The sparkling turquoise waters surrounding Anguilla aren’t just a backdrop for postcards – they’re the gateway to one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. This tiny British overseas territory spanning just 35 square miles packs more pristine beaches per square mile than nearly any destination on earth, yet remarkably remains under the radar for most travelers.
The Caribbean’s best beaches without the crowds
Anguilla boasts 33 beaches, each with powdery white sand that feels like walking on sugar. Shoal Bay East consistently ranks among the world’s finest stretches of sand, with crystal-clear waters that showcase every shade of blue imaginable. Unlike neighboring islands, even the most popular beaches here feel refreshingly uncrowded.
Local beach lover Mimi Gratton shares,
“We Anguillans are blessed with beaches that bring peace to your soul. Even in high season, you can still find a quiet spot to yourself on Shoal Bay.”
A culinary paradise where fishermen are celebrities
Surprisingly for its small size, Anguilla has earned the nickname “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.” From luxurious beachfront establishments to colorful roadside barbecue shacks, the island’s food scene punches far above its weight. Fresh-caught fish and lobster often arrive at restaurants directly from local fishermen, who are treated like community heroes.
The vibrant Sandy Ground area serves as the island’s entertainment hub, where restaurants like Elvis’ Beach Bar and Johnno’s showcase just how seriously Anguillans take their food and music. Much like Japan’s hidden culinary gems, Anguilla proves that sometimes the world’s best flavors are found in unexpected places.
Secret coves and hidden treasures
Little Bay, accessible only by boat or challenging cliff descent, rewards adventurous travelers with one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular secluded swimming spots. The limestone formations creating Anguilla’s Arch offer another hidden gem along the island’s rugged west coast – a natural wonder that rivals the coastal beauty of France’s secret beaches.
For history enthusiasts, Wallblake House from 1787 offers a glimpse into the island’s colonial past, standing as Anguilla’s oldest building and a testament to its resilience across centuries.
Luxury without pretension
Anguilla masterfully balances luxury accommodation with authentic island character. High-end resorts like those along Meads Bay provide world-class amenities, but the island has steadfastly avoided the mega-resort development that dominates other Caribbean destinations.
Tourism director Stacey Liburd explains,
“Our approach to luxury is different. Here, barefoot elegance means exactly that – you might be staying at a five-star property, but you’ll still feel the authentic soul of our island.”
Conservation efforts beneath the surface
Beyond the beaches, Anguilla’s vibrant reefs host impressive marine biodiversity. Local conservation initiatives protect these underwater ecosystems, with opportunities for visitors to participate in reef monitoring and coral restoration – similar to efforts found in other tropical destinations committed to coral preservation.
Getting there: An adventure in itself
The journey to Anguilla requires some effort, typically involving a flight to neighboring St. Martin followed by a scenic ferry ride across the turquoise strait separating the islands. This extra travel step helps maintain Anguilla’s uncrowded charm, reminiscent of the journey across Europe’s most spectacular mountain passes – the reward is sweetened by the journey itself.
When paradise meets passion
Anguilla’s boat racing stands as the national sport, with colorful wooden vessels competing in breathtaking regattas across the island’s azure waters. These events offer visitors a chance to witness local culture at its most vibrant, revealing a community where tradition and pride run deep.
Local boat builder James Richardson reveals,
“Each boat tells our story – the wood, the colors, the name. When they race, it’s not just competition. It’s our history moving across the water.”
For those seeking a true Caribbean escape where natural beauty meets cultural authenticity, Anguilla delivers an experience that rivals even Asia’s most spectacular hidden paradises. Here, on this slender strip of paradise, visitors find not just spectacular beaches, but a genuine island culture that has preserved its soul against the tide of mass tourism.