The British territory of Anguilla is fast becoming a favorite tropical destination for many travelers worldwide. Research has shown that the island, named after its long eel shape, was inhabited almost 3,300 years ago by the Amerindians from South America. Christopher Columbus sailed by the island in 1493 during his infamous voyage to the New World. Less than 200 years later, in 1650, the first English settlers arrived. Over the centuries, Anguilla was known for exporting cotton, tobacco, rum, sugar and indigo. However, in the 1980s, the island began showcasing itself as a top travel destination.
Despite its small size of 35 square miles, Anguilla still has much to offer tourists. Here are some of the top vacation spots on the island.
The Valley. The Valley is located at the center of Anguilla. Because of the size of the island, the Valley is the only major town on Anguilla. It is also the island’s cultural and political center. A visitor to the Valley can partake in a number of shops and cafes while experiencing the way of life of the locals.
Sandy Ground. Two miles west of the Valley, a person will find Sandy Ground. This beach is a favorite destination for many travelers. The bay located at Sandy Ground is the island’s main port of entry for boats and yachts. A person visiting this part of Anguilla can stop by the large salt pond. The pond produces an exorbitant amount of salt that is not only used on the island but is transported to other parts of the world. Sandy Ground is also renowned for being a bird watcher’s paradise. A variety of birds can be found here; including herons and a number of water birds.
Island Harbour. This small fishing village is not a resort area. However, a person will be in awe of the natural beauty when he or she visits this location. Island Harbour’s main attraction is the Big Spring. This ancient cave contains an underwater spring which was once the water source of the village. Today, a visitor can view a number of drawings created by the Amerindians.
Scilly Cay. Scilly Cay is located just off the shore of Island Harbour. This private island offers a visitor a number of amenities. A person will be able to enjoy swimming in crystal clear water and listen to local music. The island also has a restaurant and bar on its premises for all visitors.
Shoal Bay East. This popular beach with its white sand made from coral stone is found in northeastern Anguilla. Shoal Bay East is best known for having Anguilla’s top archaeological site, the Fountain. The site is contains an underground cavern with many ancient stalagmite carvings. However, access to the Fountain is restricted to those performing archaeological studies.
Scrub Island. Scrub Island is located two and a half miles off the northeastern coast of Anguilla. Although it is uninhabited, Scrub Island still has much to offer a person traveling to the vicinity. It is a preferred snorkeling site for many vacationers. The island also offers a visitor a chance to view local vegetation as well as native wildlife.
Prickly Pear Cays. A top travel destination for tour boats is the Prickly Pear Cays. These islands, located off the shore of Aguilla, have a number of caverns and ledges. The caverns are a favorite place for the average explorer to visit while the ledges offer breathtaking views as well as jump points for divers.
Windsong Villa Garden. A traveler to the eastern part of Anguilla should make it a point to visit the Windsong Villa Garden. Even if the person is not a nature enthusiast, he or she will be in awe of the natural beauty of the garden. Windsong Villa offers a visitor the opportunity to view a wide variety of local plant life and vegetation.
Although Anguilla is small compared to many of the world’s resort areas, it is fast becoming a top travel destination. A person visiting Anguilla will be inspired by the island’s natural beauty.
