What to do in Grenada: our highlights guide

Laid back and utterly charming, Grenada is less developed than many other Caribbean islands and offers lush rainforest, waterfalls and historic cocoa and nutmeg plantations as well as superb, white-sand beaches.

Rarely crowded, even in the most popular spots, the sheltered beaches are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, reef and wreck diving.

Our selection of ideas for Grenada

Hike Grand Etang National Park & Forest Reserve

High in the mountains Grand Etang's varied terrains maintain several different ecological subsystems with the lush vegetation providing shelter for a wide variety of animals, in particular the island's many species of birds. In addition, Grand Etang is also populated by frogs and lizards, as well as opossums, armadillos, mongooses, and the Mona monkey. Trails at Grand Etang connect the misty mountain peaks with waterfalls and crater lakes and range from easy 15-minute strolls to demanding treks of several hours.

Explore Grenada's north

It’s well worth taking some time to explore the rugged coastline and mountainous rainforest of the north of the island. In the northwest, the fishing village of Gouyave is also a key centre for the island’s nutmeg production. Stop at the town’s nutmeg processing station to see all the stages of nutmeg and mace production and explore nearby Douglaston Estate.

In the northwest, River Antoine Rum Distillery, the oldest water-driven distillery in the Caribbean, started back in the late 18^th century. Nearby Belmont Estate dates back to the 17^th century. At this historic plantation you can see almost all stages of cocoa production and sample some local cocoa tea.

A local chocolate factory uses the Belmont Estate's beans to produce some of the world’s finest chocolate. A more unusual sight is Pearls Airport, abandoned in 1984 and seemingly frozen in time with an Aeroflot and Cubana plane rusting on the runway.

Finally, Levera National Park on Grenada's northeast shore is a remote coastline with great hiking trails through the volcanic landscape.

Diving in Grenada

The turquoise waters around Grenada offer great diving from lazy drift dives to wall dives as well as the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, the Bianca C. You can even explore a unique underwater sculpture park. Most of the dive sites are within 15 minutes of Grand Anse beach in the southwest of the island.

Snorkel around the island's underwater sculpture park

The island’s underwater sculpture park, the first of its kind, was established to create an artificial reef as part of the regeneration of Grenada's reefs. The sculptures are gradually being overtaken by coral and marine life, changing colour during the process, and each has a story or meaning behind it. If you've arranged a tour, ask your snorkelling guide to tell you the stories of the sculptures.

Discover Grenada's history

Visit historic Fort George and Fort Frederick where you’ll get a glimpse of Grenada’s colourful past as well as a panoramic view of St George’s, the island’s capital. Carry on to the Grenada National Museum where you can view historical artefacts and exhibits about the island, its first inhabitants, slavery and the plantation economy. Later drive past Parliament House and take in the architecture of the 18^th century churches, rounding off your day at the Westerhall Rum Distillery, with sufficient time to sample the delicious rum on offer.

The 'Isle of Spice'

Nicknamed the ‘Isle of Spice’, Grenada is renowned for its nutmeg as well as its cinnamon, cloves, ginger, turmeric and mace. You can take a tour of some of the places where these spices are grown and used while you’re on the island. At De La Grenade witness the making of mouth-watering products made from the island’s exotic spices while Gemma’s Home Garden is a quirky private garden brimming with local fruit, vegetables and flowers. You can also explore herb and spice gardens accompanied by a guide.

Go shopping on market day in St George's

This popular market is in the heart of Grenada’s commercial centre and is particularly lively on Saturdays. On the northern side of the town, this is Grenada's main shopping attraction. In the covered hall you can find a multitude of stalls selling spices along with other local products such as nutmeg, jams and syrups and vanilla essence. The market also has many colourful stalls piled high with exotic fruit and vegetables.

Day trip to Carriacou

This small island with a population of only 7,000 is the most southerly of the Grenadine island chain. Only a short ferry ride from Grenada, this laid-back island is even more relaxed in its pace of life than its nearby neighbour. Watch out for the dolphins that follow the boat on your short journey over to Carriacou. Once there, minibuses cover set routes around the island or you can hire them as taxis. The north offers great walking trails while the beautiful sandy beaches are a draw in the south. The island also has some great dive sites.