Grenada is full of exciting places that open the doors to remarkable, and, most of the time, even once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Among the many options that spread below you the moment you step foot on the island, some of the places definitely worth some of your time (it can easily range from hours to even an entire day, if you have that much) are:
The Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park
A unique aquatic site at Moliniere Bay that is perfect for snorkelling and all water enthusiasts will offer you an adventure of a lifetime. It is the very first artificial reef in the world that greets visitors with great marine life, lots of schools of fish, and a heart-stopping park filled with life-like sculptures in an attempt to blend reefs and art as harmoniously as possible. You can book an exploration of the park via a local tour operator, who will provide you with all the necessary gear to dive in, alongside professional assistance to maximise the thrill and excitement of your venture!
The Grenada Waterfalls
The island’s natural reserves and tropical forests are home to more than 25 mind-blowing waterfalls that not only supply Grenada with the needed water but also exude an unbeatable sense of romance in the air you breathe. Most of them are accessible by road and only require a very short walk, including Annandale Falls. However, there are several more isolated and off-the-beaten-path ones that make the hiking included absolutely worth it.
Depending on the amount of physical activity you are willing to put into this endeavour, you can visit the Seven Sisters Falls, which is a wonderful rainforest trek, or opt for the Royal Mt. Carmel Falls, where you can lay eyes on the longest natural rock slide in the entire Caribbean and the highest Grenada waterfall. An equally demanding option for the very adventurous ones is Victoria Falls. For this one, though, we recommend having a guide with you for your maximum safety).
The Grand Etang Lake National Park
This is one of the many Grenada natural elements that captivate the senses and is any hiker’s dream. The trail starts from the lake and takes you past verdant plantations, towering rainforest trees, orchids, many bird species, healing hot springs, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning views of a Grenada you could barely imagine existed! So, from the Grand Etang visitor centre, you have the following hiking options (we list the most popular ones for your convenience):
- The Morne LaBaye Trail – A 30-minute, self-guided hike with many native plant specimens along the way.
- The Concord Falls Trail – A more challenging hike that passes several swimming areas and three amazing waterfalls.
- The Shoreline Trail– A much more relaxing option that takes you around the lake.
- The Seven Sisters Falls Hike – A moderately challenging 1.30-mile back route in the heart of the Grand Etang rainforest.
- The Mount Qua Qua Trail – An adrenaline-pumping, three-hour uphill trek that compensates with superb views over the forested area.
Kindly note that the temperatures may vary significantly at Grand Etang Lake (lower than on the rest of the island). In any case, the national park is a splendid option to relax, chill out, and even have a picnic!
The Grand Anse Beach
Grenada pampers guests with more than 45 different shores, with white-sand Grand Anse being the most widely famous one. Besides the exquisite panoramas of the capital and the most romantic sunset views in Grenada, this 2-mile sugary stretch of sand will please your craving for water sports like parasailing and water skiing. At the same time, it’s a key spot for snorkelling, a leisurely evening stroll, or even jogging.
Other beaches that will reward you with their immaculate strips of soft sand and family-friendly facilities are:
- Morne Rouge (near St. George’s) – Expect lots of naturally shaded areas and a more sheltered coastline option, featuring almond trees and sea grapes. It’s also excellent for snorkelling due to its perfect water conditions, making it dreamy for an outing with the kids. Although not as easily accessible as its most popular sibling, it offers a quieter beach experience and lots of seaside fun for the entire family.
- Levera Beach – Not many tourists get to visit this remarkable beach as it is silently tucked in the gorgeous Levera National Park, on the northeastern Grenada shore, away from the crowds. If you plan on visiting the sense-captivating national park, though, we strongly recommend reaching the homonymous beach despite its remote location, especially if you appreciate things like rare bird watching and a sugary beach where sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand. This takes place between April and August when it is not permitted to visit the shore after the evening hours. However, you can catch a glimpse of these fantastic creatures via a night-time excursion!
The Belmont Estate Plantation
A 17th-century cocoa plantation on the north-east of the island that’s, hands-down, a must-visit Grenada spot for its unique location and restaurant serving some of the most mouth-watering traditional Grenadian dishes, and, of course, for being the place where the infamous Grenada chocolate is made.
The plantation also offers tours to its organic gardens, farms, and museum, while also enabling visitors to observe its workings, being one of the most historic Grenada cocoa plantations in the St. Patrick’s parish. Besides the Belmont Estate, Grenada is home to three more chocolate factories, the Crawfish Bay, Grenada Chocolate Factory, and the Diamond Chocolate Factory – all equally inviting to sensational and exciting tours and trips.
Bonus Tip: Speaking of chocolate, those with a sweet tooth will probably find the House of Chocolate museum at St. George’s (Young Street) an earthy heaven. There is also a small cafe inside the museum serving coffee, fresh, local drinks, and, of course, hot and cold chocolate! The four main Grenada chocolate factories are within a short drive from here as well, which allows you to soak up the lush terrain and fertile landscape as you learn the “dirty” details behind the innocent-looking bar!
St. George’s Port Town
Curving along a busy, crescent-shaped harbour, this pretty and colourful Caribbean town impresses with its volcanic hilly background, quaint stone and brick, red-tile-roof houses that line its scenic streets, and the many historical attractions that speak of the island’s past and heritage.
Besides the friendly locals selling crafts and spices and the yachts and boats that drop anchor there, St. George’s is home to the imposing 18th-century Fort George and Fort Frederick, with the fantastic seascapes and views over the town, as well as the Grenada National Museum. For a generous portion of Grenada history, feel free to admire the Arawak and Carib artifacts and other historical items inside the museum, which is housed in 1800s French barracks that was once serving as a prison.
As already mentioned, the House of Chocolate is another pole of attraction in St. George’s region and a must-visit for chocoholics. And, if you seek the most authentic Grenada experiences, do consider stopping by the popular St. George’s Market Square – a Sunday morning market where locals gather to buy their spices and fresh tropical fruits!
Fort Frederick
Sitting atop Richmond Hill, at the very end of a winding hairpin, the awe-inspiring fortress provides superb panoramas of the city and the archipelago. Also referred to as the “Backwards Facing Fort” (you’ll understand why in a second!), its construction started in 1779 by the French and was completed 12 years later by the British, bearing a unique peculiarity – its canons were not facing the sea, as expected. Instead, they were placed to face inland! This is because the French were afraid that a land attack would catch them off-guard, so they decided to be prepared for it. Indeed, this strategy seemed to bear fruit in 1850 with the British. Eventually, the Grenada military occupied the fortress, and is now open to the public for a small entrance fee that compensates for the exceptional views that open up for you once you step through its gates.
The Spice Gardens & Estates
Besides the Belmont Estate Plantation, the Dougaldston Spice Estate (just before you reach the fishing town of Gouyave) and Laura’s Herb & Spice Garden (in St. David - near Perdmontemps) offer intimate experiences to the unique Grenada spice scene, enabling visitors to sample fragrant spices, see how the plants are cultivated and processed, and learn about the spice industry. A wealth of guided tours are available through the beautiful spice gardens and the old wooden buildings, including tips on health benefits and tastings. Plus, you can get yourself your own batch of spices and goodies such as cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, and nutmeg in the on-site gift shops.
Carriacou Island
Grenada’s north-eastern sister island (aka Land of Reefs), Carriacou, has one of the most stunning coral reefs in the Caribbean and endless miles of black and white sand, scenic villages, and coral reefs offering amazing opportunities for snorkelling and diving, such as the marine-protected area of Sandy Island.
Before you go, we strongly recommend spending some time at the Carriacou Museum, for its incredible display of African, European, and Caribbean art. That aside, Carriacou is also a great place for trekking, featuring plenty of hiking trails. You can access it either with a flight from the Grenada Point Saline International Airport or by hopping on a high-speed ferry departing from St. George’s Carenage - You’ll reach Carriacou in about an hour (up to 90 minutes, depending on the ferry).
Petite Martinique Island
The more peaceful and quiet Grenada sibling lies five kilometres northeast of Carriacou and provides an inviting time-freeze experience. Petite Martinique is dotted with small fishing villages and a sugary coastline with cobalt waters. Infusing any island getaway adventure with lots of local colour, it greets visitors with a few tourist facilities (only a handful of family-run restaurants and guesthouses) and a profound sense of hospitality and tranquillity. You can reach Petite Martinique via a water taxi or a ferry from Carriacou or Grenada.
Tip: Do not hesitate to get into a conversation with the friendly locals if you bump into them building their boats as you stroll along the beach! They love chatting with visitors!
Grenada is full of exciting places that open the doors to remarkable, and, most of the time, even once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Among the many options that spread below you the moment you step foot on the island, some of the places definitely worth some of your time (it can easily range from hours to even an entire day, if you have that much) are:
The Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park
A unique aquatic site at Moliniere Bay that is perfect for snorkelling and all water enthusiasts will offer you an adventure of a lifetime. It is the very first artificial reef in the world that greets visitors with great marine life, lots of schools of fish, and a heart-stopping park filled with life-like sculptures in an attempt to blend reefs and art as harmoniously as possible. You can book an exploration of the park via a local tour operator, who will provide you with all the necessary gear to dive in, alongside professional assistance to maximise the thrill and excitement of your venture!
The Grenada Waterfalls
The island’s natural reserves and tropical forests are home to more than 25 mind-blowing waterfalls that not only supply Grenada with the needed water but also exude an unbeatable sense of romance in the air you breathe. Most of them are accessible by road and only require a very short walk, including Annandale Falls. However, there are several more isolated and off-the-beaten-path ones that make the hiking included absolutely worth it.
Depending on the amount of physical activity you are willing to put into this endeavour, you can visit the Seven Sisters Falls, which is a wonderful rainforest trek, or opt for the Royal Mt. Carmel Falls, where you can lay eyes on the longest natural rock slide in the entire Caribbean and the highest Grenada waterfall. An equally demanding option for the very adventurous ones is Victoria Falls. For this one, though, we recommend having a guide with you for your maximum safety).
The Grand Etang Lake National Park
This is one of the many Grenada natural elements that captivate the senses and is any hiker’s dream. The trail starts from the lake and takes you past verdant plantations, towering rainforest trees, orchids, many bird species, healing hot springs, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning views of a Grenada you could barely imagine existed! So, from the Grand Etang visitor centre, you have the following hiking options (we list the most popular ones for your convenience):
- The Morne LaBaye Trail – A 30-minute, self-guided hike with many native plant specimens along the way.
- The Concord Falls Trail – A more challenging hike that passes several swimming areas and three amazing waterfalls.
- The Shoreline Trail– A much more relaxing option that takes you around the lake.
- The Seven Sisters Falls Hike – A moderately challenging 1.30-mile back route in the heart of the Grand Etang rainforest.
- The Mount Qua Qua Trail – An adrenaline-pumping, three-hour uphill trek that compensates with superb views over the forested area.
Kindly note that the temperatures may vary significantly at Grand Etang Lake (lower than on the rest of the island). In any case, the national park is a splendid option to relax, chill out, and even have a picnic!
The Grand Anse Beach
Grenada pampers guests with more than 45 different shores, with white-sand Grand Anse being the most widely famous one. Besides the exquisite panoramas of the capital and the most romantic sunset views in Grenada, this 2-mile sugary stretch of sand will please your craving for water sports like parasailing and water skiing. At the same time, it’s a key spot for snorkelling, a leisurely evening stroll, or even jogging.
Other beaches that will reward you with their immaculate strips of soft sand and family-friendly facilities are:
- Morne Rouge (near St. George’s) – Expect lots of naturally shaded areas and a more sheltered coastline option, featuring almond trees and sea grapes. It’s also excellent for snorkelling due to its perfect water conditions, making it dreamy for an outing with the kids. Although not as easily accessible as its most popular sibling, it offers a quieter beach experience and lots of seaside fun for the entire family.
- Levera Beach – Not many tourists get to visit this remarkable beach as it is silently tucked in the gorgeous Levera National Park, on the northeastern Grenada shore, away from the crowds. If you plan on visiting the sense-captivating national park, though, we strongly recommend reaching the homonymous beach despite its remote location, especially if you appreciate things like rare bird watching and a sugary beach where sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand. This takes place between April and August when it is not permitted to visit the shore after the evening hours. However, you can catch a glimpse of these fantastic creatures via a night-time excursion!
The Belmont Estate Plantation
A 17th-century cocoa plantation on the north-east of the island that’s, hands-down, a must-visit Grenada spot for its unique location and restaurant serving some of the most mouth-watering traditional Grenadian dishes, and, of course, for being the place where the infamous Grenada chocolate is made.
The plantation also offers tours to its organic gardens, farms, and museum, while also enabling visitors to observe its workings, being one of the most historic Grenada cocoa plantations in the St. Patrick’s parish. Besides the Belmont Estate, Grenada is home to three more chocolate factories, the Crawfish Bay, Grenada Chocolate Factory, and the Diamond Chocolate Factory – all equally inviting to sensational and exciting tours and trips.
Bonus Tip: Speaking of chocolate, those with a sweet tooth will probably find the House of Chocolate museum at St. George’s (Young Street) an earthy heaven. There is also a small cafe inside the museum serving coffee, fresh, local drinks, and, of course, hot and cold chocolate! The four main Grenada chocolate factories are within a short drive from here as well, which allows you to soak up the lush terrain and fertile landscape as you learn the “dirty” details behind the innocent-looking bar!
St. George’s Port Town
Curving along a busy, crescent-shaped harbour, this pretty and colourful Caribbean town impresses with its volcanic hilly background, quaint stone and brick, red-tile-roof houses that line its scenic streets, and the many historical attractions that speak of the island’s past and heritage.
Besides the friendly locals selling crafts and spices and the yachts and boats that drop anchor there, St. George’s is home to the imposing 18th-century Fort George and Fort Frederick, with the fantastic seascapes and views over the town, as well as the Grenada National Museum. For a generous portion of Grenada history, feel free to admire the Arawak and Carib artifacts and other historical items inside the museum, which is housed in 1800s French barracks that was once serving as a prison.
As already mentioned, the House of Chocolate is another pole of attraction in St. George’s region and a must-visit for chocoholics. And, if you seek the most authentic Grenada experiences, do consider stopping by the popular St. George’s Market Square – a Sunday morning market where locals gather to buy their spices and fresh tropical fruits!
Fort Frederick
Sitting atop Richmond Hill, at the very end of a winding hairpin, the awe-inspiring fortress provides superb panoramas of the city and the archipelago. Also referred to as the “Backwards Facing Fort” (you’ll understand why in a second!), its construction started in 1779 by the French and was completed 12 years later by the British, bearing a unique peculiarity – its canons were not facing the sea, as expected. Instead, they were placed to face inland! This is because the French were afraid that a land attack would catch them off-guard, so they decided to be prepared for it. Indeed, this strategy seemed to bear fruit in 1850 with the British. Eventually, the Grenada military occupied the fortress, and is now open to the public for a small entrance fee that compensates for the exceptional views that open up for you once you step through its gates.
The Spice Gardens & Estates
Besides the Belmont Estate Plantation, the Dougaldston Spice Estate (just before you reach the fishing town of Gouyave) and Laura’s Herb & Spice Garden (in St. David - near Perdmontemps) offer intimate experiences to the unique Grenada spice scene, enabling visitors to sample fragrant spices, see how the plants are cultivated and processed, and learn about the spice industry. A wealth of guided tours are available through the beautiful spice gardens and the old wooden buildings, including tips on health benefits and tastings. Plus, you can get yourself your own batch of spices and goodies such as cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, and nutmeg in the on-site gift shops.
Carriacou Island
Grenada’s north-eastern sister island (aka Land of Reefs), Carriacou, has one of the most stunning coral reefs in the Caribbean and endless miles of black and white sand, scenic villages, and coral reefs offering amazing opportunities for snorkelling and diving, such as the marine-protected area of Sandy Island.
Before you go, we strongly recommend spending some time at the Carriacou Museum, for its incredible display of African, European, and Caribbean art. That aside, Carriacou is also a great place for trekking, featuring plenty of hiking trails. You can access it either with a flight from the Grenada Point Saline International Airport or by hopping on a high-speed ferry departing from St. George’s Carenage - You’ll reach Carriacou in about an hour (up to 90 minutes, depending on the ferry).
Petite Martinique Island
The more peaceful and quiet Grenada sibling lies five kilometres northeast of Carriacou and provides an inviting time-freeze experience. Petite Martinique is dotted with small fishing villages and a sugary coastline with cobalt waters. Infusing any island getaway adventure with lots of local colour, it greets visitors with a few tourist facilities (only a handful of family-run restaurants and guesthouses) and a profound sense of hospitality and tranquillity. You can reach Petite Martinique via a water taxi or a ferry from Carriacou or Grenada.
Tip: Do not hesitate to get into a conversation with the friendly locals if you bump into them building their boats as you stroll along the beach! They love chatting with visitors!