Antigua and Grenada are both English Speaking Eastern Caribbean Islands.
Additionally, the official currency of the islands is the same being the Eastern Caribbean Dollar.
The islands, though independent with their own local Prime Ministers are part of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Therefore, His Majesty King Charles III is the Head of State.
In this article, we review these two destinations in several categories such as night life and beaches to help you decide which one is better for your Caribbean vacation.
As a general rule, Antigua is the destination of choice for visitors interested in white sand beaches, exploring Caribbean history and swimming with stingrays. On the other hand, Grenada is an ideal vacation choice for persons interested in beaches, chocolate, hiking, natural scenery and diving.
Read on for further details and explanations on how these two beautiful Eastern Caribbean Islands compare. This article is written by a Caribbean National familiar with both destinations.
Antigua Vs Grenada: Which Island Is Bigger
Antigua has the slightly larger landmass than Grenada being 169.9 square miles.
However, it has a smaller population being 99,445 according to worldometers.info at the time of writing.
The highest point of elevation is Boggy Peak which stands at an elevation of 1,319 feet.
Alternatively, Grenada is 133 square miles and according to Worldometers.info. Grenada’s population at the time of writing was 113,096 persons.
The highest point in Grenada is Mount St Catherine which stands at 2,757 feet.
Antigua Vs Grenada: Which Island Is Safer
Both islands are relatively safe Caribbean destinations and visitors should feel comfortable walking around the city and taking public transportation.
According to the US Department State, Overseas Advisory Council based on a 2018 crime report per 100,000 citizens, Grenada had the 11 murders and 0 kidnappings.
Contrastingly, Antigua had 12 murders and two kidnappings during the same period.
Nevertheless, due care must be taken as in any other country.
Visitors should avoid walking in secluded areas at nights and take only taxis authorized by the Taxi Associations.
Antigua Vs Grenada: Can You Hop To Other Islands
The state of Grenada comprises of three islands, the largest being Grenada and two smaller dependencies being Carriacou and Petite Martinique respectively.
Likewise, Antigua has two dependencies being Barbuda and Redonda Island.
However, there are no official ferry services from Grenada that allows you to seamless access neighbouring islands such as St Vincent & the Grenadines.
Alternatively, there is a ferry service to the neighboring island of Montserrat from Antigua.
The ferry named Jayden Sun departs from Heritage Quay from 8: 30 am and returns 5 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays weekly.
The price of the ferry is approximately XCD$300.
Antigua Vs Grenada: Which Island Has Better Beaches
This category is truly a tough one as both islands have beautiful white sand beaches.
One of the most popular beaches in Grenada is Grand Anse Beach and it is also the beach closest to the cruise terminal.
Grand Anse beach is a magnificent 2 mile stretch of white sand covered with numerous almond trees and sea grapes.
There are life guards stationed along the shoreline for your safety as well several high end resorts.
Alternatively, Dickenson Bay is one of the well-loved beaches in Antigua with both locals and tourists alike.
Its shallow and calm waters make it an ideal spot for water sports such as paddle boarding.
Despite both islands having gorgeous beaches, where they differ is in the number of beaches.
Antigua is well known in the Caribbean as the island with 365 beaches while Grenada has only 45 beaches.
To help visitors choose among its many beaches, the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority launched a beach personality quiz.
Feel free to visit the page to find the perfect beach for you.
Antigua Vs Grenada: Which Island Has Better Cuisine
The cuisine found on both islands is the typical West Indian food.
Meals such as rotis, seafood and rice and peas are staple dishes served on both islands.
Fruit juices are often available in abundance based on what is in season at the time of the year.
Nevertheless, among both islands Grenada stands out mainly for its unique dish called oil down which is the national dish of the island.
Oildown is made with breadfruit, local provision, callaloo and different types of meat such as salt fish, chicken and salt meat.
Tumeric and curry powder is used to give the dish its yellow colour. Oildown is cooked in one pot with coconut milk being the mixture that it is cooked in.
This dish is a must try for every visitor to the island.
Antigua Vs Grenada: Which Island Has Better Nightlife
On a whole, both Antigua and Grenada are not Caribbean destinations with a bustling nightlife atmosphere.
Nightlife on both islands mainly consists mainly of beach bars, clubs and movie theaters.
The south of Grenada is the best area for entertainment with Wall Street at Grand Anse having a large number of vendors on the weekends.
There is a newly built bowling alley called Lavo Lane which is well loved by locals and visitors to the island.
On Fridays, there is also Gouyave Fish Friday located on the west coast of the island in the fishing parish of St John which is a street food festival.
Fish is featured in various dishes and served in many ways. This is a must visit for sea food lovers.
Alternatively, Shirley’s Heights Lookout is a well-known spot in Antigua on Sunday evenings for entertainment.
There is usually a live band with drinks and food available for purchase.
Some of the other popular nightlife spots on the island are The Lime and Tryst Nightclub, Bar and Restaurant
Antigua Vs Grenada: What Are The Unique Things To Do
Unique Things To Do In Grenada
Dive The Underwater Sculpture Park– this one of a kind sculpture park was constructed in 2006 and is located in Molinere in Grenada.
The British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor is the creator of the park.
It is about 5-8 metres deep and is accessible by scuba diving, snorkeling and glass bottom boats.
Visit Lakes- If you enjoy visiting lakes and looking at various animals around that ecosystem then Grenada is the right place for you.
The most popular lake on the island is Grand Etang Lake which is the crater of an extinct volcano.
This lake is approximately 1740 feet above sea level. The serene environment makes it an ideal spot for yoga retreats and picnic gatherings.
Eat Chocolate- If you love chocolate, then Grenada is the destination for you.
Home to six producers of fine local chocolate, these factories in some instances grow their own cocoa and process it into chocolate bars.
Some of these bars are infused with various flavors such as nutmeg, turmeric, cinnamon, mace, bee pollen, sea salt and ginger.
In addition, there is a lovely shop nestled in the heart of St George, the capital city called House of Chocolate where you can buy a wide range of chocolate and chocolate flavored products such as tea, cakes and ice-cream.
These café is a perfect stop to rest for both kids and adults in the city.
Unique Things To Do In Antigua
Visit Laviscount Island- enjoy a getaway to a private island which is home to Giant Aldabra Tortoises.
Animal lovers will truly enjoy feeding and interacting with the tortoises on this island.
Swim With Stingrays– enjoy swimming and snorkeling in beautiful waters of Antigua with friendly stingrays.
There are also amazing coral reefs and several species of fishes that you can enjoy at the pool.
Visit Nelson’s Dockyard- delve into the history of the island by visiting Nelson’s Dockyard where here are modern conveniences such as shops and marina businesses.
This dockyard allows visitors to enjoy the park’s beauty.
There is also the dockyard museum which provides deep insight into the dockyard’s history and current research on the island.
Final Thoughts
On a whole, Antigua is an exceptional choice for individuals who love exploring the island’s many beaches and island hopping to neighbouring Montserrat. Alternatively, Grenada is an ideal choice for a traveler who loves unique Caribbean food such as oildown, chocolate and diving.
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