5 Reasons to Visit Grenada

Located between Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, to the south of the crescent of Caribbean countries, is Grenada.

Grenada can be the perfect vacation getaway for couples with wanderlust who are looking to take in some beautiful views and experience island life.

Here are the top 5 things to consider if you're thinking about visiting Grenada.

1. Grenada's Beaches

The most popular reason that tourists visit the Caribbean is for its spectacular beaches. Grenada is no exception on that front.

The most popular beach, Grande Anse offers more than two miles of white sand and turquoise waters, lovely shaded areas, plenty of restaurants, bars and fun activities. Nearby, you will find the BBC beach, which is smaller, but just as picturesque as Grande Anse.

Further away from the main tourist areas is the Sagesse, a small island cove that has great waves for watersports. Since fewer visitors come out this way, it also offers more privacy.

If you are looking for something more than just bronzing in the sun and taking a dip now and then, visit Levera beach, home to leatherback turtle nesting sites and great for bird-watching. You can also make it over to the Magazine beach for snorkeling.

2. Nature

The island’s beautiful topography offers tourists a chance to explore Grenada’s natural sites and spend a holiday being active.

When you visit Grenada, don’t miss the natural reserves and waterfalls. For example, you can hike through the Grand Etang National Park and Forest. Bird lovers will particularly enjoy the park, as well as sites like the Mt. Hartman Dove Sanctuary and the Levera National Park.

Another option is to visit the nearby islands, many of which are practically deserted like Sandy Island Marine Park, popular for snorkeling and observing marine life. While the coastline of Grenada offers stunning landscapes and beaches, you can go for a swim inland as well. For this, visit one of the many waterfalls, such as the Concord or the Annandele Waterfalls.

Tours are organized regularly to take groups to visit these, plus some of the trails are well-marked for exploring on your own.

3. Grenada Culture

Grenada culture is incredibly rich and the many historic sites and festivals on the island offer visitors a glimpse into Grenada traditions. One of the most important events in the year is the Spicemas Grenada Carnival, which peaks in August every year, but launch parties and events begin as early as April.

Street dances, soca concerts and extravagant outfits make up the experience of this bright and colorful festival. There is also a second, smaller carnival, which takes place at the beginning of Lent. This one takes place on the tiny island of Carriacou.

In addition to these, there is a number of music festivals throughout the year, such as the Drum Festival and Carriacou Parang Festival, sailing and fishing tournaments and the Grenada Chocolate Festival held in May every year.

In the meantime, those looking to explore the culture of Grenada in a more laid-back way, can visit the historic sites instead. Some of the top historic places to visit in Grenada include the Belmont Estate for a taste of history and culture and Fort Frederick, which also offers a stunning view of St. George’s. You can also check out the River Antoine Rum Distillery for a true mix of history and pleasure.

4. Underwater Sculpture Park

Somewhere in the mix between culture, history, nature and beaches lies the one-of-a-kind Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park.

A popular site for diving and snorkeling, the park first opened in 2006 after being created by sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Basically, the site is exactly what it sounds like. It's an underwater museum featuring a number of sculptures.

Some of the most well-known sculptures include the Vicissitudes, which is a circle of life sized children holding hands; TAMCC Faces, which are faces carved in a bolder, highlighting diversity; and The Lost Correspondent, a sculpture 7 meters underwater of a man working at a desk on his typewriter. In short, this is a must-see when traveling to Grenada.

5. Grenada Food & Drink

Last but not least, no visit to Grenada is complete without trying the delicious food that the islands offer. Grenada’s cuisine is a good mix of healthy and hearty foods, from sweet to savory.

One of the national dishes is the Oil Down, a stew made with coconut milk, meat, chicken or fish along with roots and other vegetables. For something lighter, try callaloo soup, made with leafy greens. Those looking for the spicier foods, can go for a roti filled with curried chicken or curry goat. Plus, you can finish your meal with a sweet potato pone for dessert or a locally-distilled rum.
If you want to get a taste of these dishes now, there are some easy Caribbean recipes out there, but nothing is like the real thing.

Visit Grenada for Your Vacation

The green and luscious island is surrounded by stunning beaches, rich with local tradition and culture. Though it is probably a little off the beaten path compared to tourism giants like Jamaica and Barbados, there are still plenty of places to visit in Grenada.