Anguilla part of the British West Indies (British Overseas Territories) located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Anguilla is one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands chain in the Lesser Antilles, showing both its British and African influences. It consists of the main island of Anguilla itself, together with several small uninhabited offshore islands, and cays . The largest of which are Dog, Scrub, and Sombrero islands and the Prickly Pear Cays.
The island of Anguilla is a true natural wonder. Tourism is the major industry. It is noted for its easygoing atmosphere and natural paradise. Anguilla boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and waters in the Caribbean. Anguilla has over 30 white sand beaches. The creamy colored mixture of tiny crushed shells and coral make for some of the purest sand in the Caribbean. This island is a true pearl of the Caribbean. Anguilla is a popular tourist destination, alough it is “known” to be hard and expensive to reach. But fly into Anguilla’s neighboring island, fly straight to St. Maarten then From there. Visitors can travel Anguilla’s sometimes perilous roads by rental car, scooter or taxi, or a simple 20 minute ferry linking to Anguilla from Marigot, St. Martin. Anguilla is a perfect vacation getaway!
The Amerindians are the first inhabitants who migrated here from South America from canoe is the small section in South America mainland around 1300 BC, as remains of some settlements here date from 600 AD.
The date of European discovery is uncertain; History says Christopher Columbus discovery Anguilla on 1493 and officially change the name of the island as Anguilla from Malliouhana. (while others claim the French first arrived in in 1564 or 1565). No attempt was made to colonize it, probably because it was controlled by the notoriously fierce, warlike Caribs.
Those Caribs, a tribe of cannibals, had captured the island from the peaceful Arawak tribe and had completely eradicated them, not only from Anguilla but also from the entire Caribbean.
In 1650 English people settled in this area from Saint Kitts and colonized the island. The remaining Caribs and French forces in 1666 tried to control it, but in the end, the island was under the control of the English and remained in charge. But in 1824 it was placed under the administrative control of nearby Saint Kitts.
In 1980 Anguilla was finally allowed to secede from Saint Kitts and Nevis and Anguilla was formed as a separate UK dependent territory and become a separate British colony (now termed a British overseas territory and it is continued as a dependent region).
Anguilla is bare and flat and undulating island of dunes, hidden coves, gentle terrain, and is fringed by some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful white sand beaches. Anguilla is best known for its spectacular and ecologically important coral reefs.
Anguilla is an island that hosts some best beautiful white beaches in the world just for the finest swimming, for beach-combing or snorkeling and sunning to be found anywhere which gives the most pleasant environment to the visitors
The island’s capital is The Valley, the principal town and the administrative centre of the island. it gives visitors a true feeling of the culture in Anguilla.
The Prickly Pear Cays has a cave to explore and makes for the perfect day trip for visitors to the island. Here you will find Wallblake House, an important part of Anguilla’s culture and history. A fine example of 18th century colonial architecture, built in 1787.Wallblake House, is the oldest and only surviving plantation house on Anguilla.
Anguilla’s most famous beach, Shoal Bay East is an incredible beach destination… listed as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. It is surprisingly quiet, even in high season. The beach at Shoal Bay is like the end of the world.
Travel Resources
Anguilla Hotels – View hotels near this location, check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price.
Anguilla Guided Tours – sightseeing tours and activities in Anguilla.
View a selection of Books on Anguilla at Amazon.