The idyllic gem residing in the British Overseas Territory in the Eastern Caribbean, it’s not quite as well known as some of its neighboring islands but it’s still a jaw-droppingly beautiful place to visit.
Expect typical Caribbean scenes of sparkling white sands, shimmering turquoise waters, coconut palms, brightly colored reefs, secluded coves, lashings of rum punch, gorgeous resorts, and of course that world-famous laid-back Caribbean vibe! Here are the best and most beautiful places to visit in Anguilla…
1. Sandy Ground Beach – a gorgeous and fun beach also famous for its striking shipwreck
Sandy Ground is a village in Anguilla and covers less than half a square mile. The beach itself has white sand and is backed by high cliffs and a salt pond that is no longer used.
While the village itself is home to only a few hundred people, the beach is very popular, and one look at it will prove why. It’s also the for Anguilla‘s beach entertainment and is home to several restaurants and some popular beach bars too!
This small secluded beach has crystal-clear water and is the perfect place to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on your boat.
It is one of the best places to visit in Anguilla because of its combination of beauty and fun, also don’t miss the rusting and very photogenic shipwreck which lays at the far end.
2. Prickly Pear Cays – a stunning natural beauty spot worth exploring
Prickly Pear Cays is a small island located roughly six miles from the mainland of Anguilla, and if you’re looking for a place to swim or snorkel that is a little less crowded than most beaches in the area, this is it.
There are numerous places to eat and the water is so massive you can enjoy some incredible long-range views.
The island is also filled with lush greenery and water that is so clear you can see all the way to the bottom, making this an exquisite place to swim, sunbathe, or simply relax.
3. Anguilla Arch – a natural wonder carved out of limestone cliffs
While some tourists skip this part of Anguilla, it’s worth the trip there because of how unique it is. There is quite literally an arch-shaped cliff that is a vibrant red and yellow and very noticeable as soon as you get anywhere near it!
It has numerous cliffs nearby and is a great sight to see. Regardless of where you are when you look at the arch, it will amaze you every time.
The Anguilla Arch is exquisite even when viewed from far away, and make sure you take your camera as this place is beautifully picture-perfect.
4. Little Bay – one of the most stunning spots to explore in Anguilla
This is a very secluded area of Anguilla that you can only get to by boat, but its out-of-the-way trait makes it the perfect outing for anyone who wants some privacy while sunbathing or swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
There isn’t a lot of commercialism on this beach, but if you love peace and quiet so that you can truly appreciate the sound of the waves coming from the water, Little Bay is where you need to go.
Snorkeling allows you to see some beautiful and colorful marine life, and it boasts beautiful scenery as well.
5. Shoal Bay Beach – one of the most attractive beaches on the island
With its white sand and turquoise waters, there’s little wonder this area is such a popular one, but if you prefer seclusion, you can find that as well.
It has a lot of plant life and of course, gorgeous scenery, and there are canopies that help make sunbathing a lot more comfortable.
The marine life is exquisite, and there are numerous facilities in case you want a hotel room nearby, which means you can stay here for your entire vacation and never miss out on anything important.
6. Meads Bay – a beautiful place to visit in Anguilla
Located in the Long Bay Village area of Anguilla, Meads Bay is hilly and gorgeous and is very close to several resorts, so whether your stay there is several hours or several days long, you’ll be accommodated very well.
There are numerous hotels in various places right on the beach, and the day trips will make sure you miss nothing important.
You can even take a catamaran out on the water to experience the best the area has to offer, as well as take advantage of numerous eateries and other attractions.
7. Cove Bay – a pretty white-sand beach popular with locals and visitors
On the southwest side of Anguilla near Rendezvous Bay lies Cove Bay, which is smaller than Rendezvous but offers a lot of the same perks.
Just the same as Rendezvous, Cove Bay faces St. Martin and is about the same size. The scalloped edges make it a gorgeous beach that is the perfect size, not to mention that it offers the perfect ambiance.
If you want a little privacy and seclusion, Cove Bay is the place to be, and the ships in the distance make a beautiful view whether you’re sunbathing or in the water. In fact, since it’s used mostly by fishermen, it provides just the right amount of privacy for water lovers.
8. Rendezvous Bay Beach – a breathtaking beach in Anguilla
Not only is Rendezvous Bay Beach a super-popular beach area, but it has historical significance as well. This site played an important role in the war between the French and English over control of the area, and a key battle was conducted here.
That fact aside, the beach is exquisite, hilly, and chock full of eateries, hotels, and ways to enjoy the beach even more.
You can swim, sunbathe, or simply relax here, so if you love crystal-blue water and white sandy beaches, this is the place for you to be.
9. Maundays Bay – a beautiful half-moon shape beach
Located in the West End Village area of Anguilla, Maundays Bay is beautiful and will lure you in before you know it. You can spend the day on the water in a catamaran or simply stay on the shore and work on your suntan.
The beach itself is shaped like a half-moon and the waters are both clear and very calm, allowing for the ultimate in relaxation every time you visit.
When beach time is what you need to escape the stressors of life, paying a visit to the Maundays Bay beach area is the perfect solution every time.
10. Captain’s Bay – a gorgeous more secluded beach in Anguilla
Captain’s Bay is located in the northeastern part of the island in the Island Harbor area, and it boasts a large surf and a huge body of water to enjoy.
The sand is nice and white, the water is crystal-clear and blue, and it is rather remote compared to the other beaches in the area, which is one of the things that visitors love most about it.
There are numerous things to do there, including hiking, and though some people consider it a little challenging to find, it’s worth the effort because everyone who visits it considers this an experience they’ll never forget.
11. Barnes Bay Beach – a beautiful Caribbean gem
Barnes Bay is located in the northwestern section of Anguilla and is considered a beach lover’s paradise. It is rather secluded and therefore rarely crowded, and its white sand and sparkling water will ensure you’ll be back again in the future.
You can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe, and the landscape is dotted with numerous hotels in case you’d like to stay for a day or two.
Barnes Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that allows you to enjoy the best that Anguilla has to offer, making it the perfect place to visit for couples, families, and everyone in between.
12. Scilly Cay – an idyllic island destination to explore in Anguilla
Scilly Cay is located on the east end of Anguilla in the Island Harbor area and is a true gem.
In fact, between the friendly people, great dining opportunities, and, of course, the exquisite beaches, Scilly Cay is one area of Anguilla that you won’t want to miss when you visit this part of the Caribbean.
While celebrities often get there via a helicopter, most people choose to take a boat to arrive in Scilly Cay, and when you see it the first time, it will literally take your breath away.
The views are panoramic and exceptional, and everything about the beach makes this a very memorable place to visit.
13. Savannah Bay – one of the best places to visit in Anguilla
Savannah Bay is indeed remote, and the first time you visit it, it may feel as if you’re headed out into the middle of nowhere. Afterwards, though, it will be easy to find and definitely worth the visit.
It isn’t a crowded beach or a very “commercial” one, but you’ll love the fact that it is so secluded and that you can hear the wonderful sounds of nature as you sunbathe or swim.
You can easily see both the Caribbean Sea and the St. Martin mountains while you’re there, making this one sight you’ll never regret visiting.
14. Sandy Island – a popular tourist attraction
Sandy Island is small but luxurious. If you love water that you can see to the bottom of and a secluded and private atmosphere, this is the place for you. It is a small cay off of Sandy Ground and is a very popular site for visitors and locals alike.
It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Anguilla, and visiting it just once will prove to you why. Small and personal, it is gorgeous and offers the opportunity to enjoy all types of water activities, making it a very popular place indeed.
15. Crocus Bay Beach – home to some of the most magnificent sunsets in Anguilla
Both tourists and locals love Crocus Bay, mainly because there are no villas or hotels in the area. There is one restaurant that people seem to love but its overall secluded atmosphere makes it a favorite for everyone who needs a little private rest and relaxation time.
It is a very quiet beach that allows you to hear the sounds of the waves as you sunbathe or swim, and if you love beautiful sunsets, this is the beach you want to visit. Crocus Bay Beach will lure you in before you realize it and it’s certainly one place that you’ll never forget.
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My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.