Also referred to as the Isle of Spice, Grenada is a West Indies island soaking some warm rays in the eastern Caribbean Sea while sitting on the northern arc of the Lesser Antilles, some 160km (100 miles) from the north Venezuela coast. You’ll find it spreading its feet between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator and, as a country, it consists of the main Grenada island and the southern Grenadines (a complex of two smaller, but equally ravishing and charming, islands, namely Petite Martinique and Carriacou).

The official language spoken here is English, although there are many hotel employees and residents who speak Italian, Chinese, German, French, and Spanish. As for the time difference, Grenada belongs to the Atlantic Standard Time zone (the time difference is GMT – 4 hours). Finally, the local currency is the Easter Caribbean dollar, though the Euro, US dollar, and Pounds Sterling are also accepted.

Why Visit Grenada?

What makes Grenada a superb holiday destination in the Caribbean is its magnificent climate and the year-round warm temperatures that allow all sorts of summery activities, including sunbathing, swimming, water sports, inland explorations, and sailing tours without ever experiencing the scorching sun of other popular vacation hubs around the world. Also, despite its relatively small size (spanning over an area of just 133 square miles), compared to the other Caribbean islands, Grenada does not fall short on things to do, see, and experience on the island, irrespective of the time of year you are visiting this earthly heaven.

Speaking of the best time to visit Granada, it all depends on what type of adventure you are after and the level of privacy you seek. For example, the high season is perfect for those wanting to taste the most vibrant side of Grenada and mingle with the large (usually partying and celebrating) crowds. The low season is great if you would prefer more peaceful and relaxing moments (also ideal for honeymoon journeys and weddings), with still a vivid entertainment scene and fantastic weather. Finally, the shoulder season is a fine compromise between the high and low seasons, offering you lots of festivals and events to join, and a more laid-back lifestyle overall.

What Must be Included in a Grenada Escapade?

One of the adventures that certainly have a place in everyone’s wish list is diving into the azure waters and exploring the amazing underwater cosmos, which even features a real-life, second to none, aquatic sculpture park, alongside beautiful coral reefs full of life and various schools of fish, shipwrecks and more.

Of course, watching the sun sinking in the crystal-clear archipelago is another spectacle nobody can afford to miss. You can join this unique swirl of colours either from any hilltop inland location, a spot along the idyllic volcanic coastline or from amidst the sea via a sunset sailing cruise.

All that aside, though, we strongly recommend visiting the Belmont Estate, one of the leading and oldest cocoa plantations on the island, where you can pamper your palate with some of the finest chocolate and cocoa products, among others while getting introduced to things like how the infamous local cocoa tea is produced.

Now, if you love spending time by the beach, then Grand Anse is a top option to enjoy some seaside time under the warm sun, with the refreshing ocean breeze caressing your senses. Lastly, the Grand Etang Lake National Park and the many impressive waterfalls and rainforests on the island are other popular poles of attraction with reason!

Needless to say, Grenada offers a multitude of entertainment options to suit all requirements and desires. So, expect from a magnificent dining scene to a spectacular nightlife, featuring cafes, clubs, pubs, and a plethora of events, competitions, and festivals (especially music-related ones), amazing beachside activities, and lots of tours to get to know more about this fantastic Caribbean island with the strong French, British, African, and West Indie influences!

Last Notes Before Visiting Grenada

• Remember that driving on the island is on the left side of the road. If you want to rent a car, you will need to head to either a police station or a car rental agency with your valid driver’s licence and get a local driver’s licence after paying some small fee.
• Grenada uses the same electrical plug as in the UK and other countries (type G plug – 230 Volts).
• The main airport on the island is the Maurice Bishop International Airport.
• You can enter Grenada without a visa requirement. This applies to citizens from over 100 countries. For residents of countries not belonging to this list, a visa-on-arrival regulation applies.
• All COVID-19-related travel restrictions have been lifted as of April 2022. So, you no longer need (until further notice, of course) to have a COVID-19 vaccination or testing to enter the Grenadines or fill out any health declaration form.
• Same-sex weddings are not allowed in Grenada. Gay relationships are forbidden and punished by law with up to 10 years of imprisonment (if caught engaging in sexual activities). Lesbian relationships are allowed, though. Same-sex weddings becoming official in other countries are accepted in Grenada.
• There is sufficient infrastructure for personal and pet health throughout Grenada.
• A 10% tipping is expected when dining unless the tip is already included in the bill.
• Grenada welcomes volunteering, which is why you will find many opportunities to contribute to the local communities and the preservation of the environment and rare animal species, with your time, energy or otherwise.
• The islanders are fun, friendly, and always happy to help and provide guidance if asked. So, do not hesitate to request their input regarding anything from safe beaches to the best dining options.
• Some of the foods your taste buds will thank you for are cocoa tea, local breakfast bread, callaloo soup, lambi, and oildown. You will find a full list of the best local dishes to pamper your palate within this guide!