The colors of Grenada. Photo by Julie Bielenberg
The colors of Grenada. Photo by Julie Bielenberg
The colors of Grenada. Photo by Julie Bielenberg

Traveling to Grenada 

Grenada might be one of the last affordable paradises in the world, at least for this Rocky Mountain Traveler.

When I found round trip airfare on American Airlines for $388 to Maurice Bishop International Airport St. George, Grenada, from Denver International Airport, I didn’t even think who could watch the kids. 

I just booked the tickets! The island of Grenada has direct flights daily to Miami on AA, New York on JetBlue and Atlanta on Delta. Frequency varies depending on the season.

European tourists have typically been more interested in the island than North Americans.

However, post Brexit, Canadians, followed by Americans, are starting to wander to the “Island of Spice” and become the predominant tourist. Brexit has made it more expensive to travel from the UK to Grenada.

Here’s what you need to know about the roughly 110,000-person island – the largest in the Grenadines at roughly 133 square miles.

The capital is St. George’s in the Saint George parish (one of six total) where the airport and most tourist destinations and resorts are located.

Where is Grenada?

Grenada is located in the eastern Caribbean, south of the Windward Islands and more than 260 miles north of the coast of Venezuela.

Neighboring islands include St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the north and Trinidad and Tobago to the South.

Grenada is the “island of spice” because of the rich soil and its ability to grow abundant plants and trees. Combine that with a tropical climate and plenty of moisture from rain.

The island is of volcanic origin with a peak of 2,760 feet at Mount St. Catherine. This means good hiking, waterfalls, beautiful agriculture and one heck of a place to explore. Greneda is not just a beach retreat.

Spices in Grenada. Photo by Julie Bielenberg
Spices in Grenada. Photo by Julie Bielenberg

The country is highly educated, boasts a 4,000-person strong International Medical School, has one of the most famous beaches in all of the Caribbean, and is yet, not that touristy or discovered.

While there is a new Kimpton resort and another high-end resort slated to open in 2019, the total beds for guests will still only be at 2,500. To put it in perspective, Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, has 22,500 beds alone.

It’s intimate, small, and safe! From food to the folks to the four-wheeling, it is eco and health-conscious on the island—ecotourism has long found a niche in Grenada.

When to Visit Grenada

You’re going to want to visit during the non-rainy season. What does that mean, well, typically it’s June through December, but what is the “rainy” season?

That might mean a drop of rain and 12 hours of sunshine. Grenada is located 834 miles north of the equator so you can gamble on good weather and win most of the time, aside from major hurricane months.

A beach in Grenada. Photo by Julie Bielenberg
A beach in Grenada. Photo by Julie Bielenberg

Yachts, lots of very nice looking yachts. Due to the location of Grenada, and the fact they have only sustained two direct hits from hurricanes in the last 50 years (argh, Ivan the Horrible in 2004).

Many insurance companies do not require yachts to be pulled out of the St. George Harbor due to its natural disposition, depth and location. The harbor is colorful – a reflection of French and British control in the country’s history.

What to Do in Grenada

For food, the island has everything, but you are going to want to try the seafood and fresh produce.

As the ‘island of spice” be prepared for incredible nutmeg, cocoa, curry and many other spices and powders from around the world that were brought to Grenada and now grown year-round on the island.

We ate fresh catches from fish stands, seafood restaurants on the beach to out of an Italian guy’s van who was grilling up the best burgers, you come to eat and enjoy on this island, and it’s safe and healthy.

There are beaches, hiking, mountain biking, city shops and markets, snorkeling, the world’s first underwater sculpture park, scuba diving, hashing, rain forests, jungles, plantations and about 100 other adventures in Grenada.

The island might be small, but it is surely a mighty mouse in terms, of culture, history, activity and sport. In the seven days we spent on the island, we only logged a couple afternoons on the beach; the rest was left to adventure.

The coast of Grenada. Photo by Julie Bielenberg
The coast of Grenada. Photo by Julie Bielenberg

If You Travel to Grenada

Grenada Tourism Authority
https://www.grenadagrenadines.com

Author Bio: Julie Bielenberg is a Denver-based writer. She contributes over 50 stories per year to various outlets including AAA, Cowboys & Indians, Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, The MotherList, Mountain Magazine, Mile High Mamas, Colorado & Mountain Meetings + Events, and many more. She is the State’s #1 agritourism writer, covering more ground and events and publishing in more outlets than any other Coloradan. She travels in search of fields, farms, families and more. Sometimes she finds herself in often uncovered, or understated locales. Follow her at slowandgo.org for travels and adventures and on Instagram @slowandgotraveler

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