven sweet sun spots:

Turner's Beach

A popular beach on the southwest coast, at Johnson's Point, offering waters that are always calm. On a clear day, you can see Montserrat. There's lots to do here, from swimming to snorkelling to shopping, which is why it's a favourite destination for cruise ship passengers. Dine at Turner's Beach Bar and Restaurant, surrounded by a white picket fence. And stick around to the end of day: This is one of Antigua's best sunset beaches.

Jabberwock

This is a surprisingly secluded strip of sand on the northeast coast, close to the highway and the airport. Surprising given its convenient location, secluded thanks to the lack of beach huts or bars. This is the place to try more adventurous water sports such as taking lessons in windsurfing or kite surfing.

Dickenson Bay

On the island's more developed northwestern coast is its best-known beach – the beach for "people" people. Hotels, restaurants and beach bars abound; water sports range from parasailing to banana boats to jet boats. It also offers views of voluptuous green hills, stunning sunsets and accommodation ranging from luxury resorts to private villas. You could easily spend a day or two at Dickenson Bay.

Green Island

Just off the island's east coast – accessible only by boat – is my favourite Antiguan sun spot: a humpbacked, emerald sanctuary with several beaches. Horseshoe Reef boasts the island's best snorkelling. Visit on a boat ecotour, or book lunch at Harmony Hall and you'll be shuttled over for the afternoon.

Deep Bay

This beach, on the island's western side, is quite secluded despite its proximity to the capital, St. John's. There are few facilities, although you can have lunch at Jimmie's Beach Bar. In the calm waters of Deep Bay you can snorkel above the wreck of the Andes, whose masts just break the surface. From the beach's north end, you can hike to the ruins of 18th-century Fort Barrington.

Carlisle Bay

This peaceful, south-coast beach offers views of royal blue waters: The Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea here. The mountains are verdant green, the sand is like brown sugar, the palms are royal. Here you'll find the best snorkelling you can do in Antigua without hopping on a boat (bring your own gear).

Hawksbill

A five-minute drive from St. John's will take you to four gorgeous beaches on a beautiful bay, with views of craggy red rocks protruding from the waters off the bay. The first beach has public access, the other three are reached through the Hawksbill Resort. The fourth beach is the island's only clothing-optional stretch of sand. Bring lots of sunscreen.

The writer travelled courtesy of Antigua and Barbuda Tourism. It did not review or approve this article.

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