St Lucia and Grenada are two Eastern Caribbean Islands that share a number of similarities.
They are both English speaking islands, nationals are extremely friendly and the official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar.
Nonetheless, there are areas where these islands are dissimilar. In this article, we will address these points to help you make an informed decision.
As a general rule, St Lucia is the destination of choice for visitors interested in island hopping with luxurious accommodation options and entertainment. On the other hand, Grenada is the 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 magnificent Southern Caribbean Islands compare. This article is written by a Caribbean national who is extremely familiar with both islands.
St Lucia Vs Grenada: Which Island Is Bigger
St Lucia is the bigger of the two islands being 238 square miles and the highest point is Mount Gimie which is 3,120 feet.
According to Worldometer, the population of St Lucia at the time of writing was 184,711. St Lucia is a single island state.
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.
The state of Grenada comprises of three islands. The largest island being also called Grenada and two other smaller islands bearing the names Carriacou and Petite Martinique respectively.
Both St Lucia and Grenada are Commonwealth nations. Therefore, the head of state of both islands is His Majesty King Charles III.
St Lucia Vs Grenada: Can You Island Hop To Other Islands
On a whole, intra-regional travel in the Eastern Caribbean is expensive via air. St Lucia offers more opportunities to easily and affordably explore other islands.
There is a ferry service available in St Lucia, with transfers to the islands of Dominica, Martinique and Guadeloupe.
The best currency to use in Dominica is also the Eastern Caribbean Dollar as Grenada and St Lucia.
The Euro is the best currency for Guadeloupe and Martinique. Visitors should verify whether visas are required especially for travel to the French Caribbean.
On the other hand, from Grenada the only ferry service available is to its dependencies being Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Osprey Lines Ltd provides daily service to these islands which you can access on the Carenage.
St Lucia Vs Grenada: Which Has The Better Cuisine
Both islands have the typical West Indian cuisine which includes lots of seafood and ground provision.
However, if you are seeking a unique culinary experience then Grenada is the winner in this category.
The national dish of Grenada is oil down and this is must try when you visit the island. It is made using breadfruit as the star ingredient, cooked in coconut milk.
A variety of different types of meats are added as well as other vegetables such as pumpkin and callaloo. Dumplings made with flour are also added in this meal.
Grenada is also commonly known in the Caribbean as the isle of spice and chocolate production is an area where Grenada shines.
There are six local producers of chocolate bars some of which are infused with various local spices such as nutmeg and ginger.
Annually, the Grenada Chocolate Festival is hosted on the island which features several events all centered on chocolate.
St Lucia Vs Grenada: Which Island Gets More Tourists
St Lucia is a much more popular and well known tourism destination than Grenada.
Comparing the visitor arrivals of the two countries, prior to the pandemic, in 2019 the total amount of stopover visitors and cruise passengers was 525,453 in Grenada.
This is based on data from Tourism Analytics.
This same website revealed that the total amount of arrivals for the same period in St Lucia was more than double.
The total amount of stopovers was 380,167, yacht visitors 56,399 and cruise visitors 663,445 respectively.
On a whole, visitors to St Lucia should expect for beaches and attractions to be more crowded when compared to Grenada.
St Lucia Vs Grenada: Which Island Is Safer
While both islands are generally safe, Grenada is the safer of the two islands.
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.
During the same period, there were 21 murders and 4 kidnappings in St Lucia. Nevertheless, visitors to both countries should maintain basic security practices as in every other foreign country.
Avoid lonely and secluded places and do not leave valuable items unattended or visible in vehicles.
St Lucia Vs Grenada: Which Island Has Better Beaches
Grenada has the better beaches of the two islands with Grand Anse beach being the finest of them all. Grand Anse beach is located near the cruise port in Grenada.
All beaches in Grenada are public. Grand Anse beach is a beautiful two mile strip of white sand. There are sea grapes and almond trees on the shore. There are life guards stationed on this beach.
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 by both visitors and locals alike.
Contrastingly, Sugar beach is one of the best beaches in St Lucia where you can get a view of the famous twin peaks called The Pitons.
This beach is loved by divers and individuals who enjoy snorkeling.
St Lucia Vs Grenada: Which Island Is Easier To Access
St Lucia offers many more flight options for international travelers than Grenada.
Several major airlines provide direct and non-stop flights such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Jet Blue, British Airways, US Airways, Sunwing, West Jet and TUI Airlines.
In instances where the same airlines provide service to Grenada, the number of flights each week to Grenada is less.
Visitors who are coming to the world renowned Sandals resort in Grenada will love that the hotel is situated about five minutes from the airport.
The road to Sandals as well is a minor road, so there is not much traffic in that area.
On the other hand, incoming Sandals visitors will usually arrive at Hewannora International Airport which is located in Vieux Fort.
Travelers will be required to drive about 90 minutes before arriving at the hotel.
The drive however is extremely relaxing and gives you an opportunity to experience a bit of the island.
St Lucia Vs Grenada: Which Island Has Better Amenities
St Lucia has better amenities and options than Grenada. As an example, there are more premium accommodation options for a visitor to St Lucia such as the prestigious Jade Mountain Resort.
This luxurious resort has been featured in various magazines and other publications around the world.
This one of a kind resort has amazing mountain, unique architecture and sea views. The resort is located on its own estate that grows some of its own organic food.
St Lucia Vs Grenada: Does The Language Differ?
While the official language of both islands is English, Patois which is a broken form of creole is the language that St Lucians speak among themselves.
This language has its origin in French. If you travel to St Lucia and you are among locals, they will more than likely speak Patois.
However, in Grenada only English is spoken or the local Grenadian dialect which is English based.
This will be easier for a visitor to understand.
Patois was previously spoken in Grenada but this language was not passed on from generation to generation.
The older folks in Grenada spoke the language among themselves and did not teach it to the younger ones. As a result, Patois in Grenada died.
St Lucia Vs Grenada: Which Island Has Better Nightlife
If you priority is entertainment, then St Lucia is the better of the two destinations. Rodney Bay Village usually comes alive at nights.
There are several restaurants with a variety of cuisine that you can choose from such as Mexican, Indian and Chinese foods.
Each and every Friday with the exception of Good Fridays, Gros Islet comes alive.
Vendors sell barbecues and other local dishes and there is a live band featuring music from the island. Vendors also sell souvenirs and other arts and craft items.
Grenada has a Fish Fridays which was largely based on the Gros Islet format.
Fish Fridays is ideal for seafood lover and is held weekly in the town of Gouyave which is the capital city of fishing in Grenada.
St Lucia Vs Grenada: What Are The Unique Things To Do
Unique Things To Do In St Lucia
Climb The Piton Mountains- the piton is an incredible twin peaks that are designated as UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004 located at the south of the island.
The Gros Piton is 2462 feet while the Petit Piton is 2619 feet. The Gros Piton is the designated hiking trail while the Petit Piton is rarely climbed.
Visit The Drive In Volcano- The sulphur springs is one of the most visited attractions on the island located in Soufriere which is the world’s only drive in volcano.
Visitors are able to enter at certain points and give themselves a mud bath. It is widely believed that these mud baths have medical benefits.
Unique Things To Do In Grenada
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.
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 ft. above sea level.
The serene environment makes it an ideal spot for yoga retreats and picnic gatherings.
Final Thoughts
On a whole, St Lucia is an ideal choice for a traveler who wants to explore a drive in volcano, hike the famous twin peaks The Piton as well as enjoy a bustling nightlife experience. Alternatively, Grenada is an exceptional choice for a traveler whose priority is enjoying the beach and diving.
Need More Information?
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