As a classically Caribbean island, Grenada attracts travelers looking for soft sandy beaches and sunny days. While it might be less famous than the neighboring nation of St. Lucia, the Isle of Spice still offers plenty of things to do. Active travelers can kayak, parasail, windsurf, or snorkel, while underwater explorers can hire a guide and head to Moliniere Point to see underwater sculpture gardens. Plus, you can sample homegrown nutmeg—Grenada’s most famous export—at a fragrant spice plantation.
December is the best time to visit Grenada, since it’s in between the end of the island’s rainy season and the start of peak season. US and UK tourists tend to flock to the island from January through April. During the summer and fall months, the threat of hurricanes looms, so consider getting travel insurance if you’re planning a trip around that time.
If you plan to explore beyond Grand Anse Beach or St. George's, you’ll want to rent a car. But be mindful when driving in Grenada, as traffic accidents are common. Public minibuses can transport you around the island, but the service is fairly limited and only runs on weekdays. If you’re here for the day on a cruise ship shore excursion, it’s only a 10-minute taxi ride from the port to Grand Anse Beach.
The River Antoine Rum Distillery is the oldest functioning water-powered distillery in the Caribbean, and one of Grenada’s most popular attractions. Guided tours take you through the rum-making process—from the harvesting of sugarcane to fermentation and the bottling process. Though you might be tempted to buy a bottle to take home as a souvenir, be warned: The 150-proof alcohol is too flammable to carry on board a plane, but a less potent version is available for you to buy.
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Nicknamed the “Spice Isle,” Grenada is best known for its spice plantations—especially the 300-year-old Belmont Estate, which grows ginger, pimento, turmeric, and nutmeg. Grenada's capital, St. George’s, is famous for its colorful homes, and is considered one of the most beautiful harbor towns in the Caribbean.
...MoreYes, Grenada is worth visiting. Sometimes overlooked in favor of flashier Caribbean islands, charming Grenada is definitely worth a visit. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to participate in watersports and go scuba diving. Avid divers recommend visiting the Underwater Sculpture Park at the bottom of Moliniere Bay in St. George's.
...MoreYes, you use US dollars in Grenada. The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, but US dollars are widely accepted around the island. ATMs and foreign exchange bureaus are easy to find near the cruise ship port. Plus, English is the official language.
...MoreIn comparison to other islands in the Caribbean, Grenada is relatively budget friendly—especially if you’re visiting during the shoulder or off-peak seasons. Local dishes tend to be less expensive than Western food, and you can find inexpensive eats from street vendors instead of paying for fast food.
...MoreThat depends on what you’re looking for. While St. Lucia is known for its sprawling all-inclusives and glitzy nightclubs, Grenada is a less expensive, more laid–back Caribbean option. Both offer beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, hiking trails, mountains, waterfalls, and rich local culture. Overall, St. Lucia draws bigger crowds.
...MoreA typical Grenada itinerary usually includes time in the port city of St. George's; sunbathing and swimming on Grand Anse Beach; a visit to Belmont Estate and other spice plantations growing ginger and nutmeg; a tour of the River Antoine Rum Distillery; and hiking in the Grand Etang National Park & Forest Reserve.
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