Grenada Holidays: Grand Anse, St George's, Carriacou & When to Go

E By Emma · Updated 20 October 2026 · 4 min read

Airports

Maurice Bishop International (GND)

Flight time

about 9-10h from London to Grenada, direct or with a short stop

Best time to go

January-May for the driest weather; Carnival (Spicemas) in August

Currency

Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$); US dollars widely accepted

Grenada, the Spice Isle, is one of the Caribbean's friendliest and least commercialised islands. The scent of nutmeg, cinnamon and cocoa hangs over the hills, the harbour capital of St George's is one of the prettiest towns in the region, and Grand Anse beach is two miles of soft white sand. Inland there are crater lakes, rainforest and waterfalls, and the sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique are even more laid-back.

English is spoken everywhere, cars drive on the left and plugs are usually the UK three-pin type, which makes it an easy trip for British visitors. Grenada is 4 hours behind the UK in winter and 5 hours behind during British Summer Time. Grenada lies near the southern edge of the hurricane belt, but it isn't immune: Hurricane Beryl caused severe damage on Carriacou and Petite Martinique in July 2024, and recovery there has taken time.

Entry requirements

British passport holders can usually visit Grenada as tourists without a visa, normally for up to three months. You'll need a passport valid for your whole stay and proof of onward or return travel. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.

Where to go in Grenada

Grand Anse and the south-west

Most hotels are on the south-west peninsula, close to the airport. Grand Anse is the star, with calm water and beach bars, and nearby Morne Rouge (BBC Beach) is smaller and quieter. Further south, Lance aux Épines and True Blue have marinas and quieter bays, and La Sagesse on the south coast is a secluded escape.

St George's

The capital curves around a horseshoe-shaped harbour, the Carenage, lined with red-roofed buildings. Climb to Fort George and Fort Frederick for the views, browse the spice market and visit the Grenada National Museum.

Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park

Just north of St George's, this underwater gallery of sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor and others can be seen on snorkelling, diving or glass-bottomed boat trips. The coast around it is part of a marine protected area.

The interior

Grand Etang National Park has a crater lake, rainforest trails and mona monkeys. Annandale, Concord and Seven Sisters waterfalls are all popular for a swim, and spice and cocoa estates such as Belmont Estate and the Grenada Chocolate Company show how nutmeg and chocolate are produced. River Antoine still makes rum with a water wheel.

Carriacou and Petite Martinique

Carriacou, reached by ferry or a short flight, is a slow, friendly island with Paradise Beach, Sandy Island and good diving. Tiny Petite Martinique lies beyond. Both were hit hard by Hurricane Beryl, so check which accommodation and services are open before you book.

Best time to visit Grenada

Getting to Grenada from the UK

British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Grenada, sometimes with a brief stop in St Lucia, and the journey takes about nine to ten hours. Some seasons see other direct or one-stop options from the UK. Otherwise, fly to Barbados and connect on a regional flight of under an hour. The airport is only a few minutes from Grand Anse, so transfers are short.

Getting around

Numbered minibuses run from St George's to most of the island, are very cheap and run till early evening, though driving can be fast. Taxis have fixed rates, but agree the fare before you set off. Car hire needs a local driving permit, available from rental firms; roads are narrow and hilly. The Osprey Lines ferry links St George's with Carriacou and Petite Martinique, taking about two hours to Carriacou.

Money and costs

The Eastern Caribbean dollar is pegged at about EC$2.70 to US$1, and US dollars are widely accepted. Grenada is mid-priced for the Caribbean, with good-value guesthouses alongside a handful of luxury resorts. Allow around £120-200 per person per day for a mid-range trip including accommodation. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge, and VAT is added to bills. Cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants; carry cash for buses, rum shops and markets.

We research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.