Our Highlights on Grenada
We took the Full Day Tour with Henry's Safari Tours during a cruise. It was an absolutely stunning jeep safari.
What really blew us away on Grenada was the island's interior. Grenada is largely covered in rainforest. You can enjoy wonderful hikes, swim under waterfalls in the jungle, or even spot monkeys!
The mountainous island of Grenada is also known as the Spice Island of the Caribbean and is one of the world's most important nutmeg producers. The nutmeg even appears on Grenada's flag. You can buy nutmeg at a nutmeg processing plant or simply from pipe-smoking market women in the capital.
Unfortunately, the nutmeg plantations and other agricultural land suffered greatly from Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Emily in 2005. The capital St. George's was also largely damaged or destroyed, though reconstruction has made great progress and the tourist infrastructure is once again in good shape.
The Caribbean island of Grenada also includes several smaller islands. Together, they create an unforgettable vacation experience. Grenada is a dream destination far removed from mass tourism. With many secluded beaches and charming towns — such as the capital St. George's — Grenada offers authentic Caribbean vibes, not least thanks to its gorgeous white-sand beaches where you can truly unwind.
Weather, Climate Data & Best Time to Visit Grenada
Grenada has a tropical climate. Even so, cooling northeast trade winds keep temperatures from getting too high. Temperatures are pleasant year-round, with daily highs of about 29°C (84°F). The rainy season runs from June to November, with rain falling on average 22 days per month — though showers never last very long. Hurricane season is between June and November. The best time to visit is therefore December through May.
Entry Requirements, Vaccinations & Other Information for Grenada
Entry: EU citizens do not need a visa. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the travel dates is required.
Vaccinations: No additional vaccinations are required for Grenada beyond the generally recommended ones. Checking and updating tetanus, diphtheria, and polio vaccinations is advised.
Hygiene: Drinking tap water is risky. Be sure to avoid ice cubes in drinks. Don't eat anything that hasn't been cooked or can't be peeled.
Language: In addition to the official language of English, a Creole dialect is widely spoken.
Currency: 1 East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) = 100 cents. The US Dollar is accepted everywhere. Credit cards are generally accepted.
Electricity: 220/240 V, 50 Hz; an adapter is required.
Public holidays on Grenada follow the usual Christian holidays. Additional public holidays include February 7 (Independence Day) and August 7 (Emancipation Day). Carnival takes place in mid-August.
Getting to Grenada
Flights to Grenada are offered by many European airlines, including Condor (direct from Frankfurt), Austrian Airlines, British Airways, and Swiss. Most flights route through London.
Grenada's international airport (Point Salines) is about 12 km south of the capital St. George's. Buses and taxis are available.
Roads on Grenada are narrow and winding. Some access roads to popular beach coves can be in poor condition. Road signs are virtually non-existent and left-hand traffic is the rule.
Tip: At many intersections, locals will point you in the right direction — they usually know where tourists are headed.
Affordable buses run between the individual towns and villages.
If you're honked at as a pedestrian, it's usually a taxi or a public bus offering you a ride.
Numerous cruise ships dock in the harbor of St. George's. Regular boat services connect the main island with the smaller islands. The ferry from St. George's to Carriacou takes about three hours.
Where Is the Caribbean Island of Grenada?
The Caribbean island of Grenada lies about 150 km off the South American coast. It is the southernmost of the Windward Islands. The island covers approximately 345 km². Grenada also includes several smaller islands such as Carriacou, Petite Martinique, Ronde Island, and others.
History of Grenada
- In September 1498, Christopher Columbus discovered Grenada. He initially named the island Concepcion. Spanish sailors later renamed it after their hometown of Granada.
- In 1650, French settlers acquired Grenada in exchange for a few beads and other goods. This peaceful arrangement fell apart, however, when the French insisted on imposing their own laws on the island, prompting the Caribs to rebel against their new rulers. The French held the upper hand, and in 1651 — according to legend — the last indigenous people threw themselves from the cliffs at Morne de Sauteurs (Carib's Leap) to their deaths rather than surrender.
- Until 1783, the British and French fought for control of the island. In 1783, the British prevailed.
- Noteworthy in the island's history is the slave uprising during the French Revolution, instigated by plantation owner Julien Fedon. Over 15 months, they pillaged across the island and killed many British settlers.
- In 1796, the British regained control. It wasn't until after 1830 that Grenada's economy began to recover, once nutmeg cultivation had been introduced.
- Grenada gained independence in 1974, with labor leader Eric Gairy at the helm. This led to a bloodless coup in March 1979 that toppled the dictatorial regime. The subsequent socialist reform program under Maurice Bishop met with little enthusiasm in the United States — especially when he called on Cuba for assistance. Bishop was soon ousted by the military, then executed. Four days later, on October 25, 1983, U.S. troops invaded Grenada. American soldiers remained stationed here until 1985.
- Today, Grenada is a democracy, and tourism — now the country's main source of income — has been flourishing as a result.
