Grenada Vs St Kitts: Which Is Better For A Vacation

Both Grenada and St Kitts & Nevis are stunning Caribbean islands and we are confident that you will have any amazing island in either one of these destinations.

In this article, we compare Grenada with St Kitts to help you determine which destination is ideal for your Caribbean vacation.

As a general rule, St Kitts & Nevis is the destination of choice for visitors interested in forts, Caribbean history and an exciting night life experience. 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 Caribbean islands compare. This article is written by a Caribbean national who has spent extensive time in both destinations.

Grenada vs St Kitts: Which Island Is Bigger

The twin island nation of St Kitts and Nevis is 69 square miles and 36 square miles respectively. According to Worldpopulationreview.com, the population at the time of writing was 53,544.

On the other hand, Grenada is a bit larger at 133 square miles with a population of 113, 088 at the time of writing again as stated by worldpopulationreview.com.

In terms of landscape, Grenada is more mountainous than St Kitts. However, St Kitts tallest mountain is higher than Grenada’s.

The highest point in Grenada is Mount St Catherine which stands at 2,757 feet (840 metres). Alternatively, the highest point in St Kitts & Nevis is Mount Liamiuga which is 3,792 feet (1,156 metres).  

Grenada Vs St Kitts: Which Has The Better Beaches

If beaches are your priority, then Grenada is the better option with Grand Anse beach which is two miles long strip of amazing white sand.

This beach is a favorite among tourists to the island. Morne Rouge Beach or BBC beach as it is fondly called by Grenadians is another beach on the south of the island that is well loved.

Pinney beach is a one of the most popular beaches on the island of Nevis and Cockleshell bay and Banana Bay are some of the must visit beaches in St Kitts.

However the beaches are not as beautiful as those in Grenada.

See Also: What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Grenada

Grenada Vs St Kitts: Which Has Better Cuisine

When it comes to local cuisine, hands down Grenada is the winner in our opinion. Grenada is fondly called the isle of spice and spice transcends into its cuisine.

The national dish of Grenada is called oildown which is made with breadfruit, local provision, callaloo and different types of meat such as salt fish, chicken and salt meat. This dish is unique to the island.

Tumeric and curry powder is used to give the dish its yellow colour.

Oildown is all 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.

On the other hand, the national dish of St Kitts and Nevis is stewed saltfish with spicy plaintains and coconut dumplings.

This dish combination though unique to St Kitts & Nevis can be found individually in other Caribbean islands.

One event however that St Kitts & Nevis has that is unique is restaurant week.

This is where restaurants offer fixed menus at special prices. If you are a foodie, then this week will be a great week to visit St Kitts.

Grenada Vs St Kitts: Which Has Better Natural Scenery

If you hiking and enjoy attractions such as lakes and waterfalls then Grenada should be your island of choice. Grenada is truly a natural gem with scenic views.

It is filled with so many attractive tropical features such as rivers, lakes and waterfalls.

Some of these scenic natural attractions include grand etang lake, concord waterfalls, seven sisters waterfalls and mount carmel waterfalls.

St Kitts & Nevis alternatively has no waterfalls and lakes. Nevertheless, the panhandle area of the island is breathtaking.

There, you can see the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea at the same time. That view is stunning and unforgettable and a must visit spot on the island. 

Grenada Vs St Kitts: How Does Their Currency Differ

The official currency of both St Kitts and Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar which has been pegged to the US (United States) dollar since July 7^th, 1976 at a rate of USD $1 to XCD $2.70.

This currency is also shared by seven other Eastern Caribbean islands and is managed through a regional central bank which is based in St Kitts. Several persons from each of the Caribbean island work at the central bank.

The US dollar is generally accepted at most business places on the island. As with other countries, businesses at times may be skeptical accepting higher denominations.

US notes that are worn and torn are usually rejected in both islands.

See Also: What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In St Kitts & Nevis

Grenada Vs St Kitts: Which Island Is Safer

According to the US Department State, Overseas Advisory Council based on a 2018 crime report per 100,000 citizens, Grenada had the lowest murder and kidnapping rates when compared to six other regional counterparts.

Alternatively St Kitts and Nevis had the highest rate of murders in that same year of 42 with a population more than half of Grenada.

Having been to both islands, care must be exercised as with any other country.

Avoid walking in dark and secluded places at nights and if possible travel in a group. There is safety in numbers. Use only taxis that are authorized and approved by the relevant taxi associations.

Grenada Vs St Kitts: Which Island Is More Expensive

The table above provides examples of goods available at a supermarket in Grenada and their prices.

Generally the prices of goods and services are more expensive in the northern Caribbean islands such as Antigua, Anguilla and St Kitts than Southern Caribbean islands such as Grenada, St Vincent and St Lucia.

Therefore, bear this in mind if you are budgeting for a trip. Below are tables showing costs of goods in St Kitts and Nevis.

These data was physically obtained from supermarkets on both islands to give you a gauge as to the cost of certain items. Below is a listing for the island of St Kitts.

Grenada Vs St Kitts: Which Island Gets More Tourists

If you looking to avoid crowds of tourists, then Grenada is the better choice.

In 2019, prior to the 2020 pandemic St Kitts & Nevis welcomed 1, 177, 755 visitors to its shores when compared to Grenada which hosted 526,166 during the same period. Over almost 90% of visitors being cruise ship passengers.

This means that the number of tourists on St Kitts is more than double that of Grenada with the greatest number of arrivals in the months of December to March.

Therefore visitors should expect that attractions and venues to be more crowded in St Kitts especially on days when there are cruise ships are the majority of visitors are from cruises.

Grenada Vs St Kitts: What Are The Unique Things To Do

Visit Underwater Sculpture Park– if you are an avid diver, 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.

Take A Chocolate Tour- 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 flavours 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 flavoured products such as tea, cakes and icecream.

These café is a perfect stop to rest for both kids and adults in the city. The island is also the proud host of the local Grenada Chocolate Festival where chocolate lovers both local and visiting enjoy various activities all centered around chocolate.

Visit A UNESCO Heritage Site– St Kitts is the only island of the two that has a Unesco world Heritage site. The Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park for panoramic views of the island.

The Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a 17^th and 18^th century military fort that is of historical, cultural and architectural importance on the island.

The fort officially became a UNECO World Heritage site in 1999 and was built by African slaves to protect the island from attacks.

Take A Scenic Train Tour- Get an opportunity to experience to last railway in the West Indies via a 3 hour tour in St Kitts This adventure makes a 30 mile circle around the island.

Eighteen miles of the tour is by a narrow gauge train and the remaining 12 miles on a bus.

The rail was built between 1912 and 1926 to bring sugar cane from the plantations to sugar factories on the island.

Secondary Islands– St Kitts and Grenada both have smaller islands which have its own unique culture and history and this enriches the culture of the island.

Therefore is you want to unwind and get a slower pace of life, both destination provides you with other islands where you can retreat.

Grenada Vs St Kitts: Which Has The Better Night Life

If nightlife is your priority, then St Kitts & Nevis should be your island of choice. At nights the Frigate Bay part of the island comes alive.

There are a various range of restaurants and bars in this area of the island.

Three of the most common restaurants in this area are The Shiggidy Shack Beach Bar, Rock Lobster and Cathy’s Ocean View Bar and Grill.

There are also casinos on the island as well as several golf courses.

There are four of golf courses on the island with Robert Trent Jones course at Pinney Beach in Nevis and Royal St Kitts Club located between Half Moon Bay and North Frigate Bay in St Kitts.

On the other hand, 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.  Grenada’s only golf course is not developed to the extent of St Kitts.

Final Thoughts

On a whole, Grenada is an ideal choice for a traveler who loves Caribbean food, chocolate and diving. Alternatively, St Kitts is an exceptional choice for a traveler who loves forts, wants to ride on the last railway in the West Indies, an avid golfer and seeking a bustling night life experience.

Need More Information?

Feel free to browse our website for more content on the Grenada, St Kitts and the rest of the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page.

The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you.

Best Caribbean Islands For Solo Female Travelers

Grenada Vs Barbados ( Which Island Is Better For A Vacation)

Grenada Vs St Vincent ( Which Is Better To Visit)

What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In St Kitts

What Is The Best Currency To Use In St Kitts & Nevis

Beaches In Grenada Near Cruise Port ( The Ultimate Guide)

What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Grenada