On par with Birmingham in terms of size, Grenada still manages to boast all the best attributes of a Caribbean island; caster sugar beaches aplenty, cascading azure waterfalls and a colourful cast of wildlife. The main island has been dubbed the ‘Spice Isle’, thanks to the myriad cinnamon and nutmeg plantations – two of the country’s main exports – that punctuate the interior. If all of this sounds like your idea of a good time, then spice up your life with our list of things to do in Grenada…
Spices Galore
Learn about how Grenada got its spicy nickname while touring one of the main island’s spice plantations. See how nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla are grown at Laura Herb and Spice Garden near Perdmontemps in St. David or visit Gemma’s Home Garden to discover more local flowers, fruit and veg. Leave room in your suitcase if you plan to visit De La Grenade – you’ll find delicious locally made jams and liqueurs on sale here.
Chasing Waterfalls
Grenada’s waterfalls are nature’s answer to the balmy Caribbean climate, offering the ideal means of cooling off during the midday heat. Some of the most accessible include Annandale Falls, where the waters plunge down into a deep pool inside a leafy grotto; Mount Carmel Falls, double the height of Annandale and lesser-known; and Concord Falls, accessed via an off-the-beaten-track hike and featuring a series of three cascades.
Sunset Cruise
The Spice Isle is the centre of the Caribbean’s boat building industry, with skilled craftsmen maintaining the historic tradition of building wooden sloops (single-masted sailing vessels). Hop aboard one of these magnificent ships on Petite Martinique, Grenada’s little sister island, and watch the sky turn brilliant shades of amber and scarlet as you sip on a rum cocktail.
Liming and Dining
Grenadians are experts in the art of ‘liming’ – doing nothing pleasurably – and it’s easy to see how this has become an unofficial national pastime, given the island’s many heavenly beaches. Grand Anse beach is the island’s most famous, complete with lively beach bars and casual eateries worth frequenting once you’ve indulged in your fair share of relaxation. On the other hand, Morne Rouge and La Sagesse offer more out-of-the-way options, with their sheltered bays and swaying palms.
Tour St George’s
Beyond the buttery-sand beaches and tumbling waterfalls, Grenada’s petite capital – St George’s – offers some treasures of its own. Visit the Grenada National Museum to delve into the island’s history, wander around market square and peruse the myriad spice stalls, or head for the House of Chocolate, an exhibition showcasing the island’s sugary industry.
Rum Tasting
As if spices and chocolate weren’t enough, Grenada also excels at rum production. A tour around the River Antoine Rum Distillery will take you back in time to the island’s rum producing heyday, with machinery that has remained the same since its construction in 1785. Your tour can, of course, be followed by a tasting – but be sure to pace yourself, as this deliciously authentic rum certainly packs a punch.
Grand Etang National Park
Once you’ve sampled the best of Grenada’s local produce, it’s worth exploring some more of its magnificent natural wonders. Grand Etang National Park is a patchwork of densely forested slopes and rugged mountains, with Grand Etang Lake at its centre, formed in the crater of an extinct volcano. You’ll find numerous hiking trails criss-crossing this mish-mash of terrains and, if you’re lucky, you might meet some mona monkeys while trekking through the park.
Underwater Sculpture Park
The island’s dramatic scenery also extends beneath the waves, and one of Grenada’s most distinctive and famous features is the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor in 2006. Located in Molinere-Beauséjour Marine Reserve off the island’s west coast, the 75 extraordinary, yet somewhat eerie, sculptures are best appreciated during snorkelling and scuba diving excursions.
Lounge on Carriacou
Situated 90 minutes by ferry from Grenada, the pint-sized island of Carriacou somehow manages to be even more laid-back than its older sibling. Renowned for its shimmering coral reefs and gin-clear shallows, the dinky isle has been nicknamed the ‘Isle of Reefs’. Take a day trip here to snorkel among its rainbow-hued marine life or situate yourself on one its pristine beaches with a good book.
Friday Fry-day
As self-proclaimed foodies, we couldn’t compile a list of things to do in Grenada without including some hearty Caribbean cuisine. The fishing village of Gouyave is the place to be come Friday, when the already vibrant town cranks up the music and cracks open a beer for Fish Friday. Food stalls line the streets, selling everything from fresh conch and lobster to snapper and bakes (Caribbean dumplings).
