Grenada is actually made up of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. With the scent of spices and the sound of Calypso in the air, Grenada is a great place to relax and slow life down.
What is it?: Grenada, known as the “Spice Isle” for its production of nutmeg and other spices, is a beautiful Caribbean island famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant culture, and rich history, offering travelers a tranquil escape with plenty of outdoor adventures.
Affordability: Grenada is relatively affordable compared to many other Caribbean destinations, with a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Food and transportation are reasonably priced, especially if you opt for local restaurants and public transport.
Safety: Grenada is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean for tourists, with low crime rates and a friendly, welcoming population. Visitors can generally explore the island with confidence, though it’s still advisable to take normal precautions in busy areas.
Popularity: Grenada is a popular destination for travelers looking for a more laid-back, less commercialized Caribbean experience. While it doesn’t receive the same number of visitors as larger islands, it attracts beach lovers, divers, and nature enthusiasts who want to experience its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Tourist Infrastructure: The island has a solid infrastructure, especially in major areas like St. George’s, with a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and activities. The road system is well-maintained, and public transportation is available, though it’s more limited in rural areas.
Weather: Tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is from December to April, during the dry season, when the weather is most pleasant. The rainy season runs from June to November, though it’s still possible to visit during this period with proper planning.
Best Time to Go: December–April for the best weather, perfect for enjoying Grenada’s beaches, hiking trails, and outdoor activities. The rainy season from June to November brings heavier rainfall and the risk of hurricanes, although this time can still offer quieter, less crowded experiences.
Known For: St. George’s, nutmeg production, spice plantations, Grand Anse Beach, coral reefs, Underwater Sculpture Park, and its welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
Top Destinations: St. George’s • Grand Anse Beach • Underwater Sculpture Park • Carriacou • La Sagesse Beach • Morne Rouge Bay • Levera National Park
-
Nature Buffs: Grenada offers diverse natural beauty, from the pristine beaches of Grand Anse and Morne Rouge Bay to the lush rainforests of Levera National Park and Mount Saint Catherine, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring waterfalls and volcanic craters.
-
History Buffs: While Grenada is more known for its natural beauty, it also has historical sites like the Fort George in St. George’s, the Grenada National Museum, and the story of the island’s 1983 U.S. invasion, making it interesting for history lovers.
-
Beach Bunnies: Grenada is home to some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, including Grand Anse Beach and Morne Rouge Bay, with golden sand, clear waters, and excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.
-
Digital Nomads: St. George’s and Grand Anse offer reliable internet, a relaxed atmosphere, and affordable living, making Grenada a good option for digital nomads. However, infrastructure may be limited in rural areas, and internet speed can vary.
-
Families: Grenada is a fantastic family destination, with plenty of activities for children, such as visiting the Underwater Sculpture Park, enjoying the beaches, exploring the island’s nature reserves, and experiencing its unique cultural heritage.
Grenada has one of the most varied Caribbean environments with everything from mountains, volcanoes and crater lakes to rainforests, mangrove swamps, coral reefs and white sand beaches. Together, the three islands have more than 40 beautiful beaches, so despite the crowds, there is room for everyone.
What’s Cool
Grand Anse and the other 39 beaches, snorkeling, dancing to Calypso under the stars, spicy seafood cuisine, smelling spices in the wind.
What’s Not
Wet season, the crowds, occasional street crime, not being able to find a taxi at night or on a Sunday.
Highlights
- St George’s: the hillside capital surrounds a deep harbor and is full of narrow twisting streets and distinctive Creole houses.
- Grand Anse Beach: one of the most famous beaches in the region, its white sand is legendary.
- Carriacou: you won’t have difficulty finding rooms, views or uncrowded beaches on this slow-paced, low-key rural island.
- Grand Etang National Park: there are plenty of trails to take you through the rainforest to crater lakes and waterfalls.
- Spice Country: is accessed by a road that winds through picturesque fishing villages. You can see a modern spice plantation and factory at the Dougaldston Estate.
- Petite Martinique: most of the accommodation here is small and intimate, making it a good place to get away from the crowds in other parts during the dry season.
The dry season runs from January to May, while the rainy season runs from June to December and features rain about 22 days a month. Although you won’t have to fight the crowds in the wet season, you’ll probably end up sharing the beach with no one else but goats for company.
Festivals & Events
Many of Grenada’s big events involve either music or sailing.
- January: Grenada Sailing Festival sees races with both international yachts and traditional boats, and is a great excuse to hang out at the beach and party.
- February: Carnivale, the yearly pre-Lent celebration in Carriacou, can add a little Calypso and a lot of spice to you holiday.
- April: Tivoli Drum Festival and the Carriacou Maroon Music Festival offer a whole lot of music, dancing and good food thrown in too.
- May: Grenada Drum Festival has traditional, modern and international beats served up beside traditional cuisine.
- August: if you miss the party in February, or just can’t get enough, celebrate Carnivale all over again.
- Diving: the island of Carricou is also known as the ‘Island of Coral Reefs’ and has excellent marine life and good diving conditions.
- Yachting: where there are islands in the Carribbean, there is good yachting, but when you are in Grenada, the chances are that there will also be some kind of festival or regatta celebrating the sport.
- Hiking/walking: there are trails in a few national parks throughout the country, most of which offer excellent opportunities for bird-watching, spotting spectacular flowers and climbing to crater lakes.
- Deep sea fishing: marlin, wahoo, tuna and sailfish are to be found relatively close to shore, so go out for a day and bring back a big one.
If you are looking to get to Grenada in a hurry, Miami offers the highest number of direct flights to Point Salines International Airport. There are several international ports including St George’s where you can enter Grenada from abroad, and it is easy to rent a yacht or hire a boat to travel between islands once you are here. There are several car rental agencies as well as plenty of taxis; on weekdays, before sundown that is.
Street crime can be a concern in Grenada, although probably not much more so than in most major American cities. Since tourists are often the targets of petty crime, it is a good idea not to travel alone after dark, especially in tourist areas and near beaches, hotels and large restaurants.
If you are planning on hiking in Grenada, be sure to bring mosquito repellant, as there is a chance of getting dengue fever. Most health concerns among tourists in Grenada however can be easily prevented by wearing hats, sunscreen and drinking lots of water.