My Guide to Anguilla in the Caribbean

12.March 2013 - Anguilla


Anguilla is a small island which is one of the British overseas territories located in the Caribbean. It has a total land area of 39 square miles (102 square kilometres). As of 2006, its estimated population was 13,500. The capital of Anguilla is The Valley, which is also considered as the island's main town. The first settlers Anguilla is were said to be the American Indians from South America, due to the artefacts found on the island, which was dated back around 1300 B.C. to 600 A.D. On the other hand, the exact date when the Europeans first discovered is uncertain. However, others claim it was around 1493, while others state it was around 1565. In 1650, Anguilla was colonised by the English settlers from the island of Saint Kitts, then in 1666, the French took over the island. Soon after, under the Treaty of Breda in 1667, it was returned back to the control of the English. Subsequently, Europeans from Barbados and Antigua arrived on the island. During the early 1900s, Anguilla was administered by both England and United Kingdom. A few years later, it was incorporated into a British colony together with the islands of Nevis and Saint Kitts. However, the British colonisation was resisted against by the locals, and from 1967 to 1969, two major uprisings happened. These uprisings were headed by the Anguillan politician, Ronald Webster. In 1971, the British rule was restored in Anguilla, and in 1980, it became a Separate British Dependency, also called British Overseas Territory. The area of Anguilla is full of limestones and has many caves. Two of the most famous caves are The Fountain and The Big Springs. The island also has many coral reefs that provide habitats for a wide classification of marine wildlife and tropical fishes. As a result, many locals became interested in snorkelling to view the island's magnificent underwater marine life. In terms of agriculture, the island of Anguilla has a wide range of farms of tomatoes, peas, corn and other crops. Anguilla's Department of Agriculture provides additional knowledge for the people regarding plants and animals in the island, and there is an organisation which is tasked to preserve the historic, cultural and natural resources of the island. There are also various gardens found on the island such as the Hydroponic Farm and Organic Gardens, the Endangered Species Garden, and the Indigenous Local Plants Gardens. Anguilla is now increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination, and it is considered as one of the safest islands with a low crime rate. For tourists who want to relax and experience the ambiance of the island, there are lots of things to do such as art gallery tours, hiking, snorkelling, horseback riding, golfing and tennis more info. Others can enjoy the night-life on the island with its various bars, lounges and restaurants such as Scilly Cay, Ko Ko's Beach Bar, Ko Ko's Beach Bar and the Elvis Beach Bar. There is also a wide array of hotels and guest houses in Anguilla including Anguilla Great House, Shoal Bay Villas, Sirena Hotel, Temenos Villas and Kamique Little Harbour Villas.