Pillars of Hercules: Antigua's Coastal Giants
Discover Antigua's majestic Pillars of Hercules: a geological wonder sculpted by nature, offering breathtaking views and a rewarding coastal hike.
The Pillars of Hercules are striking limestone formations sculpted by centuries of wind and waves on Antigua's coastline. Accessible by a scenic hike from Galleon Beach, these natural pillars offer stunning views and a glimpse into the island's geological history.
A brief summary to Pillars Of Hercules
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Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and rock scrambling, as the terrain can be uneven and rocky.
- Bring water and sun protection, as the trail offers limited shade and the Caribbean sun can be intense.
- Check the tide schedule before you go; low tide allows for easier exploration of the area around the pillars.
- Combine your visit with a swim or snorkel at Galleon Beach, a beautiful and secluded beach near the trailhead.
Getting There
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Walking
The Pillars of Hercules are best accessed by hiking from Galleon Beach. From Galleon Beach, walk to the end of the crescent-shaped beach. Weave around the rocks and some bramble until you can no longer see Galleon Beach behind you. Continue along the trail, which ascends slightly and then descends towards the coast. After reaching ground level, walk across a field of rocks to reach the Pillars. The hike takes approximately 20-30 minutes. No fees are associated with accessing the trail or the Pillars.
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Public Transport
To reach Galleon Beach (the starting point for the hike to the Pillars) via public transport, take a bus from St. John's to English Harbour. From English Harbour, you can either take a taxi to Galleon Beach or walk. The walk from English Harbour to Galleon Beach is approximately 30 minutes. Bus fare from St. John's to English Harbour is approximately EC$3 (US$1.10). Taxi fare from English Harbour to Galleon Beach is approximately EC$20-30 (US$7.50-US$11).
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Taxi
Take a taxi directly to Galleon Beach. From St. John's, the taxi fare to Galleon Beach is approximately US$24 (EC$64). The taxi will drop you off near Galleon Beach, from where you can begin the hike to the Pillars of Hercules.
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