Highlights
Grand Anse Beach
A long sweep of pale sand on the south-west coast, a short drive from the capital, with calm water for swimming, views across the bay to St George's and plenty of space even on busier days.
St George's
One of the Caribbean's most attractive harbour towns, with pastel houses climbing the hills around the horseshoe-shaped Carenage. Fort George and Fort Frederick overlook the town, and the market square is busiest on Saturdays.
Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park
A collection of life-size sculptures set on the seabed in Molinere Bay, started by the artist Jason deCaires Taylor in 2006. Coral and sponges now grow on the figures, and they can be seen by snorkelling, diving or glass-bottom boat.
Grand Etang National Park
Rainforest in the mountainous interior around Grand Etang, a lake in an old volcanic crater. Trails lead to viewpoints and waterfalls, and mona monkeys are often seen near the visitor centre.
Spice and rum estates
Belmont Estate and the Gouyave nutmeg processing station show how cocoa and spices are grown and prepared, and River Antoine, one of the oldest working rum distilleries in the Caribbean, still uses a water wheel to crush cane.
Carriacou and Petite Martinique
Reached by ferry or small plane, these islands are quieter still, with Sandy Island and Paradise Beach off Carriacou, a tradition of wooden boatbuilding and a strong local culture. Check the current state of facilities, as Carriacou is still recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
The Bianca C wreck
An Italian cruise liner that caught fire and sank off Grenada in 1961, now one of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean. It lies deep and is a dive for experienced divers.
Interesting facts about Grenada
- A nutmeg pod appears on Grenada's national flag, a nod to its long role as one of the world's leading nutmeg producers.
- Grenada became independent from Britain in 1974 and remains a member of the Commonwealth.
- Grenada's main carnival, Spicemas, takes place around August and includes J'ouvert, when revellers cover themselves in oil and paint.
- The underwater sculpture park off Grenada was one of the first of its kind and helped inspire similar projects around the world.
- Grenada lies near the southern edge of the Atlantic hurricane belt, and hurricanes historically reached it less often than islands further north, although strong storms have hit it in recent decades.
Best time to visit
The dry season from roughly January to May has the most sunshine and lowest humidity and is the most popular time to visit. The wet season runs from about June to December, bringing heavier showers, though often short ones, and the risk of tropical storms is highest from August to October. Carnival in August draws visitors for the music and parades. Diving is possible all year, with visibility generally best in the drier months.
Practical information
| Capital | St George's |
|---|---|
| Currency | Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD); US dollars are widely accepted |
| Languages | English |
| Plugs | Type G |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Driving | On the left |
| Tipping | Many restaurants and hotels add a service charge; check the bill. If none is included, around 10 percent is customary. |
Getting around
Grenada's roads are narrow, steep and winding, and driving is on the left. Hiring a car requires a local driving permit, issued through rental companies or the police. Privately run minibuses with route numbers on the windscreen cover the main island cheaply and are a good way to meet people, though they stop running early in the evening. Taxis are plentiful; agree the fare before setting off. Ferries and small planes connect the main island with Carriacou, and smaller boats continue to Petite Martinique.
Staying connected in Grenada
Mobile coverage is good around St George's, Grand Anse and the main coastal towns, with 4G available in populated areas. Signal is weaker in the mountainous interior, in parts of Grand Etang and around some coves and beaches, and coverage on Carriacou and Petite Martinique can be more limited. Most hotels, guesthouses and many bars offer Wi-Fi. WhatsApp is the usual way to contact drivers and tour guides. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
See Grenada eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Grenada
- Google Maps: Navigating the island's winding roads; download offline maps for the interior where signal is weak.
- WhatsApp: Contacting taxi drivers, dive shops and guesthouses, as many local businesses use it for bookings.
- XE Currency: Converting between Eastern Caribbean and US dollars when prices are quoted in both.