Spectacular sunsets and sugary white sands: Our Anguilla travel guide

Right at the very tip of the Leeward Islands, Anguilla is a magnificent island where silken sands meet cerulean shores, and lush rows of palms, laden with coconuts, sway gently to the rhythms of sea breezes. Beautiful beaches are in abundance here - an impressive 33 if we're to be exact.

Famed for its vibrant coral reefs, there’s even more beauty waiting to be discovered beneath Anguilla’s crystalline waters. Whether you choose to swim, kayak, or snorkel, the island offers many opportunities for intrepid sea explorers to acquaint themselves with its thriving underwater world. Back on land, foodies have the chance to sample some of the freshest seafood around, while those intent on seeking out Anguilla’s hotspots will find no shortage of upscale cocktail bars and restaurants along the island’s most exclusive destinations.

An endless choice of beaches

It’s unlikely, but if you only happen to visit a couple of the island’s beaches during your stay, make sure it’s at least one of these gorgeous bays.

Shoal Bay

With its brilliant white sands and aquamarine shores, the beauty of Shoal Bay speaks for itself. This glorious stretch of coastline is often considered to be one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, and it’s easy to see why. While a few lunch spots are scattered along this two-mile stretch, you’ll find plenty of secluded and peaceful corners to lie and soak up those splendid views.

Maundays Bay

The crescent-shaped Maundays Bay is a lovely stretch of Anguilla’s western coast, backed by luxury resorts with a whole host of excellent dining options. A great destination for families or those who like to be close to plenty of amenities while still enjoying the most stunning seascapes. With calm and shallow waters that seem impossibly clear, children can have plenty of fun splashing around safely in this pretty bay.

Island-hopping and world-class golfing

From sailing excursions to laidback golf days, the magnificent island of Anguilla has something for everyone.

Spend an afternoon on Sandy Island

Sandy Island is yet another tiny isle renowned for its powdery sands and peaceful shores. Offering an on-site bar and restaurant, it’s a fabulous spot to sit and enjoy the sights of the Caribbean Sea with few interruptions or distractions. Getting there is easy - a ten-minute boat trip from Sandy Ground is all it takes, although many have been known to sail private yachts over to this idyllic island.

Foodie delights & hidden sights

Anguilla’s finest eateries

From tantalising Caribbean fusions to classic French cuisine, Anguilla is home to an excellent choice of upscale eateries.

Veya

Nestled in North Hill Village on the way to Sandy Ground Beach, Veya is the perfect choice for a romantic date night. Surrounded by tropical palms, the dimly-lit dining room has a wonderfully intimate feel, while the menu showcases the very best of local Anguillan seafood; butter-poached lobster, sautéed shrimp, and zesty jerk tuna are just a few of the mains on offer here.

The island’s best-kept secrets

With so many awe-inspiring locations across the island, it can be easy to miss those that aren’t heavily featured in guidebooks and brochures. Here are some of our favourite and somewhat less visited destinations in Anguilla.

Visit the intriguing Heritage Collection Museum

Owned by the island’s resident historian, Colville Petty, the Heritage Collection Museum is the only museum on the island. Inside, an extensive collection of Anguillan artefacts uncover the island’s past - from the early Amerindian peoples to right up to modern-day life. Paired with Petty’s fascinating stories and knowledge, the museum offers a really unique insight into the island’s past and present.