St Lucia or Antigua: which island is better for a Caribbean holiday?
Both St Lucia and Antigua offer memorable Caribbean getaways, but they cater to different types of travellers. Here's an in-depth look at what makes each island special, highlighting lesser-known facts and local insights.
Getting there: find your perfect slice of paradise on either St Lucia* or Antigua* with Sandals, which offers affordable adults-only luxury across its all-inclusive resorts*.
Where to go for the scenery
St Lucia is famed for its dramatic topography, especially the twin Pitons, which rise sharply from the sea. Its volcanic origins give it luscious rainforests, waterfalls such as the 50ft drop of Toraille and interior adventures such as the Tet Paul Nature Trail. Many travellers don't realise that St Lucia is also home to the world's only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs.
On the other hand, Antigua* is more about serene, flat landscapes, although it does have special spots such as Devil's Bridge, a natural limestone arch shaped by the Atlantic waves.
Antigua's 365 beaches, from famous Dickenson Bay in the north to lesser-known stretches such as Rendezvous Bay in the west, are the defining characteristic of the island.
Winner: St Lucia for adventurers; Antigua for beach-seekers.
Where to stay in Antigua: discover Sandals Grande Antigua*, in the north of the island.
Best for beaches
Antigua truly is a beach lover's paradise, offering stretches of platinum sand at every turn. Some, like Dickenson Bay, attract visitors with their lively atmosphere, lined with beach bars and water sports.
Meanwhile, others, such as Half Moon Bay, remain tranquil, with just a single café on the grassy verge. The warm, turquoise waters provide excellent conditions for swimming and snorkelling, plus there's a sunken shipwreck to explore at Deep Bay.
St Lucia isn't short of postcard-perfect beaches either, particularly white-sand Sugar Beach, which has the Pitons for its backdrop; a view you can enjoy while swimming in its clear waters.
And secluded Anse Chastanet, with its volcanic black sand and coral reefs is a favourite for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. This island's beach diversity, with both golden and black sands, gives it an edge for those looking for something different.
Winner: Antigua for variety; St Lucia for its standout sands.
The history & culture
While Antigua is well-known for Nelson's Dockyard, an immaculately preserved 18th-century naval base and UNESCO World Heritage site, it also has Shirley Heights, an old military lookout that hosts a popular Sunday sunset party, where you can enjoy steel drum music with panoramic views.
St Lucia, with its eclectic mix of French and British influences, offers a different cultural vibe. Pigeon Island National Park contains the ruins of Fort Rodney, a British military outpost from the 18th century, which was used to monitor French naval movements during the colonial wars between Britain and France.
Then there are lesser-known historical sites like Fond Doux Plantation, a working cocoa estate where you can learn about the island's colonial past.
St Lucia also has a full cultural calendar including the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival each May, which is one of the Caribbean's most prestigious music festivals, attracting international jazz, R&B, reggae and pop artists. Both islands have colourful carnivals in July and August, celebrating the islands' African heritage.
Winner: St Lucia for cultural festivals; Antigua for maritime history.
Where to stay in St Lucia: take your pick from three Sandals resorts, Sandals Regency La Toc*, Sandals Grande St Lucian* & Sandals Halcyon Beach*, which are all located in the northeast of the island.
Adventure & activities
St Lucia's terrain provides ample opportunity for adventure. Aside from hiking the Gros Piton (the Petit Piton is much steeper and for experienced climbers only), travellers can explore the lesser-trekked Enbas Saut Falls or go zip-lining in the rainforest at Babonneau.
Water lovers can dive or snorkel at Anse Cochon and Turtle Reef, near Anse Chastanet or windsurf on Cas en Bas Beach.
Antigua excels in water sports, especially sailing, with English Harbour the heart of the action. Antigua Sailing Week, one of the world's premier regattas, attracts sailing enthusiasts from all over.
However, Antigua lacks the adventurous inland activities St Lucia offers, although there is a small rainforest interior and a zip-line to rival the one in St Lucia.
Winner: St Lucia for hiking and varied adventure; Antigua for sailing.
Tempting, tasty treats
St Lucia's cuisine is a flavoursome blend of African, French and East Indian influences, reflecting the island's diverse cultural history. At the heart of the island's food culture is green fig and saltfish, the national dish, combining boiled green bananas with salted cod, often flavoured with onions, peppers and spices.
Creole-style cooking is prevalent, with dishes such as bouyon, a hearty soup made with meat, ground provisions and vegetables, and accra, fried fish cakes seasoned with herbs and spices.
Fresh seafood, such as snapper, mahi-mahi and lobster, features prominently, often grilled or served in spicy stews. Side dishes such as breadfruit, plantains and dasheen are common, giving meals a grounding in local produce.
Antigua's culinary scene is equally diverse but lesser-known, with delicacies such as fungie (cornmeal and okra) and pepperpot, a slow-cooked stew.
The island's national dish, ducana, pairs sweet potato dumplings with saltfish and often includes chop-up, a side dish made from mashed vegetables such as eggplant, okra and pumpkin. Seafood also plays a major role in the Antiguan diet, with dishes such as grilled lobster, red snapper and conch stewed in aromatic spiced sauces.
Local produce such as plantains, cassava and black pineapple, known for their sweetness, frequently accompany meals. Antiguan cuisine is celebrated for its bold, fresh ingredients and its ability to fuse traditional Caribbean flavours with international influences.
Winner: both islands offer a distinct Caribbean dining experience food lovers will adore.
Choosing between St Lucia and Antigua depends on your travel preferences. St Lucia is, generally speaking, ideal for those seeking a mix of adventure, culture and romance. It's perfect for eco-tourism, hiking enthusiasts and couples looking for an intimate escape.
Meanwhile, Antigua shines for its pristine beaches, lively sailing scene and historical depth, making it a haven for beach lovers and history buffs. Either way, both islands provide an unforgettable Caribbean holiday experience.
Compare weather
Use the graphs below to compare the weather in both destinations. Find out more about the climate in St Lucia and the climate in Antigua as well as conditions across the region in our complete guide to the climate in the Caribbean.
St Lucia vs Antigua
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- Hours of sunshine
- Days with some rainfall
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Maximum daytime temperature (°C)
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