Antigua’s old fashioned stone walls, almost unbroken coral reef wall, and 365 beautiful white sandy beaches remain relatively unchanged since Christopher Columbus first named this tiny Caribbean island after the Spanish word for ‘ancient.’ Although Antigua certainly has its fair share of sun, sand, and sea, its fascinating maritime history and tranquil beaches truly set this ‘gateway to the Caribbean’ apart from most of its Caribbean neighbours.

Antigua is also among the most accessible Caribbean islands with dozens of daily European and North American flights descending upon VC Bird International Airport. The airport also serves as the main Antigua car hire hub. As public transportation options are few, Antigua car hire is the best way to explore all this tropical paradise has to offer.

Antigua’s capital city of St John’s, just eight kilometres from the airport, is filled with stunning stone buildings, cobblestone sidewalks, and fascinating history. The St John's Cathedral’s white Baroque towers dominate the city’s skyline while the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is housed within the island’s first courthouse.

English Harbour is another Antigua attraction easily accessible by car hire. This former British navy fort now attracts yachters around the world during springtime’s Antigua Sailing Week, as well as partiers enjoying the barbeque, music, and spectacular Shirley Heights Lookout view.

Runaway Bay and Dickenson Bay, both easily accessible by cheap Antigua car hire, are considered Antigua’s most popular and lively beaches, while the submerged shipwreck beneath Deep Bay is just one spectacular sight awaiting Antigua’s snorkellers and scuba divers. Visitors exploring Antigua by car hire may also admire the view from the Monks Hill summit or tour Betty’s Hope, Antigua’s first sugar plantation.