Follow the Windward Islands south along the chain of the Grenadines and you’ll hit Grenada at the southern end, just 100 or so miles north of the Venezuelan coast. Consisting of the main island of Grenada and a share of the southern Grenadines, this is a country that distills the beauty of the Caribbean to its essence; and in so doing, lures tourists from around the world.
Grenada still earns its “Island of Spice” nickname with extensive plantations of nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, ginger, and other leading crops, so expect some well-seasoned sea breezes and cuisine with a kick. Spices remain an important part of the economy, but it’s the Grenadian beaches—nearly 50 of them and all publicly accessible—which really steal the show. There’s none more celebrated on Grenada than the two-mile-long Grand Anse Beach, a mainstay of those incessant “Best Beaches in the World” roundups—and for good reason. But that prizewinning stretch of white sand is only the beginning, and there are a slew of more secluded options on Grenada’s eastern coast as well as the Grenadine island of Carriacou. Ringed with reefs, Carriacou’s also a prime spot for underwater explorations.
The interior of Grenada, meanwhile, is rumpled with lush-jungled volcanic peaks, and capped by Mount St. Catherine. Waterfalls careen down toward the Caribbean here; and the mahogany, teak, and rain-tree canopy shudders with the leaps of mona monkeys, elegant Old World primates introduced to Grenada during the slave trade. Tucked into Grenada’s hilly heart is Grand Etang Lake, a gorgeous, rainforest-cupped crater lake. A well-established trail network opens the Grenadian backcountry—some of the prettiest scenery in the Windward Islands—to the ecotourist, who's likely to leave a bit wide-eyed.
The capital of St. George’s has some historical monuments—St. George’s Cathedral, Fort George, and others—as well as an illuminating museum, which includes exhibits devoted to Grenada’s vanished indigenous peoples (the Arawak and Carib). Today’s population is mostly Afro-Grenadian, with an important minority segment claiming Indian ancestry.
Grenada comes so well-stocked with heavenly scenes that you may well feel you've stumbled upon the Caribbean of every cabin-fevered 9-to-5er's dreams. And the island nation's charms only shine brighter when you go beyond the sunbathing and interface with real, everyday Grenadians.
12 things not to miss.
- Grenada's southern coastSail Grenada's southern coast
- nutmeg plantationTour a nutmeg plantation
- Dive the Bianca C wreckDive the Bianca C wreck
- Grand Anse BeachThis white-sand paradise, one of the most fabled Caribbean beaches, more than lives up to its accolade-drenched reputation.
- Magazine BeachThis seashore isn’t just perfect for soaking up some Windward Island sunshine: It also puts world-class snorkeling at your fingertips.
- Concord FallsGrenada has plenty of showstopper waterfalls, but this system of three, with its idyllic plunge pools, is irresistible.
- Molinere ReefBesides an assortment of coral critters (from morays to seahorses), divers here appreciate the striking Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park.
- Grand Etang LakeThe mysterious heart of Grenada, Grand Etang occupies a volcanic crater and affords access to lovely tropical forest.
- Mount Saint CatherineA trek to the 2,760-foot pinnacle of Grenada rewards with deep immersion in tropical verdure sliced with waterfalls and thrumming with monkeys.
- Fort GeorgeThough it’s seen better days, this vintage 18th-century French fort in St. George’s is still a must-see for anyone intrigued by Grenadian history.
- St. George’s CathedralBuilt in the early 1800s, this imposing cathedral is an unmistakable landmark of the Grenadian capital.
- CarriacouThis Southern Grenadine island weaves quite the spell given its excellent beaches, topnotch reef diving, and historical sights, including the Carriacou Museum’s exhibits.
