5 Things in Grenada that will make your trip special

This Caribbean island is what many people might think of when someone says paradise. The Spice Island boasts everything you could want from a vacation, including centuries of history, amazing outdoor adventures, and seafood to die for. The only problem is fitting everything on to your Grenada itinerary.

Well, try not to worry. In this post, we’ll take a look at five of the best things to do in Grenada that will make your trip truly special. We’ll also help you with finding places to stay, whether it’s a vacation rental in Grenada, The Caribbean, or a romantic resort. So, let’s check out the Spice Island!

Experience a true paradise beach

With more than 45 beaches, Grenada definitely won’t disappoint sunseekers. Each has its own distinct character and there are plenty of opportunities to relax, have an adventure, or go snorkeling.

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grand_Anse_Beach_Grenada.jpg By Vkap, CC BY 3.0

One of the most popular beaches in Grenada is Grand Anse on the southwest tip of the island. It’s everything you could expect and hope from a Caribbean beach – think powdery golden sands, turquoise waters, all against the backdrop of lush green hills and palm trees. You won’t have to go far for a tasty cocktail, with plenty of hotels and bars serving Pina Coladas and Mojitos in the shade. It’s popular with locals and tourists alike, but it only really gets crowded when there is a cruise ship in port.

Just around the corner from Grand Anse, you’ve also got Morne Rouge Beach (known by the locals as BBC) which is not packed full of bars, resorts, and cafes. But a great spot for a lazy day. For those who are trying to get off the beaten track, perhaps search Levera Beach or Petit Bacolet. Roger’s Barefoot Beach Bar on Hog Island is also well worth a visit!

Go hiking in Grand Etang National Park

While the fringes of the island are dusted with dream beaches, the centre of Grenada is covered in tropical rainforest. In fact, 17% of the island has been declared a national park. A favourite among visitors is Grand Etang National Park, where there is a network of hiking trails that will take you around Grand Etang Lake and up to the lookout of the summit on Mount Qua Qua. It may not be the tallest mountain on Grenada (that’s Mount St. Catherine) but it’s certainly one of the most accessible.

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mona_Monkey_2.jpg By Mark Stevens, Flickr, CC BY 2.0

As you hike through the primeval green forests and volcanic valleys, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds moving from flower to flower. These beautiful birds make for great photos if you can get a shot quick enough. But more famous in the mountains of Grenada, are the Mona Monkeys. Some are used to humans that they feel free to eat a banana right out of your hand or hang out on your shoulder.

Grand Etang is not the only national park in Grenada. If you’re interested in birdwatching, you might want to check out Levera National Park in the north. This untouched part of Grenada is where many species of bird call home, including waterfowl, herons, and snipes. Lake Antoine National Landmark also offer birdwatching around a crater lake.

Immerse yourself in Colonial History

Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/grenada-st-georges-caribbean-4649968/

Grenada has always been desirable due to its spices, and has been colonized by the Spanish, the French, and the English. This means that there’s a lot of colonial history to learn about and there’s no better place to start than the island capital, Saint George’s. Built around a bay, this gorgeous town is full of wooden and stone homes and remains of Gothic churches.

There are numerous fortresses around the island too, including St George’s (you can probably guess where that one is) and Fort Frederick. Fort Frederick is on the slopes behind the island capital, and it attached to Fort Matthew. To learn more about the buildings’ fascinating histories, you can do a guided tour… but you might be a little distracted by the jaw-dropping views of the coast!

Scuba Dive to an underwater sculpture park

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Underwater_sculptures_at_Molinere_Underwater_Sculpture_Park.jpg By Boris Kasimov – CC BY 2.0

Now, let’s check out not only one of the most unique attractions in Grenada, but the entire world. Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park is the first of its kind in the world, and it’s a popular site for both snorkelling and scuba diving. These artificial reefs are about much more than just being something for tourists to feast their eyes on though – they attract marine life who make their homes among the eerie statues.

There are nine sculptures in the underwater park including Vicissitudes, which is made up of life-sized statues cast from local children, the Lost Correspondent which documents the relationship between Grenada and Cuba, and Man on a Bike – which is a life-sized sculpture of a man on a salvaged bicycle. You might have guessed that from the name!

Visiting Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park is a Grenada must do, and you shouldn’t miss it off your itinerary.

Learn about the spices that made the island famous

There’s one reason above all that Grenada has such a rich colonial history, and it’s not the pretty beaches. Dougaldston Spice Estate is the best place to learn about the heritage and traditions of spice cultivation, although there are others on the island. It is places like this where cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and many others have been cultivated for centuries.

Take a guided tour to see the machines which dried cocoa or processed nutmeg. Not only is this a chance to see what made the island famous and was the backbone of the economy, but it’s also an opportunity to pick up some souvenirs. You’ll be able to pick up local spices which are sure to be great gifts for your friends and family back home.

 So, now that you know the best things to do in Grenada that will make your trip special…

It’s time to pick somewhere to stay. We hope you’ve found our list helpful and you’ve got a better idea of what to put on your Grenada itinerary. Remember, whether you want rich history, gorgeous food, or some really memorable outdoor adventures, Grenada is the place for you. And when it comes to places to stay, check out Laluna – one of the most romantic resorts in the Caribbean. It’s the ideal base for all of the incredible activities above and many more.