With its heady spice markets and plantations and those deserted tropical beaches, there’s something very distinctive about Grenada.
But got a thirst for exploring? We have just your tipple. Here are 9 brilliant things to do while in the exotic and wonderful Spice Isle...
1. Culture Vulture
Grenada is overflowing with cultural sights and the capital of St George’s is a great starting point. Visit the 18th Century Fort George that sits 175 ft above the stunning harbour, learn about the island’s history and admire the hilltop views. Then why not fit in a visit to the Grenada National Museum – a colonial French structure that’s home to historical artefacts telling a colourful story of the island’s first inhabitants and its plantation past. Stop by Parliament House, the Roman Catholic Cathedral and a historic market square too. With colonial architecture and hurricane weathered churches, this place oozes culture and charm.
2. Mother Nature
From extinct volcanoes to palm-fringed beaches and beautiful rolling hills, Grenada’s topography is some of Mother Nature’s proudest work. Lake Antoine, a lake formed in an extinct volcano, is home to an abundance of wildlife and is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Explore Grand Etang Forest Reserve – home to wild monkeys and a giant canopy of trees, as well as frogs, lizards and mongoose. It’s among the most beautiful rainforests you might ever get to see.
3. Life’s a beach
If you’re looking for heavenly sands to sink your toes into, Grenada has beautiful bays in droves. Grand Anse’s immaculate sands and turquoise waters just have to be on the beach bum’s check list. And the volcanic Black Bay’s stretch of silky black sand is well worth a visit too. For a postcard perfect gem, the hidden Pink Gin Beach is a must. With an off-the-beaten-track feel and stunning vista of St George’s, this certainly feels like paradise.
4. Adventure below the seas
If you like diving, you’ll love Grenada. With pristine Caribbean waters, spectacular reefs and vibrant tropical fish, you’re heading for underwater bliss. Head to the beaches off Boss or Molinaire Reefs and you might be greeted by Nurse sharks, Barracudas and hawksbill turtles. The south of the island near Great Anse has great diving centres offering underwater expeditions for both the beginner and advanced diver. From the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, to turtles and fantastical fish, you’ll be left in awe of Grenada’s aquatic treasures.
5. Get active
For those who can peel themselves off the beautiful sands, a trek off the beaten track will always reward you with spectacular vistas and hidden gems. Why not hike the cliffs of Victoria for spectacular views over the Caribbean Sea. Just beware of falling rocks. Or hire a boat and plan an excursion to the neighbouring island of Carriacou – its green hills are begging to be hiked.
6. Explore the falls
Many people don’t know about Grenada’s abundance of waterfalls. But a day safari and good pair of walking shoes will take you to close to these hidden gems. Take an energetic hike up some incredible nature trails to find the spectacular Seven Sisters and Honeymoon Falls. Or for something a little easier, Annandale waterfalls are equally as special and home to pretty flora. For the highest on the island it has to be Mt Carmel where two falls cascade from as high as 70 feet. You really will feel like you’ve found paradise.
7. Caribbean flavours
They don’t call it the Isle of Spice for nothing. With nutmeg, cloves and ginger being huge exports, anyone that visits is generally heading for culinary treats. Number one on the foodie’s list should be a visit to a Spice Plantation. Next up, it’s a tour around the River Antoine Rum distillery, the oldest in Grenada. Look into what your accommodation offers and you’ll find many resorts offer some interesting culinary packages including cooking demonstrations with top resort chefs. With tours of local markets aplenty, get ready to be inspired by Grenada’s rich ingredients.
8. Chocoholic’s heaven
Grenada is a big producer of cacao, so if you’re a chocolate lover, you’re in the right place! Be lured in by the heady chocolate aromas of the stunning Belmont Estate - a cocoa producing plantation that’s home to an organic farm and restaurant. The Grenada Chocolate Company is a must too. This quirky company prides itself on producing ethical chocolate bars that have no carbon footprint and if you take a tour and buy the produce you’re helping support local growers. They chocolate tastes out of this world too.
9. Fish Friday
If you want to party as the locals do, head to Gouyave for Fish Friday. As the main fishing town of the island, it’s like a seafood mecca and as Friday night approaches, vendors fill the streets selling all sorts of barbequed shrimp to jerk marlin, lobster and conch. There’s live Caribbean music and flowing Grenadian rum too which makes for a brilliant party atmosphere.
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