The Beaches of Anguilla

Anguilla, a low, flat coral island at the top of the Leeward Islands, is famous above all for its beaches, some thirty-three of them, widely counted among the most beautiful in the world. Ringed by dazzling, powder-soft white sand and calm, luminous turquoise water of extraordinary clarity, its shores range from the celebrated, lively Shoal Bay East, regularly rated a top beach on earth, to Rendezvous Bay, Meads Bay and countless quiet, often empty coves. Tranquil, upscale and uncrowded, with a laid-back sophistication, warm hospitality and superb beach bars, Anguilla is a beach-lover's paradise of the highest order.

Highlights

• Shoal Bay East - the celebrated, world-class white-sand beach.
• Rendezvous and Meads Bays - the beautiful, calmer beaches.
• The quiet coves - the countless empty, dazzling beaches.
• The beach bars - the laid-back, famous beach bars.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the sunniest, driest weather and calmest seas, the peak season; the summer is hotter and wetter with a hurricane risk from June to November. Anguilla's calm, clear waters and soft sands are superb for swimming and relaxing year-round when conditions allow, and even its finest beaches remain gloriously uncrowded.

Practical notes

Anguilla is an upscale, refined destination with premium prices and few budget options, its appeal being tranquil, sophisticated beach relaxation rather than nightlife, shopping or big attractions; it was hit hard by the severe 2017 Hurricane Irma, though it has recovered. For the reward of some of the most beautiful, powder-soft, uncrowded beaches on earth, with calm turquoise water, laid-back sophistication and superb beach bars, though, Anguilla is a genuine beach paradise and hard to beat.

Nearby

The offshore cays, the island of Sint Maarten and St Barths are within reach.