Lesser Antilles - Lesser Antilles

The Lesser Antilles are an archipelago in the southeastern Caribbean, forming a barrier between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

These islands were the first part of the New World to be settled and colonized by Europeans. While some islands are independent nations (and among the world's smallest by land area and population), others are associated with European or American countries, usually through choice in referendum and some are completely integrated with their mainland as integral parts.

Islands

Map of Lesser Antilles

Leeward Islands

The Leeward Islands are a vestige of the colonial era. Only Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Kitts and Nevis are sovereign nations; the other islands being dependencies of other countries. Their collective name was given as they are less exposed to the trade winds.

Do not confuse with Leeward Antilles in the southern Caribbean.

Windward Islands

The Windward Islands got their name as they are more exposed to the trade winds from the east. Except French department Martinique, the islands are sovereign nations.

Cities

Other destinations

Understand

Get in

Most islands are served by flights from the United States and their (former) suzerain country.

  • Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA IATA)
  • V.C. Bird International (ANU IATA)
  • Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP IATA)
  • John A. Osborne Airport (MNI IATA)
  • Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB IATA)

They are also served by cruise ships.

Get around

See

Do

Eat

Drink

Stay safe

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This region travel guide to Lesser Antilles is an outline and may need more content. It has a template , but there is not enough information present. If there are Cities and Other destinations listed, they may not all be at usable status or there may not be a valid regional structure and a "Get in" section describing all of the typical ways to get here. Please plunge forward and help it grow !