Bucket-List Destination Guide: Grenada

Grenada is one of those perfect Caribbean islands that gets the balance just right. Not as crowded as the likes of Barbados or Jamaica, yet with more of a buzz than some of its off-the-beaten tracks neighbours, a slower pace of life makes it an ideal destination for relaxation and unwinding away from the hustle and bustle of more commercialised tourist spots.

Nicknamed the Spice Isle, here's what to do, where to stay, when to go and why you're certain to fall in love with it.

What Can You do In Grenada?

Relax on its World-Class Beaches

With beaches to rival any in the Caribbean, we wouldn't blame you for spending the majority of your vacation horizontal on a sun-lounger. Perhaps the most famous beach in the region, Grand Anse Beach is in the centre of the action, and from here you can walk to a range of restaurants and bars, both behind the hotel strip and some right by the sand.

For something a little more secluded, take a 30-minute water taxi to White Island, which has pristine beaches on almost every shore and the chances of meeting anyone else during your visit are close to zero. Just remember to book your transport back.

Discover Its Rich Cultural History

Grenada is known for its lively Carnival which happens each August, where you can experience traditional music, dance and colourful costumes. It's also spectacularly busy, so to explore the island's culture at a more relaxed pace, you'll want to head to its markets.

Grenada is particularly famous for its spices, especially nutmeg, which you can pick up at its many stalls - the small capital of St George’s is home to a bustling market where you can see local life unfold and pick up spices to bring home, as well as a pretty harbour and an informative national museum.

While you're at it, be sure to try the national dish, Oil Down, which is a hearty stew made with breadfruit, salted meat and spices.

Take a Hike

Known for its fertile volcanic soil, mountainous terrain, lush rainforest and waterfalls, Grenada is full to the brim with excellent hiking opportunities. Popular trails lead to stunning spots like the Seven Sisters Waterfalls and Mount Qua Qua while, up in the central highlands, the Grand Etang National Park is just half an hour from the southern beaches. Here you can hike among ferns, vibrant flowers and towering mahogany trees, culminating with a dip in a cascading waterfall.

You might even encounter a Mona monkey, an adorable, round-cheeked species native to West Africa that now thrives in Grenada, along the way.

Indulge In a Little Rum or Chocolate Tasting

Rum and chocolate are two of Grenada's most famous products, so be sure to indulge a little (or a lot) when in town. The country has a long history of rum production, dating back to the colonial era, so be sure to book in for a tour at one of its many distilleries to learn all about the production process. We're particularly fond of the River Antoine Rum Distillery, which is the oldest functioning water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean.

If chocolate is more your thing, visiting a chocolate factory or plantation is a must. Grenada produces some of the finest cocoa in the world, after all, thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and favourable climate - head to the Grenada Chocolate Company or Belmont Estate to learn about the chocolate-making process, from bean to bar, while sampling a number of different delights along the way.

Explore Its Vibrant Marine Life

It’s little wonder that snorkelling tours and scuba diving are popular in Grenada - not only do its coral reefs teem with marine life, but there’s the largest diveable wreck in the Caribbean just waiting to be explored.

The Underwater Sculpture Park (the world's first) in Molinere Bay is particularly impressive, where divers and snorkellers can marvel at the nearly 100 works of art including 'Coral Carnival', which highlights the beautiful connection between art, culture and marine conservation. While no diving experience is necessary, you need to book a trip through a local PADI dive shop like Eco Dive, Aquanauts Grenada or Dive Grenada in advance.

Where Should I Stay in Grenada?

While most of Grenada’s hotels are concentrated in the southwestern tip of the island, many stretching along the sands of Grand Anse beach, there are two new luxury resorts that are taking travellers by storm.

First up, Six Senses La Sagesse is located on the island's southeast coast in the parish of Saint David, around 35 minutes from the airport, and comes enveloped by two pristine beaches and a lagoon. Expect the likes of private pools, water sports, a sublime spa and farm-to-table culinary ethos perfectly in line with the luxury brand's eco-conscious reputation - Seafire, a picturesque sea-front restaurant centred around a fire pit filled with sink-in cushions, is particularly special.

Silversands Beach House, which also opened in 2024, is a more intimate affair complete with just 28 rooms, all of which sit embedded amongst the Grenadian hillside and have been designed to complement the flora and fauna of its natural surroundings. While it is a truly serene escape, guests looking for more to do can also make use of a regular shuttle service to sister property Silversands Grand Anse for full use of its facilities, including its three restaurants, state-of-the-art spa and 100m infinity pool – the largest in the Caribbean.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

The ideal time to visit is during the dry winter months from December to April, when the weather is at its best. Keep in mind that this is also when accommodation and flight costs are at their highest. In contrast, we recommend avoiding September and October due to the peak of the hurricane season, which lasts from July to November.

Getting to Grenada

Several airlines fly from direct from the UK to Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, with a flight time of around 10 hrs 40 minutes.

Flying from the States is also pretty straightforward – plenty of US airlines offer direct flights including American Airlines from Miami, JetBlue from New York and Boston and Delta Airlines from Atlanta, though this can be seasonal. The flight time is typically around 4 to 5 hours, depending on your departure city.