Antigua is a paradise of sun-soaked beaches, historic forts, and lush rainforest roads. For UK couples or families, a self-drive holiday offers the freedom to explore at your own pace—stop for a swim at a hidden beach, discover charming villages, or enjoy a local market. This guide takes you through a week of the island’s best sights and tips, allowing you to make the most of your time. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Antigua!
A rental car gives you complete freedom to explore. You won’t be tied to a coach tour timetable or waiting for a bus to fill up. If you spot a secluded bay or a roadside fruit stand, you can pull over instantly. With limited public transport options across the island, the simplest way to get around is to rent a car. By choosing Finalrentals you can count on prompt airport pickup, user‑friendly booking, and a wide selection of vehicles. Compact cars suit couples while families may prefer an SUV or MPV. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy clear pricing, modern safety features, and the comfort of a brand‑new ride.
Driving in Antigua is straightforward for UK visitors, as traffic moves on the left side of the road. All you need is your valid UK licence, plus a simple local permit, which is provided when you pick up your rental car. The main roads are well-maintained and signposted, though you may find rural lanes a bit narrower and more winding, so it's best to drive cautiously at an average speed of 20–40 mph.
Fuel stations are plentiful in towns, but fewer options exist in remote areas, so it’s best to fill up whenever possible. Payments are usually made in Eastern Caribbean dollars or US dollars, though card acceptance may vary. For smooth navigation, don’t forget to pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a mobile phone mount for your car to ensure easy access to directions while driving. For more detailed information on driving in Antigua, road conditions, and car hire insurance, take a look at Pro Car Rental Tips to Kickstart Your First Antigua Adventure.
Upon arrival, collect your car and head into St John’s, the island’s vibrant capital. The city’s pastel buildings and lively market stalls are full of local colour. Park by Heritage Quay to browse the Duty-Free shops, then wander through the nearby open-air market where fresh papayas, handmade baskets, and local spices invite you to sample the island’s flavours.
Enjoy local dishes such as pepper shrimp or a delicious chicken roti for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the cathedral of St John the Divine, where you can admire its Gothic architecture and carved wooden pulpit. Before dusk, drive up to Fort James for panoramic views of the harbour and a stunning sunset over the turquoise bay. After dinner, relax with live steel-pan music at a waterfront bar. If you plan to stay in the area, several hotels offer comfortable family rooms and easy access to the quay.
A short drive north of St John’s brings you to Dickenson Bay, Antigua’s most popular beach. Powder‑white sand stretches for nearly a mile, backed by swaying palms and a string of beach bars. The calm, clear water makes it ideal for families to paddle and for couples to relax under thatched umbrellas.
Book a glass‑bottom boat tour right on the shore for some extra fun. You’ll spot colourful reef fish without even getting wet. If you fancy something more active, try jet skiing or stand‑up paddleboarding. A handful of spots along the sand offer snorkelling gear hire, so you can swim out to the bouys and admire the coral formations. When hunger strikes, head to a beachfront eatery where you can enjoy grilled fish and tropical smoothies while taking in the ocean views.
Today you’ll head south to English Harbour, once the base of Admiral Nelson’s fleet. Driving along the coast, you’ll pass charming villages before arriving at Nelson’s Dockyard. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its restored naval buildings house museums, cafés, and workshops where local artisans craft jewellery and wood carvings. Spend the late morning wandering among the original ropewalks and rum stores, then treat yourself to a dockside lunch. Try seafood chowder or a classic Antiguan lobster roll while yachts bob gently in the marina.
In the afternoon, follow the signposts to Shirley Heights Lookout. The road winds uphill through scrubby hills, and at the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of both English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. If you’re here near sunset, stay on for the weekly Sunday party where steel bands play and BBQ chicken sizzles under the pink sky.
Mid‑week calls for a change of scenery. Your self‑drive car makes it easy to leave the coast behind and immerse yourself in Antigua’s green heart. Fig Tree Drive snakes through the lush rainforest, past banana groves and coffee plantations. Pull over at small roadside stalls to buy fresh bananas or sugar‑cane juice pressed on the spot.
About halfway along you’ll find Wallings Nature Reserve where shaded trails meander alongside hidden streams. Pack trainers if you want to tackle the Hummingbird Trail with its wooden bridges and birdwatching opportunities. After working up an appetite, stop at a local café for homemade fish cakes and refreshing coconut water. The Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tour offers a safe, guided experience across sparkling gorges for families or those seeking a thrill. By late afternoon, you’ll emerge back onto the main road rejuvenated and ready for dinner back on the coast.
The west coast is studded with beautiful beaches, each with its character. You can easily visit all three back-to-back, with convenient parking near the beach and a unique vibe to enjoy at each one. Ffryes Beach welcomes you with powdery sand and a gentle bay perfect for swimming. Seize the chance to float in peaceful turquoise water.
Valley Church Beach lies a mile further south and showcases rugged outcrops and small rock pools ideal for snorkelling. Darkwood Beach is the quietest of the three, offering long, wide sands and a family‑friendly restaurant serving hearty burgers and fresh salads. Lunch at a beachside spot on Valley Church Beach offers simple, satisfying dishes. After your meal, relax in the shade of a palm tree with a cold drink, then continue along the coast.
Switch gears today and drive east to where the Atlantic dramatically meets the island. Your first stop is Devil’s Bridge, a natural limestone arch carved by relentless waves. Kids love watching the surf crash through the hole in the rock and spray high into the air. A short drive along the rugged shoreline brings you to Indian Town National Park. Lead you past native flora and high cliffs that frame the endless blue horizon. With binoculars, you might spot seabirds nesting among the crags.
By early afternoon you can cool off at Long Bay Beach, whose calm water and fine sand make it a hidden gem for families. Local beach shacks serve up grilled snapper and plantain chips. Enjoy a relaxing swim, then drive back west along the coast, watching the water shimmer in the late afternoon sun.
On your final day, it’s time to soak up Antigua life a little longer before heading home. Return to St John’s for another wander through the Heritage Market where friendly vendors sell hand‑woven baskets, local jams, and sea‑shell jewellery. If you missed it on Day 1, stop by the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda to learn more about the island’s Arawak heritage and colonial past.
Enjoy lunch at a roadside stall, where you can savour the vibrant, spicy flavours of the island one last time. Later, drive along Friars Bay or Galleon Beach for a final scoop of turquoise water and sugar‑soft sand. If time allows, pull off at one more quiet cove to savour a last dip. Before your flight, refuel at a nearby petrol station, return your car to the airport desk, and say goodbye to the island that made each day an adventure.
Planning will make your self‑drive holiday smoother. Peak season runs from December through April, so book your rental car early to secure the best rates. Keep local cash on hand for small purchases at rural stalls, and top up your fuel whenever you find a station—petrol stops can be few and far between. Remember that mobile signals can be patchy in remote areas; download offline maps or screenshot key directions. If you need inspiration for side trips, check out our other blogs for more ideas.
Having your car means you can wake up each morning with a fresh plan. You could catch the sunrise at Fort James, enjoy a relaxed brunch by a secluded bay, or take a walk along a rainforest trail. There’s no schedule to keep but your own—and no crowds to slow you down. By choosing Finalrentals you benefit from:
Ready to embrace island life on your terms? Rent a Car in Antigua today and turn this itinerary into your story of sun, sand, and discovery. With a week behind the wheel, Antigua sheds the tourist label and becomes your playground. Pack light, plan loosely, and relish the freedom a self‑drive holiday can deliver. Have a safe journey, and enjoy every mile!
