Grenada is a gem in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. It is everything what a Caribbean island should be! It has idyllic sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforest, beautiful harbors and a slow Caribbean pace. The almond-shaped island Grenada is dubbed the “Spice Island” due to its numerous nutmeg plantations. You can really smell the nutmeg in the air, especially in the hilly centre of the island. Grenada consists of the main island and 6 smaller islands. Find out below my 3 highlights from the main island.
Facts
- Capital: St George’s
- Language: English and Grenadian Creole English / French
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (1 € ≅ 3 EC$)
- Population: 108.000
- Size: 348.5 km² (1.5 times Amsterdam)
- Daylight saving time: No
- Visas: Not required for most nationalities
- Best time to visit: Jan – April (dry season) or Aug (Carnival)
- Visited: 2016 (part of Caribbean trip)
St George’s
First things first; the Caribbean isn’t a cheap destination, but it’s worth every penny. Every time when I visit a Caribbean island I wonder how the locals can survive on such an expensive island? I learned here that you don’t need much to survive and growing your own food also really helps. The room rates at hotels are sky-high, so I opted using Airbnb. I use Airbnb quite a lot and I only had positive experiences sofar. It’s a great community. I flew into Grenada late at night from Trinidad & Tobago. My friendly Airbnb host was already waiting for me at the airport.
I could wake up with such a view every day!
Amazing view from the balcony of my Airbnb host.
We reached her house and as soon as I touched my bed I fell asleep. The next morning I woke up, sat on my balcony and absorbed the stunning view (as seen above)! The location of her house is just amazing, it’s so green everywhere! She lives here with her husband and son. They were one of the best hosts I had sofar!
Lovely St George’s.
The beautiful harbor of St George’s.
It was time to start exploring the capital of Grenada; St George’s. The harbor of St George’s is one the prettiest in the Caribbean. The town itself is just stunningly picturesque. It’s a favorite among the many sailors who are sailing the Caribbean. Heaps of beautiful sailboats and yachts can be found here.
Fort George gives you the best views!
Such a pleasure to be here!
You will get the best view over the carenage (harbor) with the many fishing boats from Fort George which is a short stroll uphill from town. The surrounding hills are dotted with plenty of colorful houses.
The hills of St George’s are dotted with plenty of houses.
The view from Fort George towards Grand Anse.
Lunch at the Nutmeg overlooking the waterfront was just suburb! I can really recommend this restaurant if you fancy some excellent roti.
I love the color of the Caribbean waters!
St George’s is one of the most stunning capitals of the Caribbean.
After exploring the stunning capital it was time for some well deserved beach-time!
Grand Anse
The best beach on the main island is Grande Anse. You can reach Grand Anse by minivan or by a 45min stroll along the stunning waterfront from St’ George’s.
The beach of Grand Anse is waiting for me!
The best time of the day is Beach Time!
They say that it’s the most popular beach of Grenada, but it felt like that I had it all to myself. No complaints, no complaints at all! That’s how I like my beach! White sand, blue water and hills all around me. A perfect afternoon!
Just lovely!
Grand Anse at its best!
I spend the evenings drinking, chatting and laughing with the locals at a bar which is owned by the father of my Airbnb host. I don’t think ‘stress’ is a word that is listed in the Caribbean dictionary; I love their vibe!
Annandale & Grand Etang
A quick ride from the capital will bring you to the heart of the islands’ tropical rainforest. I visited Grenada during the dry season, so the rainforest wasn’t so green and the waterfalls weren’t so powerful as during its wet season. But nevertheless it’s a beautiful area of the island. Annandale is an example of the many small and picturesque waterfalls which can be found in the rainforest.
I’m sure Annandale would be more powerful during the rainy season.
If you continue your way up north you will get to Grand Etang National Park. A beautiful National Park with numerous hiking trails. The Seven Sisters Falls is the best hike where you will pass by heaps of waterfalls, but it’s more stunning during the wet season.
Annandale waterfall.
Grand Etang National Park.
I had a fabulous time on Grenada; my Airbnb host was amazing and helped me out with everything, the beaches are wonderful and the rainforest sublime. I was sad to leave, but I know I will be back one day. Don’t miss out this Caribbean gem! You won’t regret! After Grenada I flew off to the Bahama’s!
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Great story! Eveytime i read your blog I learned something new and something about you
Grenada sure has some stunning beaches!
Definitely! Grenada is such a beautiful island!