Grenada Travel
A Wanderlust Guide
With its tropical climate and famed white sand beaches, Grenada has long been a destination for those seeking out some winter sun without the crowds. But beyond its coastline, there’s much more to discover within this tri-island nation, made up of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Less developed than some other parts of the Caribbean, Grenada is charming and relaxed.
Grenada isn’t just a treat for the eyes, but for the nose, too. Known as the Spice Isle of the Caribbean, the main island is a major producer of nutmeg as well as cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Visitors can learn all about it on a tour at Laura’s Herb and Spice Garden, where you’ll also have the chance to buy spices direct from the source. Perhaps equally well known for its chocolate, the Belmont Estate Spice Plantation offers the chance for visitors to see the process of producing chocolate from tree to bar.
A paradise for wildlife lovers and hikers, a visit to Grand Etang National Park & Forest Reserve is a must. There, you’ll find dense rainforests filled with bird species including the broad winged hawk, the purple-throated carib and the Antillean euphonia, as well as mona monkeys (which came from West Africa on slave ships) and the Grenada frog, which is only found at the Grand Etang Lake. There are numerous trails throughout the park, offering you views of the lake, the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, as well as both active and former plantations.
While many visitor’s exploration of the island will be limited to its beaches (Grand Anse Beach is a particular highlight, having regularly been named among the best beaches of the world), there’s just as much to explore underwater as there is on-land. The world’s first underwater sculpture park, Molinere Bay, opened here in 2006, with renovations taking place in 2023 and a second installation, World’s Adrift, opening in late 2024.
The island of Carriacou is the most southerly in the Grenadines and is even more chilled than Grenada. The island offers excellent diving along its Caribbean side, with some of the best reefs in the region, while the north has walking trails. You can visit on a day trip by taking a ferry, but it is worth staying at least a couple of days to really pick up the local vibe and get to know the locals, known as ‘Kayaks’. Most of them originate from West Africa and perform a dance known as ‘Big Drum’ which celebrates their ancestors who were brought to the island as slaves.
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When to go to Grenada
Thanks to its tropical climate, Grenada can be visited year-round, although the most popular time to head here is between mid-December and April when you are unlikely to experience any showers. While the exact dates change depending on when lent falls, Kayak Mas in either February or March is a good time to visit Carriacou and Petit Martinique.
The wet season runs from June to November, but downpours don’t tend to last long. Those who do brave the rains to travel in August will see the island come alive as part of Spicemas, which sees numerous carnival events across Grenada.
Hurricane season runs from July to November, but as Grenada is the most southerly of the Windward islands, the risk is not as high as in other Caribbean countries. There have only been two major hurricanes in the past 60 years: Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and Hurricane Beryl in 2024. You can follow the US National Hurricane Center website for alerts.
International airports
Grenada is served by one international airport: Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND), which is around 8km south of the capital.
To reach Carriacou, you can take a 20-minute flight from GND to Lauriston Airport, or take a 90-minute ferry to Tyrell Bay Port. For Petite Martinique, you can take a further 30-minute ferry from Carriacou.
Getting around in Grenada
Public transit is limited to buses in Grenada, with fares ranging between EC$2.50 (73p) to EC$6.50 (£1.90). Routes cover most of Grenada and Carriacou, and you can find maps and further information on the Grenada Bus website.
You can rent a car, but it is not recommended unless you are a confident driver. Your hotel can assist with taxi booking, but be sure to agree a price beforehand to avoid being overcharged. Alternatively, you can book taxis using the Grenada-based ride-sharing app Haylup.
Health & safety
Crime in Grenada is mostly limited to petty theft, so be sure to keep an eye on your belongings when out and about and lock doors and windows at night.
For LGBTQ+ travellers, sex between men is illegal, though the law is unlikely to be enforced. Public displays of affection should be avoided.
The only active volcano, Kick ’em Jenny, is found 8km out to sea. The most recent eruption was in 2017, but do listen out for any announcements around increased seismic activity.
For more advice, go to gov.uk.
