small island The term “key” comes from the Spanish word, “cayo” which translates to “small island.”

Which is better for vacation - Key Largo or Key West? If you're looking for the quintessential Florida Keys experience - Key Largo is your best bet. If you're looking for eclectic entertainment, spirited bars, and parties that roll all night long - Key West is certainly for you.

No, they are not the same. The Florida Keys are a group of islands that extend about 100 miles south from the southern tip of Florida. It is comprised of about 20 different islands (Keys) connected by Highway 1. Key West is a city on the southern most island that is accessible by road.

upper Florida Keys archipelago Key Largo (Spanish: Cayo Largo) is an island in the upper Florida Keys archipelago and is the largest section of the keys, at 33 miles (53 km) long. It is one of the northernmost of the Florida Keys in Monroe County, and the northernmost of the keys connected by U.S. Highway 1 (the Overseas Highway).

As a capital for sportfishing, boating, scuba diving, and seafood, the Florida Keys is the perfect place to get a taste of tropical Florida. Islamorada is known as the sportsfishing capital of the world, hosting the largest fishing fleet per square mile in the world.

What Is Key Largo Best Known For?

• Diving and Snorkeling Paradise. Key Largo is world-renowned for its breathtaking underwater scenery, making it the perfect destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
• Fishing Haven.
• Historical Significance.
• Outdoor Adventure.
• Relaxation and Romance.
• Key Takeaways.

Key Largo is best known for its world-class diving and snorkeling, fishing, rich historical significance, outdoor adventures, and romantic getaways.

Why is Key West famous? Thanks to its buccaneering history, Caribbean connections, picturesque pastel-hued houses, Ernest Hemmingway, iconic Key Lime Pie and legendary sunsets, Key West sure isn't short of famous draws.

The unique geography and warm climate are more similar to the Caribbean than the rest of Florida, and many rare plants and animals continue to draw ecotourists. Fishing, scuba diving and other recreational tourism are the primary industries in the Keys.

Did you know the Florida Keys is home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world? John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the USA's first underwater park (read: underwater adventure playground). From shipwrecks to underwater statues to colourful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, there's so much to explore.

Key Largo is world-renowned for its breathtaking underwater scenery, making it the perfect destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The area is home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which boasts the only living coral reef in the continental United States.

Instead of one continuous peninsula connected to the Florida mainland, the Florida Keys became 200 smaller islands, of which Key Largo is the longest. This is how it was in the 1500s when Spanish explorers visited the region and named the island "Cayo Largo," largo meaning long in Spanish.