White-sand beaches line this Caribbean island where spice plantations dot the hills. Local markets sell nutmeg and cinnamon, while coral reefs teem with marine life beneath clear waters.
Grenada rises from the southern Caribbean with volcanic peaks and white sand beaches. At local markets in St. George's, vendors stack pyramids of nutmeg, cinnamon, and mace. You'll find waterfalls hidden in the rainforest, like the 30-foot Annandale Falls where locals sometimes dive for tourists. Along Grand Anse Beach, the Caribbean Sea washes onto three kilometers of white sand, while small fishing boats bob in the natural harbor of St. George's, surrounded by buildings painted in yellow, pink, and blue.
Getting Around Grenada
Minibuses run on 44 routes across 9 zones from 8 AM to 8 PM daily. Look for zone numbers on the windshields to identify your bus. Licensed taxis display official government stickers and operate throughout the island. In main tourist areas, you can use the Haylup ride-sharing app. A rental car lets you reach remote beaches and mountain areas, though many roads are steep and narrow.
Weather and When to Visit
Plan your visit in December to avoid both the rainy season and winter crowds. Temperatures range from 22-32°C (72-90°F) year-round, with trade winds keeping the air moving. Rain falls most heavily from June to December, peaking in November. The mountains receive up to 150 inches of rain annually, while coastal areas stay considerably drier.
St. George's Harbor and Market
St. George's wraps around an old volcanic crater, with buildings in coral pink, mint green, and sunny orange rising up the slopes. Along the Carenage waterfront, fishermen sell their morning catch from small boats. In Market Square, vendors sell spices at local prices - a pound of nutmeg costs about a quarter of what you'd pay in Europe or North America.
Natural Swimming Spots
At Annandale Falls, 15 minutes from St. George's, a 30-foot waterfall pours into a deep pool where ferns and heliconia plants grow along the edges. The paths around the falls take you through groves of cocoa and nutmeg trees. Seven Sisters Falls creates a series of natural pools connected by cascades. The 45-minute hike to reach them passes through spice plantations where you'll smell nutmeg and cinnamon.
Local Food and Rum Production
At River Antoine Rum Distillery, a water wheel from 1785 still crushes sugarcane into juice. Watch workers process sugarcane into 150-proof rum using methods unchanged since the 18th century (note: this rum exceeds airline alcohol limits). In local markets, try oil down - a one-pot stew that combines breadfruit, salted meat, and coconut milk with local spices.
Festivals Throughout the Year
During Spice Mas in August, steel pan bands play through the streets while masqueraders parade in elaborate costumes. The Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival in April fills the air with drum rhythms and fiddle music. Throughout the year, sailing events bring boats to Grenadian waters, including the Work Boat Regatta where local fishing boats race around the harbor.
