Grenada is the Caribbean before mass tourism: spice plantations, rainforest waterfalls, friendly villages, small hotels and one of the region’s best beaches at Grand Anse. Nutmeg and cocoa scent the air, and the capital, St George’s, wraps around one of the prettiest harbours in the Caribbean.
This guide covers where to stay, what to do and the sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. For our hand-picked trips, see our Grenada holidays page.
The quick answer
- For the classic beach and easy airport access, stay at Grand Anse or Morne Rouge.
- For quiet bays and boutique hotels, choose the south coast.
- For waterfalls and spice estates, explore Grand Etang.
- For a truly quiet escape, add Carriacou.
- Go between January and May.
Where to stay
| Area | Best for | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Anse & Morne Rouge | Beach lovers, easy access | Two miles of white sand near St George’s and the airport |
| South coast bays | Couples, sailors | Quiet bays, marinas and boutique hotels |
| Grand Etang & the interior | Walkers, nature | Rainforest, a crater lake and waterfalls |
| Carriacou & Petite Martinique | Seclusion, diving | Tiny islands with empty beaches |
Most hotels are within ten minutes of the airport, which makes Grenada wonderfully easy. Carriacou is a short flight or ferry away for a few nights of complete calm.
Things to do
- Spice and chocolate tours — nutmeg stations, cocoa estates and bean-to-bar chocolate makers.
- Grand Etang National Park — a crater lake, rainforest trails and the Seven Sisters and Annandale falls.
- Underwater Sculpture Park — a unique snorkel and dive site off the west coast.
- St George’s — the Carenage harbour, Fort George and the spice market.
- River Antoine rum distillery — still powered by a water wheel.
- Carriacou — Paradise Beach and Sandy Island.
When to go
The dry season, January to May, is the best time, with sunshine and around 29–31°C. Showers are more frequent from June to December. Grenada lies south of the main hurricane path, although the season officially runs from June to November.
Getting there and entry
Flights from London Gatwick take about 9–10 hours, some with a short stop in St Lucia. UK passport holders don’t need a visa for a holiday. Check the FCDO travel advice for Grenada before you go.
Money and local costs
The Eastern Caribbean dollar is the local currency, and US dollars are widely accepted. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants.
Food and drink
Oil down — breadfruit, salted meat and callaloo cooked in coconut milk — is the national dish. Add nutmeg ice cream, fresh fish and lambie (conch), and a rum from River Antoine or Westerhall.
Ask us to plan your Grenada trip →
Frequently asked questions
Why is Grenada called the Spice Isle?
Because of its nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and cocoa — you can tour the plantations, nutmeg stations and chocolate makers.
When is the best time to visit Grenada?
January to May, the dry season. Grenada lies south of the main hurricane path.
How long is the flight to Grenada?
About 9–10 hours from London Gatwick, some flights with a short stop in St Lucia.
What is there to do besides the beach?
Rainforest walks and waterfalls, spice and chocolate tours, the Underwater Sculpture Park and a trip to Carriacou.
Do I need a visa for Grenada?
No, UK passport holders don’t need a visa for a holiday.
Planning a Grenada holiday?
Tell us the kind of stay you want, and we will match the hotel and the island to you.
