Sand, Spice and Everything Nice: Grenada

Beaches and snorkeling

Grande Anse Beach is undoubtedly the most popular beach in Grenada, and for good reason. This two-mile crescent-shaped beach has calm, turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There isn't too much of a reef here, but you're sure to see plenty of tropical fish, and if you're lucky, an occasional turtle! Dive Grenada is located on the beach as well — they are one of the many companies offering snorkeling tours and even have an artificial reef you can check out within swimming distance of their property!

Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park can't be missed! You'll see some really cool sculptures with an abundance of aquatic life enjoying the coral growing on the sculptures. You can find tours online or through your hotel, but make sure to book in advance as this is hugely popular with tourists.

Magazine Beach is another great spot, especially for snorkelers like me! It is super close to the airport (almost walking distance!), and close to Grand Anse as well. The entrance can be a bit hard to spot at first, but if you see a narrow, steep gravel road, that's it! Take it slow while driving down, but don't let the intimidating road scare you from getting to this stunner!

My last suggestion is definitely a bit of a hike to get to but will absolutely be a highlight of your trip. Sandy Island off the coast of Carriacou, one of Grenada's sister islands, is an uninhabited strip of sand surrounded by reefs that you'll likely have all to yourself! To get to Carriacou you'll need to take a ferry from St. George's. Then take a quick taxi to Paradise Beach (which is also gorgeous) — from there, you'll hire a water taxi from one of the restaurants on the beach (just ask at the bar)! It is certainly a trek but I can't recommend it enough.

Natural sites and hikes

Grand Etang National Park is a great place for nature lovers. The ride there through the winding cliffs is an adventure on it's own — if you're driving there, make sure you are extra confident in your left-side driving skills and take it slow. Grenadians are relaxed and friendly, but on the road that is not always the case!

While in that area, I recommend hiking Mount Qua Qua. To get there, you'll need to register at the visitor's center — the staff will help you find the start to the hike just before the parking area. You'll get amazing views of the Grand Etang Lake as well as the capital, St. Georges.

The Annandale and Seven Sisters Waterfalls are both right near the national park and well worth checking out. There are tons of majestic waterfalls throughout the country and they are definitely worthy stops. At some of the smaller waterfalls like Mt. Carmel Falls on the east side of the island, you may encounter "guides". While they can provide some knowledge on the area and watch your belongings while you're in the waterfall, don't feel obligated to accept their services.

If you're looking for a botanical garden to appreciate the flora the island has to offer, Palm Tree Gardens is a nice stop on the way back from the Grand Etang area. It's small, but has picturesque views and a wide variety of tropical plants.

Northern Grenada

Belmont Estate on the northeastern side of the island is a great example of a working plantation. Be sure to take a tour of the cocoa factory and sample some of their delicious, spice-infused chocolate. Walking around the property, you'll also be able to see a variety of tropical plants, and even some of the animals that call the island home! A highlight is definitely to see the famous mona monkeys — we also saw one in the wild near Grand Etang, but here you can see them up close!

While in that area, be sure to check out the River Antoine Rum Distillery. You're not in the Caribbean if you're not drinking rum!

Pearls Airport is another worthy stop. It is an abandoned airport right outside the second largest town on the island, Grenville. Definitely a cool stop for aviation and history lovers!

St. Georges

The capital of Grenada is well worth checking out. Try to get there any day other than Sunday, as everything closes down. The city market is a great place to sample some local food and stock up on souvenirs. I personally enjoyed walking around the city and taking in the sites on my own, but walking tours are available if you're looking to learn a little more about the vibrant capital.

• Umbrella's Beach Bar: located right on Grand Anse Beach, this local favorite has live music, great drinks and gorgeous views of the beach from the upstairs deck.

• Dodgy Dock Restaurant: located in the True Blue Bay Resort, sample modern twists on Grenadian classics with a view of the harbor here.

• Savvy Cabana: part of the Mount Cinnamon Hotel & Beach Club, this place has a super laid-back vibe and serves up Caribbean classics right on the beach.

• Carib Sushi: while I didn't get here myself, I heard multiple rave reviews about this place — if you're a sushi lover, definitely check it out!

• Aquarium: right off Magazine Beach and in Maca Bana hotel, this is another beachside stunner with a great variety on their menu.

• Patricks Local Homestyle Restaurant: serving up local favorites right outside the main town of St. George's, this place is a hidden gem. They serve vegan Grenadian dishes too!

• Paradise Beach Club, Carriacou: on the sister island of Carriacou, this is a great women-owned spot to get some great cocktails and food! You can hire a water taxi to Sandy Island from here too!

• West Indies Beer Company: located in the Lance aux Epines region, this is the best place to try a variety of craft beers, play games and mingle with the friendly locals!