This dry, limestone isle is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands and lies between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.  It stretches about 16 miles (26 km) from the northeast to southwest, and it is only 3 miles (5 km) across at its widest point.  The highest spot is just 213 ft above sea level.

The island's name is most likely a derivative of anguille, which is French for "eel", which is a reflection of its shape, (French explorer Pierre Laudonnaire is credited with having given the island this name when he sailed past it in 1556).  The territory of Anguilla includes a few islets (or cays), such as Scrub Island, Dog Island, Prickly Pear Cays, Sandy Island, and Sombrero Island, and if you're a beach lover, you will be spoilt for choice.  When you first spot Anguilla from the air, its blindingly white sand and lustrous blue and aquamarine waters are intoxicating sights.  If you like shopping and late-night action, then this is not the island for you as there are no glitzy casinos or nightclubs, and you will find no duty-free shops stuffed with irresistible buys