The tri-island Caribbean complex that is home to Grenada, Petite Martinique, and Carriacou is home to amazing small cities and scenic villages. Below are the top settlements that make the perfect holiday or even relocation destinations.
St. George’s - Blending Vibrancy and Tranquility
It is the seaside capital of the island and a populous urban Grenada centre sitting on a crescent-shaped harbour enveloping an awe-inspiring volcanic crater. The touristy Caribbean city is also home to a major, fully-accredited medical education university, the St. George’s University School of Medicine, which draws thousands of students from the corners of the earth annually.
With a population of around 36,000, the compact and vibrant capital also impresses with a beautiful Catholic cathedral with an imposing interior, a national museum, and a wealth of functional conveniences, including shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes that have remained loyal to their authentic Caribbean character despite the development the place has experienced in the later years.
That aside, the town’s spice production is exemplary and owed to the moderate tropical climate, while St.George’s also holds the Specimas festivities (the annual carnival that takes place every August) that involves lots of entertainment activities, as well as feasting and dancing. Finally, the Maurice Bishop International Airport is also within reach.
Some of the most prominent local attractions are the Underwater Sculpture Park, St. George’s Forts, Carenage, House of Chocolate, and the magnificent beaches of Grand Anse, Morne Rouge, and Magazine Beach nearby (also less crowded and more peaceful and isolated ones).
Gouyave - Where Partying and Relaxing Meet
Once referred to as Charlotte Town, Gouyave is the capital of the St. John’s region and the most populous city in the specific Grenada parish. You’ll find it tucked on the west coast of the country, welcoming visitors and pampering locals with its distinguishing guava trees (hence, the name – given by the French).
Once a poor fishing village, it has transformed into a favourite holiday hub among Grenada visitors longing for a vivid lifestyle, non-stop parties, and an animated night scene. Featuring lively clubs and bars, Gouyave also hosts the annual Sailing Regatta and Fisherman’s Birthday event (June 29) – an important local festival that involves competitive boat racing and an abundance of entertainment options that carry on into the night. And, if you love fish dishes, Kelly’s Hot Spot will spoil you with live music from local musicians and drummers and all the fish you can eat (every Friday)!
Grenville - Natural Heaven of Unique Charms
It is the fifth most populous city in Grenada and the capital of the Saint Andrew parish – the largest parish in the country. It is quietly lapping in the charming Grenville Bay area and is both a significant centre of agricultural products export and an important economic and transportation hub.
This totally unspoiled and quiet town in Grenada is also protected by a coral reef, while it even hosts a huge marketplace where you can find all sorts of meat, vegetable, and fruit stalls. And, if you love spices, then the Spice Market on Sandal Street will please you for sure. It is open daily and you can also find a plethora of other options (besides spices), such as crafts, coconuts, and chocolate, within a short walk from the town centre!
Perhaps its most eye-catching spot, though, is its bay area, whose dramatic waters and black sand create an inviting backdrop against the lush greenery surrounding the place. As for public transport, Grenville is served by several minibusses operating within the city.
Of course, the Pearls Airport of Grenada, the first airport on the island, also lies on the outskirts of the town. Finally, the entertainment here is quite lively, with lots of seafront restaurants serving delicious food, along with many cafes and bars to choose from. And, if you are planning on relocating here with the family, three secondary schools will welcome the little ones in their new beginning.
Hillsborough - Miniature Town With Captivating Views
Sailing away from Grenada and towards Carriacou, another, equally captivating, Grenadine island, you’ll rub shoulders with its tranquil capital – the scenic city of Hillsborough. Despite its petite size, Hillsborough comes packed with points of cultural, natural, and historical delight, such as the adorable Carriacou museum (housed in a restored gin mill), the Botanical Gardens, and the sugary beach, which you can all visit within a couple of hours!
The Carriacou capital does not have any luxury resorts but does pamper with beautiful guesthouses. Plus, it features several general stores, a gas station (the only one on the island), a Grenada Telephone System office, a customs agent, three banks, and more.
As for opportunities to have fun, you can enjoy sweeping views from atop the Princess Royal Hospital hill on the northeast of the island, which will also inspire awe with its sea-facing cannons!
That aside, the annual calypso Dimache Gras and Carnival that takes place before Ash Wednesday and on Sunday night, respectively, will probably take you away with the parade, rum drinking, Shakespeare recitations, and other festive celebrations. The same goes for the Carriacou Regatta (which occurs every August – during the first weekend) which includes boat races and plenty of other side activities, such as bicycle races, walking the greasy pole, donkey racing, the Miss Aquaval pageant, drinking competitions, and many more.
Sauteurs - Untouched Natural Beauties and History-Packed Lands
Overlooking over the homonymous bay, Sauteurs is a lovely town in the north of Grenada island featuring a beautiful, sandy, unspoiled shore. The historic capital of the Saint Patrick Parish with the friendly locals and the stunning beach is home to around 1.300 people, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and several places to eat, get your groceries, and entertain yourself, including bars, restaurants, and cafes that are primarily located on Main Street.
For superb views of the heart-stopping Grenadine Islands head to Leapers Hill (also known as the Caribs Leap), at Irvins Bay. Why is this place worth your visit? According to legend, the last remaining Carib Indians ended their lives by jumping off the 40-metre cliff in 1651, while trying to resist colonisation of their land by the French. So, they chose to seek death rather than face domination by any foreigner.
Other Top Towns That Deserve a Place on Your Must-Visit List
- Victoria – It’s a small fishing village situated between the Nonpareil and Gouyave settlements in the St. Mark Parish. Also referred to as Sunset City, it offers heart-stopping sunset views, alongside several points of interest, such as the tallest waterfall in Grenada (at Mt. St. Catherine), lots of pools, and, of course, amazing flora.
- Paradise – Justifying its name, this adorable small town on Petite Martinique provides a welcoming time trip. It is the only village on the island, and will surely steal your heart with its slow pace of life and the many spots to unwind and relax away from the crowds. The atmospheric Palm Beach is where you need to be for palate-pleasing seafood, exclusive rum cocktails, and amazing seascapes.
- Tivoli – A small town known for its drumming customs and stone Grenadian churches close to the popular 1600s Belmont Estate plantation. Hosting several drum festivals throughout the year, Tivoli is also where you can sample delicious dark chocolate made using the fine cocoa produced here, as well as nutmeg products and home-cooked Creole dishes made with the purest local ingredients (vegetables and fruits).
- Lance aux Epines – Although not a town per se, Lance aux Epines is an inviting residential community on the outskirts of southern Grenada (near the stunning Prickly Bay), with staggering beaches and lots of private villas and luxury homes. No wonder it’s the go-to place for many holiday-making international families. At the marina, you’ll find many elegant yachts and a wide range of restaurants and bars pleasing with live music, cocktails, and all sorts of entertainment.
The tri-island Caribbean complex that is home to Grenada, Petite Martinique, and Carriacou is home to amazing small cities and scenic villages. Below are the top settlements that make the perfect holiday or even relocation destinations.
St. George’s - Blending Vibrancy and Tranquility
It is the seaside capital of the island and a populous urban Grenada centre sitting on a crescent-shaped harbour enveloping an awe-inspiring volcanic crater. The touristy Caribbean city is also home to a major, fully-accredited medical education university, the St. George’s University School of Medicine, which draws thousands of students from the corners of the earth annually.
With a population of around 36,000, the compact and vibrant capital also impresses with a beautiful Catholic cathedral with an imposing interior, a national museum, and a wealth of functional conveniences, including shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes that have remained loyal to their authentic Caribbean character despite the development the place has experienced in the later years.
That aside, the town’s spice production is exemplary and owed to the moderate tropical climate, while St.George’s also holds the Specimas festivities (the annual carnival that takes place every August) that involves lots of entertainment activities, as well as feasting and dancing. Finally, the Maurice Bishop International Airport is also within reach.
Some of the most prominent local attractions are the Underwater Sculpture Park, St. George’s Forts, Carenage, House of Chocolate, and the magnificent beaches of Grand Anse, Morne Rouge, and Magazine Beach nearby (also less crowded and more peaceful and isolated ones).
Gouyave - Where Partying and Relaxing Meet
Once referred to as Charlotte Town, Gouyave is the capital of the St. John’s region and the most populous city in the specific Grenada parish. You’ll find it tucked on the west coast of the country, welcoming visitors and pampering locals with its distinguishing guava trees (hence, the name – given by the French).
Once a poor fishing village, it has transformed into a favourite holiday hub among Grenada visitors longing for a vivid lifestyle, non-stop parties, and an animated night scene. Featuring lively clubs and bars, Gouyave also hosts the annual Sailing Regatta and Fisherman’s Birthday event (June 29) – an important local festival that involves competitive boat racing and an abundance of entertainment options that carry on into the night. And, if you love fish dishes, Kelly’s Hot Spot will spoil you with live music from local musicians and drummers and all the fish you can eat (every Friday)!
Grenville - Natural Heaven of Unique Charms
It is the fifth most populous city in Grenada and the capital of the Saint Andrew parish – the largest parish in the country. It is quietly lapping in the charming Grenville Bay area and is both a significant centre of agricultural products export and an important economic and transportation hub.
This totally unspoiled and quiet town in Grenada is also protected by a coral reef, while it even hosts a huge marketplace where you can find all sorts of meat, vegetable, and fruit stalls. And, if you love spices, then the Spice Market on Sandal Street will please you for sure. It is open daily and you can also find a plethora of other options (besides spices), such as crafts, coconuts, and chocolate, within a short walk from the town centre!
Perhaps its most eye-catching spot, though, is its bay area, whose dramatic waters and black sand create an inviting backdrop against the lush greenery surrounding the place. As for public transport, Grenville is served by several minibusses operating within the city.
Of course, the Pearls Airport of Grenada, the first airport on the island, also lies on the outskirts of the town. Finally, the entertainment here is quite lively, with lots of seafront restaurants serving delicious food, along with many cafes and bars to choose from. And, if you are planning on relocating here with the family, three secondary schools will welcome the little ones in their new beginning.
Hillsborough - Miniature Town With Captivating Views
Sailing away from Grenada and towards Carriacou, another, equally captivating, Grenadine island, you’ll rub shoulders with its tranquil capital – the scenic city of Hillsborough. Despite its petite size, Hillsborough comes packed with points of cultural, natural, and historical delight, such as the adorable Carriacou museum (housed in a restored gin mill), the Botanical Gardens, and the sugary beach, which you can all visit within a couple of hours!
The Carriacou capital does not have any luxury resorts but does pamper with beautiful guesthouses. Plus, it features several general stores, a gas station (the only one on the island), a Grenada Telephone System office, a customs agent, three banks, and more.
As for opportunities to have fun, you can enjoy sweeping views from atop the Princess Royal Hospital hill on the northeast of the island, which will also inspire awe with its sea-facing cannons!
That aside, the annual calypso Dimache Gras and Carnival that takes place before Ash Wednesday and on Sunday night, respectively, will probably take you away with the parade, rum drinking, Shakespeare recitations, and other festive celebrations. The same goes for the Carriacou Regatta (which occurs every August – during the first weekend) which includes boat races and plenty of other side activities, such as bicycle races, walking the greasy pole, donkey racing, the Miss Aquaval pageant, drinking competitions, and many more.
Sauteurs - Untouched Natural Beauties and History-Packed Lands
Overlooking over the homonymous bay, Sauteurs is a lovely town in the north of Grenada island featuring a beautiful, sandy, unspoiled shore. The historic capital of the Saint Patrick Parish with the friendly locals and the stunning beach is home to around 1.300 people, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and several places to eat, get your groceries, and entertain yourself, including bars, restaurants, and cafes that are primarily located on Main Street.
For superb views of the heart-stopping Grenadine Islands head to Leapers Hill (also known as the Caribs Leap), at Irvins Bay. Why is this place worth your visit? According to legend, the last remaining Carib Indians ended their lives by jumping off the 40-metre cliff in 1651, while trying to resist colonisation of their land by the French. So, they chose to seek death rather than face domination by any foreigner.
Other Top Towns That Deserve a Place on Your Must-Visit List
- Victoria – It’s a small fishing village situated between the Nonpareil and Gouyave settlements in the St. Mark Parish. Also referred to as Sunset City, it offers heart-stopping sunset views, alongside several points of interest, such as the tallest waterfall in Grenada (at Mt. St. Catherine), lots of pools, and, of course, amazing flora.
- Paradise – Justifying its name, this adorable small town on Petite Martinique provides a welcoming time trip. It is the only village on the island, and will surely steal your heart with its slow pace of life and the many spots to unwind and relax away from the crowds. The atmospheric Palm Beach is where you need to be for palate-pleasing seafood, exclusive rum cocktails, and amazing seascapes.
- Tivoli – A small town known for its drumming customs and stone Grenadian churches close to the popular 1600s Belmont Estate plantation. Hosting several drum festivals throughout the year, Tivoli is also where you can sample delicious dark chocolate made using the fine cocoa produced here, as well as nutmeg products and home-cooked Creole dishes made with the purest local ingredients (vegetables and fruits).
- Lance aux Epines – Although not a town per se, Lance aux Epines is an inviting residential community on the outskirts of southern Grenada (near the stunning Prickly Bay), with staggering beaches and lots of private villas and luxury homes. No wonder it’s the go-to place for many holiday-making international families. At the marina, you’ll find many elegant yachts and a wide range of restaurants and bars pleasing with live music, cocktails, and all sorts of entertainment.