Grenada Travel Guide

Grenada is a compact but remarkably varied Caribbean island. St. George's, Grand Anse, rainforest, crater lakes, waterfalls, spice estates and a mountainous interior can all be combined in one journey. The state of Grenada also includes Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which have a distinctly Grenadine character of their own.

Travel planning note: Ferry, flight and individual business schedules can change. Check current operating information shortly before travel.

Grenada is greener and more mountainous than Carriacou. The southwest around Grand Anse contains the greatest concentration of hotels and visitor services; the interior and the north are quieter and reward travellers who want nature, local communities and longer road journeys.

Grenada at a Glance

Personal Impressions

If you want to see how spices are grown, processed and sold, Grenada is one of the most rewarding islands in the Caribbean. Nutmeg is part of the island's identity, but Grenada is much more than the familiar “Spice Island” label. The interior rises quickly into green mountains, rainforest, crater lakes and waterfalls, while the coast changes from busy southern bays to quiet fishing communities.

St. George's remains one of the great approaches to a Caribbean capital. The Carenage curves into the hillside below forts, churches and tightly packed streets. Public minibuses are inexpensive and lively, although travelling around the mountainous island takes time. Grenada suits independent travellers particularly well because beaches, local life and nature are close together and can be explored without staying inside a resort.

St. George's and the Carenage

Grenada's capital rises steeply around a natural harbour. The Carenage is the old inner harbour, lined by historic commercial buildings, small boats and working waterfront activity. The compact centre is best explored on foot, although the hills are steep. The Sendall Tunnel provides a short pedestrian connection between the Carenage and the Esplanade side of town.

Fort George and Fort Frederick

Fort George occupies the headland above the harbour and remains one of the defining landmarks of St. George's. Fort Frederick stands higher on Richmond Hill east of the centre. Together the two sites make Grenada's complicated French and British colonial history visible and provide broad views over the capital and surrounding coast.

Grand Anse and the southwest

Grand Anse is Grenada's best-known beach, a long sweep of pale sand and generally calm water southwest of St. George's. It combines easy swimming with the island's largest concentration of hotels, restaurants, shops and visitor services. Nearby Morne Rouge is smaller and often feels more sheltered. The southwest is the easiest base for a first visit, but it shows only one side of Grenada.

Rainforest, crater lakes and waterfalls

Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve lies high in the central mountains. Roads climb rapidly from the coast into cooler, wetter forest around Grand Etang Lake. Trails range from short walks to demanding routes over steep and muddy terrain. The same rainfall feeds waterfalls across the island, including Annandale and Concord.

Spices, cocoa and rum

Nutmeg and mace remain symbols of Grenada, while cocoa has become equally interesting for visitors who want to understand agriculture rather than simply buy souvenirs. Estates and small producers show how cocoa, spices and tropical fruit move from plant to finished product. Traditional rum production is another part of the island's agricultural history.

Diving and the underwater sculpture park

The Molinere Beauséjour Marine Protected Area contains the Underwater Sculpture Park created by Jason deCaires Taylor. The sculptures can be visited by divers, snorkellers and boat excursions. Grenada is also known for wreck diving, while Carriacou adds quieter reef and drift-diving possibilities to a combined trip.

North Grenada and Carriacou

Travelling north from St. George's reveals a slower Grenada around Gouyave, Sauteurs and Levera. Carriacou is different again: lower, drier, quieter and more strongly connected with sailing and traditional wooden boatbuilding. Passenger ferries and short inter-island flights link the two islands. Carriacou was severely damaged by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024; rebuilding has progressed, but individual services should still be checked before travel.

Practical Travel Information

Continue Planning Your Grenada Trip

Use the detailed Grenada pages for practical facts, maps and onward travel. If you plan to combine Grenada with Carriacou, check the island information and ferry page before departure because inter-island schedules can change.

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