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.
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 →
Nationality: Anguillans · Size: 35 sq mi (91 sq km) · Highest point: Crocus Hill, 213 ft
Island stations, live.
Our community of featured businesses is growing, making it even easier to discover and support local favorites.
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
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.
★ Cool factor: They act as voice for Anguilla’s national heritage Visit site
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 siteNo businesses in this category yet.
Real, lived-in advice from travellers and locals — trip reports, packing lists and the tips that make a Caribbean vacation go smoothly.
Real excursions departing from Anguilla, booked directly through FareHarbor — no middleman, no markup.
Compare flight prices and book direct with the airline.
The stories behind the postcard — a few things worth knowing before you go.
Anguilla's name is derived from the Italian word for “eel” — early European explorers named the island for its long, eel-like shape.
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.
Anguilla hosts the annual Moonsplash Music Festival, the longest-running independent music festival in the Eastern Caribbean, founded by Bankie Banx.
Despite its small size, Anguilla has over 100 restaurants — often called the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” for its concentration of gourmet dining.
A favorite getaway for celebrities seeking privacy and luxury, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Ranked by locals — the Anguilla essentials.
See the island before you go.
“God Bless Anguilla”
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.
Two miles long, soft white sand. Great for watersports, walks, swimming and dolphin watching — very popular, with resorts, restaurants and beach bars.
Located on the north shore with restaurants and hotels. Equally popular, less crowded. Waves suited to more advanced surfing.
Wild, remote and natural, off the beaten path but easily accessible. Waves suited to advanced surfing.
View of St. Martin, sensational sunsets. Very family-, walking- and swimming-friendly — also great for kitesurfing and horseback riding.
Very urban and lively, loaded with amenities. Turns into a social hot spot in the evenings — venue for Anguilla's Summer Festival.
Tips by Liz Strauss, an experienced traveler and piano entertainer. www.lizpiano.com · Disclosure
The CoolestCarib Directory is your portal to the enchanting world of the Caribbean Islands and their array of tourist services, spanning a network of over 60 Caribbean tourist websites. At CoolestCarib.com, you can book tours & activities and browse articles on Caribbean vacation planning. We also champion Caribbean businesses, offering a comprehensive package for revealing their services to Caribbean tourists.
Every island page includes:
Donations keep the Caribbean Directory project running — or just buy us a coffee.
Anguilla Social Pics
Tag us @CoolestCarib to be featured here.