The Perfect 7-Day Antigua Itinerary

How to Spend One Week in Antigua Without Rushing Your Holiday

Seven days in Antigua can disappear remarkably quickly.

The temptation is to create a list of everything you want to see and then spend your holiday racing around trying to complete it.

We recommend doing almost exactly the opposite.

Antigua is best experienced slowly.

So rather than creating an itinerary based upon seeing everything, this is how we would spend seven days balancing beaches, food, history, adventure and absolutely nothing at all.

Day 1: Arrive and Do Very Little

You've travelled.

Don't immediately start sightseeing.

Check in.

Unpack.

Have something cold to drink.

Swim.

Eat.

Exhale.

Guests staying at Turtle Cove House by Le Haus are less than fifteen minutes from V.C. Bird International Airport, meaning the transition from aircraft to holiday can be remarkably quick.

Spend your first evening settling into island time.

Day 2: Discover the North Coast

Start locally.

Explore Hodges Bay and nearby Jabberwock Beach.

Take a morning swim.

Have lunch nearby.

If you want something special, arrange a short boat trip towards Prickly Pear Island.

Return home without feeling as though you've spent the day travelling.

Day 3: Antigua's Southwest Beaches

Today is for beach hopping.

Ask your driver to take you down Antigua's western coastline.

Consider:

Ffryes Beach.

Darkwood Beach.

Valley Church.

Jolly Beach.

Don't try to do all four.

Choose two or three.

Stop for lunch somewhere along the way.

Stay longer if somewhere feels right.

That's the point.

Day 4: English Harbour, Nelson's Dockyard & Shirley Heights

Today is your history and culture day.

Head south towards English Harbour.

Explore Nelson's Dockyard.

Walk around the harbour.

Have a long lunch.

Explore a little more.

Then make your way towards Shirley Heights for the extraordinary view across the harbour.

If your visit coincides with one of the famous Sunday gatherings, even better.

Day 5: Go to Sea

Today you leave Antigua.

Sort of.

Charter a boat or join a sailing experience.

Swim.

Snorkel.

Find a secluded bay.

Have lunch onboard or somewhere along the coast.

There is something about seeing Antigua from the water that completely changes the island.

For many visitors, this becomes their favourite day.

Day 6: Treehouse Day

You have earned a day requiring almost no decision-making whatsoever.

Head to Fort James Beach.

Find your place at Treehouse Beach Club.

Cabana.

Lunch.

Cocktails.

Sea.

Music.

Sunset.

Repeat as necessary.

If you're travelling as a family, everyone gets a beach day.

If you're travelling as a couple, disappear into a cabana.

If you're travelling with friends, order another bottle and cancel whatever you thought you were doing afterwards.

Some days are better without an itinerary.

Day 7: Your Day

We deliberately haven't planned this one.

Go back to your favourite beach.

Visit St John's.

Play golf.

Book a massage.

Go fishing.

Stay beside the pool.

Return to somewhere you discovered earlier in the week.

Your final day should belong to you rather than an itinerary.

What About Barbuda?

If you have more time, consider adding Barbuda.

The sister island offers a completely different experience and deserves enough time to appreciate properly.

Rather than squeezing it into an already busy week, we generally recommend adding it when your stay allows.

Do You Need a Car in Antigua?

Not necessarily.

Some visitors enjoy the independence of renting a vehicle.

Others prefer arranging taxis or a private driver, particularly when beach hopping or dining.

Turtle Cove House guests can arrange transportation through our concierge team.

Where Is the Best Place to Base Yourself?

For visitors wanting to explore rather than remain inside one resort, northern Antigua provides an excellent base.

From Turtle Cove House in Hodges Bay, guests have convenient access to the airport, St John's, north-coast beaches and the rest of the island.

And importantly, after a day exploring Antigua, you come home.

Not simply back to a hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is seven days enough for Antigua?

Yes. Seven days gives you enough time to experience Antigua's beaches, history, restaurants and sailing while still leaving time to relax. Although the more the merrier.

What should I do on my first trip to Antigua?

We recommend combining beaches, English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, a boat experience, local food and at least one completely unplanned day.

Should I rent a car in Antigua?

It depends on how independently you want to explore. Car hire is useful, although private drivers and taxis allow you to enjoy the island without navigating yourself.

Can Turtle Cove House arrange an Antigua itinerary?

Yes. Guests can ask our concierge team to help arrange transport, restaurants, boats, experiences and personalised itineraries.

One Final Piece of Advice

Don't judge your Antigua holiday by how many places you visited.

Judge it by how much you didn't want to leave.

Seven days is enough to see Antigua.

But hopefully not enough to finish with it.