Rum Punch & Rainforests

Saint Lucia or St Kitts: Which Caribbean Island Is Right for You?

Both are beautiful, both are welcoming and both have an addictive nature. But these two islands do feel very different, and choosing the perfect one for you depends on who you’re travelling with and what kind of holiday you’re looking for.

Here are a few tips on how I’d choose between them.

The quick answer

  • Saint Lucia is the pick for families and first-timers in my opinion. This island is established, with a solid infrastructure, plenty of resort choice to suit a range of budgets, and great nightlife.
  • St Kitts is the pick for couples. It’s smaller, calmer and for that reason feels a little more laid-back overall.

This is me putting each island into a category if I had to. I want to caveat this by saying you can find something for you on both islands. Each works for all kinds of traveller, so don’t decide solely on this split. Read on before you choose

Saint Lucia: established, active and easy for families

Saint Lucia is the bigger and more established island, which I believe means it pips St Kitts on breadth of choice. There’s a wider range of resorts, a bit more going on and plenty of adventure, from zip lines and Segway tours in the lively north to the Pitons and the luxury Sugar Beach resort in the lush south. Both sides of Saint Lucia have bars and restaurants, and Saint Lucia has the lively Rodney Bay in the north for travellers looking for a party atmosphere.

Saint Lucia also offers the shorter flight from the UK, at around eight hours, which means a seven-night stay is a good amount of time. If you’re weighing it up for a family trip, our posts on half term and the twin-centre stay show how we’d split the week.

St Kitts: small, relaxed and ideal for couples

In my opinion, St Kitts is the more laid-back and relaxed choice, so if you’re looking for chill, it’s the perfect choice. Although the island is smaller in stature, and therefore feels calmer, it can still pack a punch if you’re lookin for excursions and a bit of adventure. As a small island, it’s easy to drive and navigate under your own steam.

St Kitts does offer a lively atmosphere along its ‘strip’ in Frigate Bay. If you’re looking to experience local life, you’ll find bars along the beach serving local cuisine and some of the best rum punch cocktails I’ve ever tried. I also found the strip to be quite safe – the locals are very welcoming.

Our 7-night itinerary shows how much you can fit in, and why St Kitts deserves a place on your wish list explains why I rate it so highly.

Getting there

Saint Lucia has the shorter flight at approximately eight hours from the UK. Flights to St Kitts are just a little longer due to a scheduled refuel stop in Antigua. You’re on the ground for less than an hour whilst passengers disembark and the crew switch, and it’s a small price for the peace St Kitts can bring for your week away. If flight time is a big consideration for you, Saint Lucia pips St Kitts on this point.

A vibrant sunset over the ocean, with sunlight reflecting on the water and clouds scattered in the sky. A small island is visible in the distance.

Getting around

  • St Kitts is small and can be driven around fairly easily. If you’re a confident driver, you can self-drive without any problem.
  • Saint Lucia is bigger and so driving the island takes more time. The drive from north to south is 90 minutes but, depending on time of day, can be longer as there is one main road that connects the regions. At busy times this can become congested and, if you’re staying in the North, your transfers will be 90mins at best.

You can self-drive both islands if you want to, both really are easy enough to navigate as a self drive. Just don’t underestimate the drive between north and south in Saint Lucia, and plan your days around it.

Embrace island time

Island time is definitely a thing in the Caribbean. And I always say, embrace it! Things may happen more slowly than you’re used, but what’s the rush? Accepting island time will help you to truly relax and unwind so don’t fight it.

I love the locals on both islands. They are friendly and welcoming, and create just the best atmosphere, which makes experiencing authenticity easy. I always try to head to a local restaurant or bar, just to lap up the vibe and people watch.

Which should you choose?

  • Choose Saint Lucia if you’re travelling with children, it’s your first Caribbean trip, you want more resort choice, or you’d like a bit more nightlife and activity.
  • Choose St Kitts if you’re a couple after something quieter and more relaxed, and you don’t mind a slightly longer flight time. St Kitts is perfect for honeymooners or a couple celebrating in some way – the island does have a little more of a barefoot beauty feel.

And a little warning: both islands are addictive. Island life gets me every time I visit, and I love it. Pick whichever suits your trip needs best, and really experience it. You can then add the other island to your future travel list for next time.

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