Grenada

Grenada is a Christian Caribbean island with beautiful beaches, a turquoise sea, lots of untouched nature and secluded bays. In the interior of the island, extinct volcanic cones rise up to 900 meters high, covered by rainforest and spice plantations. There is a lot to discover: crater lakes, numerous waterfalls, old forts and hot springs, and not to forget the capital Saint George's, one of the most beautiful port cities in the Antilles.

The island of Grenada is known for its lush nature and breathtaking landscapes. The country is characterized by hilly terrain, lush rainforests, waterfalls and rivers. The Grand Etang National Park is home to the lake of the same name, which lies in the middle of an extinct volcanic crater. This park is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers who want to explore the local flora and fauna.

Also known as the "Spice Island," Grenada produces spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Visitors can tour spice plantations to learn more about the cultivation and processing of these spices.

Grenada's beaches are among the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Grand Anse Beach is the most famous beach and stretches for several kilometers along the southwest coast. Here visitors will find powdery white sand and crystal clear waters.

Grenada's culture is characterized by a mix of African, French, and British influences. This is reflected in the island's music, cuisine, and festivals. The annual Spice Mas Festival is one of the highlights of cultural life and includes a colorful carnival parade.

The people of Grenada are friendly and welcoming. The official language is English, but many locals also speak Creole. The country's economy is based primarily on agriculture, tourism, and spice exports.

Overall, Grenada is a scenic destination that appeals to nature lovers, beach vacationers, and culture buffs alike. With its rich history, stunning scenery and hospitable people, it offers an unforgettable Caribbean experience.

 

Regions

1 Grenada . The main island and economic center of the country.
2 Carriacou . the largest of the Grenadine islands and located north of Grenada, it is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches and inviting diving spots.
3 Petite Martinique . Located right next to Carriacou, this small island is even smaller and quieter and is a popular destination for sailors.
4 Diamond Island . Located on the south coast of Grenada, this island is known for its mangroves and its importance for birdwatching.
5 Saline Island . A private island near Carriacou known for its beautiful beaches and opportunity for snorkeling and scuba diving.
6 Sandy Island . Located on the east coast of Carriacou, this island is a popular destination for day trips, especially for snorkeling and picnicking.

 

Cities

1 Saint George's (St. George's) . The capital of Grenada is famous for its picturesque natural harbor and the colorful houses that decorate the hills along the harbor. Here you will also find the St. George's Market, Fort George and the Grenada National Museum.
2 Grand Anse . This is one of the most famous beaches in Grenada and a popular spot for water sports activities, sunbathing and relaxation.
3 Gouyave . This west coast town is known as the "spice capital" of Grenada and is a great place to visit spice markets and spice plantations.
4 Grenville . This east coast town is an important trading center and is home to the weekly Grenville Market where you can find fresh produce and local handicrafts.
5 L'Anse Aux Epines. This is an exclusive residential area near St. George's, the capital of Grenada. Here you will find luxurious villas, marinas and some of the best restaurants and hotels on the island. The area is also known for its quiet beach.
6 Morne Rouge . Morne Rouge is a beautiful beach on the southwest coast of Grenada. This beach is famous for its white sand and calm turquoise waters. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
7 Point Salines. Point Salines is located in the southwest of the island and is known for the Maurice Bishop International Airport. Near Point Salines is also Grand Anse Beach, one of Grenada's most famous beaches.
8 St. David's. This region is known for its ecological treasures, including the La Sagesse Nature Centre and the Levera National Park.infoedit
9 Sauteurs . Here you will find the impressive "Caribs Leap", a cliff from which the Caribs jumped in 1651 to escape British colonization.
10 True Blue. True Blue is a coastal area near St. George's and is home to the St. George's University Campus. In the area you will also find some hotels, restaurants and True Blue Bay, which is a popular anchorage for sailors.

11 Victoria . This small town in the north of Grenada is home to the Grenada Botanical Garden, a beautiful place to explore the local flora and fauna.

 

Other destinations

There are old historical forts such as Fort George or Fort Frederick. But of course also botanical gardens such as the Bay Garden in St. Paul's. But you should definitely not forget to visit the capital St. George's, one of the most beautiful port cities in the Caribbean with its colorful market. And what would a Caribbean island be without carnival, which Grenada also has and takes place every year on the first weekend in August.

 

Waterfalls

7 Mt. Carmel Waterfall (Mt. Carmel Falls) . is . This waterfall is located near St. Andrew and is the highest waterfall in Grenada. It is surrounded by a picturesque mountain landscape and offers hiking trails that lead to it.
8 Seven Sister Waterfalls . These waterfalls are named after the seven individual streams of water that flow over the rocks and flow into pools where you can bathe. They are surrounded by dense forest and offer a real nature experience.
9 Honeymoon Waterfall. is a very hidden waterfall near the Seven Sister Falls.
10 Annandale Falls . Annandale Falls is one of the easily accessible waterfalls in Grenada and is located near the capital city of St. George's. The waterfall plunges into a natural pool that is perfect for swimming. The surrounding vegetation is lush and tropical.
11 Concord Falls . Concord Falls consists of three waterfalls: Concord Upper Falls, Concord Middle Falls and Concord Lower Falls. They are located in the rainforest in the interior of the island and offer beautiful views and the opportunity to swim in clear mountain streams.

 

Volcanic crater lakes

12 Grand Etang Lake . Grand Etang Lake is the largest lake in Grenada and is located in the heart of Grand Etang National Park. The lake is located in an extinct volcanic crater and is surrounded by lush rainforest. It is a popular spot for hiking and bird watching and offers a scenic sight.
13 Lake Antoine . Lake Antoine is a soda lake located in the northwest of Grenada. This lake is a unique geological feature and lies in an ancient volcanic crater. The water of the lake is slightly alkaline and contains high concentrations of mineral salts.
14 Levera Pond . This body of water is located in Levera National Park on the north coast of Grenada. It is an important habitat for birds, including migratory birds that visit the island during migration. The area around the lake is a nature reserve and offers opportunities for bird watching and nature exploration.

 

National Parks

15 Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve. This is the largest and most well-known national park in Grenada. It includes the Grand Etang Lake, which lies in an extinct volcanic crater, and is surrounded by dense rainforest. The park offers numerous hiking trails and is an important habitat for flora and fauna. The visitor information center on the left side of the road is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission costs 2 US dollars. Here you will find a parking lot, mini zoo, souvenir shop and restaurant, from here you can overlook the crater lake, on whose northern shore lies the 703m high Mount Sinai. It is the starting point of various hiking trails, for which detailed hiking maps and guides are available here.
16 Levera National Park. This park is located on the north coast of Grenada and is an important breeding ground for sea turtles, especially the leatherback turtle. The park also includes the Levera Pond, an important wetland for birds.
17 Mt. Hartman National Park. This park is located in the southwest of Grenada and protects a coastal area with mangrove forests and coral reefs. It is an important habitat for fish and other marine life.

 

Spice Plantation

18 Douglaston Spice Estate. This is a picturesque estate where visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the process of harvesting and drying cocoa and various spices. Guests are welcome to explore the grounds freely and there is the opportunity to purchase these aromatic spices on site.
19 Belmont Estate. Belmont Estate is one of the largest cocoa producers in the Caribbean and is the main raw material supplier to the Grenada Chocolate Company, which produces chocolate in a private estate very close to Belmont Estate. Outside of peak season, it is possible to come to Belmont Estate unannounced and still receive a private tour of the various steps of cocoa production. In addition, there is a small museum and of course the inevitable tasting of the final products at the end of the tour.
20 The Tower Estate. The property is surrounded by magnificent trees and gardens that offer impressive views and covers a considerable area and is home to extensive, enchanting gardens lined with fruit trees and fragrant herbs.

 

Miscellaneous

Spice-Basket. Spice-Basket is a cultural center, it is located inland on the road from St. George's to Grand Etang National Park just before the turnoff to Annandale Waterfall. The largest building is a theater that aims to introduce the culture of the island's population with dance and music performances. This includes a museum, a restaurant and shops with handicrafts and of course a shop with spices in all their Caribbean variety. A bit touristy, but also quite informative.
Mt. St. Catherine (Mount Saint Catherine) . is the highest and youngest of the island's five volcanoes at 840 meters. The crater of the volcano is horseshoe-shaped, and there are several lava domes in the crater itself. There are hot springs and fumaroles in several places.
Clark's Court Distillery. is located in the St. George area and has a large selection of different types of rum. A guided tour followed by a tasting (without restrictions!) is worthwhile.
River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery. Tours of the rum production process are offered and are well worth a visit.
De La Grenade Industries. is the manufacturer of the famous nutmeg jam and other delicious products. Tours are offered.
The Grenada Chocolate Company. produces 100% organic chocolate. Tours are offered.

 

History

The island of Grenada was originally inhabited by the Caribs, an indigenous people of the Caribbean. Europeans, particularly the French and the British, began fighting for control of the island in the 17th century. Grenada switched between French and British rule several times over the centuries. Finally, the island was finally ceded to Britain in 1783 under the Treaty of Paris. During the colonial period, slavery played a crucial role in the island's economy. Slaves were mainly used in sugar production, which led to an economic boom, but also brutal conditions for the slaves. In the 1950s, the people of Grenada began to seek independence from Britain. This eventually led to the granting of independence on February 7, 1974.

In the years following independence, Grenada experienced political instability and conflict. The government changed several times, and there was tension between different political groups. On March 13, 1979, Maurice Bishop led a socialist revolution and took over the government. This led to close relations with socialist countries such as Cuba and the Soviet Union. Due to growing concerns about developments in Grenada and its proximity to Cuba, the United States invaded the island on October 25, 1983. This led to the restoration of political order in line with the United States and a new government. In the following years, Grenada returned to a more democratic system of government and achieved political stability. The island developed economically and in the tourism sector.

Grenada is now an independent state and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The country's economy relies mainly on tourism, agriculture and the spice trade, especially nutmeg, for which the island is known.

 

Flora and fauna

The flora and fauna on Grenada are characterized by lush rainforests and rich ecosystems. Orchids, ferns and gommi trees can be found in the forests. Birds such as hummingbirds and frigate birds inhabit the island, and the sea is home to colorful coral reefs with various species of fish. Land crabs are also common, and the Mona monkeys are a notable primate species on Grenada. The island's nature is important for the environment and tourism.

 

Plantation farming

The plantation economy in Grenada played a significant role in the island's history. During the colonial period, particularly in the 18th century, plantations were established in Grenada for the cultivation of spices, sugar cane and coffee. This economic sector was dependent on slavery, and thousands of enslaved Africans were forced to work on the plantations.

The plantations were often large and owned by European colonial rulers. They benefited from the rich soil quality and tropical climate, which provided ideal conditions for growing spices and sugar cane. Nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon were some of Grenada's main exports.

The conditions for the enslaved people on the plantations were extremely harsh. They were forced to work long hours doing hard physical labor and suffered cruel treatment and abuse. The memory of the period of slavery is an important part of Grenada's history and has a lasting impact on the island's culture and collective memory.

After the abolition of slavery in the 19th century, agriculture in Grenada changed. Smaller farms and cooperatives took the place of the large plantations, and the island began to develop economically. Despite these changes, the history of plantation farming and slavery in Grenada remains an important part of the island's cultural heritage and national identity.

 

Nutmeg Industry

The nutmeg industry is of great economic importance to Grenada. The spice is harvested twice a year and is known for its high quality. It contributes to the employment and income of local people and plays an important role in agriculture. Nutmeg is also a culinary ingredient and is used in various dishes and drinks. The annual harvest is often celebrated with festivals and is a cultural symbol for the island.

 

Getting here

A valid passport and a return or onward flight ticket are required for entry. There is no visa requirement for citizens of Germany, Austria and Switzerland with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months for a stay of up to 90 days.

By plane
Point Saline is Grenada's international airport, which is located in the south of the island. Since 2009 it has officially been called Maurice Bishop International Airport (IATA: GND). Condor has been flying to Grenada since the winter of 2014/2015, so there are direct flights from Germany to Grenada again. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly from London to Grenada two to four times a week (depending on the season), and there are also around six to eight connections per week from the USA (Miami and New York). Since JetBlue entered the market, flying between New York and Grenada has become much cheaper. Grenada can also be reached via the Caribbean hubs Barbados (Grantley Adams International Airport) and Trinidad (Piarco International Airport) with Liat and Caribbean Airlines.

By ship
There are many cruise ships that dock at the new cruise pier in Grenada. If you arrive on a cruise ship, you will not need your passport (which you should still have with you) when entering the country, but rather your boarding pass, which you will have to show to the officials. There are also numerous marinas in Grenada and also in Carriacou.

 

Local transport

Taxi: There are hotel and airport taxis that have set prices:

Airport - Grand Anse: €30

Grand Anse - St. George's: €10

You can roughly calculate with €1/km. After 6 p.m., an additional $10.00 EC per trip is charged. Otherwise, taxi drivers pounce on tourists as soon as they arrive, offering them tours. It is important to agree on the price beforehand. US$20 per hour (tip included) is the usual rate. If you like that kind of thing, you can go along with it, the taxi drivers are happy to tell you about their island. That is, if they are not honking at an acquaintance as they drive past.

Rental car: There are plenty of car rental companies on the island. Rental costs depend on the season, but average US$50 per day, plus US$12.00 for the local driver's license.

Minibuses: Buses run regularly from Grand Anse to St. George's. The journey takes about 10 minutes and costs only 2.50 EC$ per person. In St. George's, the capital, there is a central bus station from where buses depart to all parts of the island. Destinations are listed at the terminal and all buses have stickers showing their destination.

Ferry: The Osprey is a modern high-speed catamaran that departs from the Carenage in St. George's and connects Grenada with the two sister islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique. The journey usually takes about 90 minutes (but often 120 minutes) and costs (to Carriacou) about $160.00 EC including the return journey, $80.00 EC one way. Children (up to 12 years and under) $80 EC return journey, $40 EC one way. The ferry departs from Grenada daily at 9 a.m. and from Carriacou at 3.30 p.m.

General: Officially, traffic drives on the left. However, there is also an official speed limit. And no one sticks to it. People drive with a lot of courage, taking risks, at very high speeds, even when they can't see anything, and honk at everyone they know as they drive past. Carrying a Walkman is not recommended; you have to be able to hear the cars approaching from around a bend or a hill.

 

Language

The official language is English. Creole languages ​​are also used, including Patois, which has its roots in French. As on all Caribbean islands, there is a strong dialect, and it is particularly pronounced on Grenada. You have to concentrate very hard to get by with your own school English.

 

Shopping

The currency in Grenada is the East Caribbean dollar. 1 US = 2.70 EC $. You can also pay in Grenada with the US dollar. You may then get your change back in EC $. The banks also exchange euros. Credit cards are accepted. The banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. It is advisable to take some US dollars with you for the first few days. As on all Caribbean islands, you have to be very careful whether prices are in US$ or EC$ and ask if necessary.

Nutmeg, for which Grenada covers around 80% of the world market, is particularly suitable as a souvenir on the spice island of Grenada, cinnamon and chocolate, if you can keep them cool in the temperatures. The same applies to rum and rum punch, which are available everywhere in the Caribbean (note the liquid rules for hand luggage).

If you are docking on a cruise ship: There are no price agreements in the shops in the port, you can get the same goods at different prices. There is a larger supermarket in front of the port terminal. Spices are available here for about a third of the price in the port.

The price level is roughly at Central European standards, the average income is that of a German Hartz IV recipient. Given the price level, tips of a few cents for long services are just as ridiculous as they would be in Germany, Austria or Switzerland.

 

Activities

Beach visits: Enjoy Grenada's stunning beaches, including Grand Anse Beach, Morne Rouge Beach, Bathway Beach and many more. You can snorkel, dive, swim or just relax.

Hiking and nature exploration: The island offers numerous hiking trails and nature parks, including Grand Etang National Park and Levera National Park. There you can go hiking and explore the diverse flora and fauna.

Water sports: Grenada is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. You can try sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing or deep sea fishing.
Diving and snorkeling: The waters around Grenada are famous for their underwater world. One can explore the coral reefs, shipwrecks and the rich marine life that surrounds the island.
Spice plantation visit: Grenada is known as the "Spice Island", particularly for nutmeg and cloves. One can visit a spice plantation to learn more about the cultivation and processing of spices.
Cultural events: Inquire about local festivals and events that might be taking place during your stay in Grenada, such as the Spice Mas Festival with its colorful carnival parade.
Spa and wellness: Many resorts in Grenada offer world-class wellness facilities and spa services to relax and pamper yourself.
Local markets: Visit markets such as St. George's Market to buy handmade artisan products and fresh local food.
Hiking in Grand Etang National Park
Hikers should be aware that the island receives an average of 3,750 mm of rainfall per year. Sturdy shoes also protect against the razor-sharp grass with the telling name "razor grass". A small dam was built at the outlet of the Grand Etang Lake, which caused the water to rise by 1.5 meters. This water reserve serves as the island's drinking water supply.

Morne La Baye Trail (approx. 30 minutes), an easy hiking trail leads along the nature trail through tropical vegetation.

Grand Etang Shoreline Trail (approx. 90 minutes), the signposted trail with a low level of difficulty leads along the crater lake close to the water, it is wet and slippery at times.

Seven Sisters Falls Trail (approx. 2 hours). On the right side of the road, this trail leads 2 km through banana plantations in a northerly direction to the 7 waterfalls. Each person pays a fee of 10 EC dollars to enter the private property, the guide costs 60 or 100 EC $.

Mount QuaQua Trail (approx. 3 hours), medium level of difficulty. This trail leads along the edge of the crater. There are only two left turns on this trail. The second trail leads to the Concord Falls.
Concord Falls Trail (approx. 5 hours), difficult. Shortly before Mount QuaQua, the trail turns towards the west coast. You can continue hiking past the waterfalls to the town of Concord and then take the bus back to St. George's. Guided tours cost 100 EC $ for this tour.
Fédon's Camp Trail (approx. 8 hours), very difficult, although the trail is signposted, it should not be undertaken without a guide. Julien Fédon, a rebellious plantation owner, fled here with his followers in 1795 after the British governor and 47 other people were murdered. The trail leads up to a height of 730m, roughly to the center of this forest.

 

Beaches

The island offers a variety of beach experiences, from lively and busy beaches to secluded and quiet coves. Whether you want to enjoy water sports, snorkeling or just soak up the sun, you are sure to find a beach to suit you in Grenada. Nudism: The culture and laws regarding nudity are conservative on the island and there are no designated nude beaches or places where it is tolerated.

It is important to note that it is not acceptable to go straight to the beach in a bathing suit or swimming trunks on the island of Grenada. Whether you are heading to the beach from your hotel or from a boat, you should cover yourself beforehand or risk being fined US$270 by the local police.

1 Grand Anse Beach. This is the most famous and perhaps most popular beach in Grenada. It stretches for about 2.5 kilometers along the southwest coast of the island and offers fine white sand and crystal clear waters. Grand Anse Beach is a suitable place for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
2 Morne Rouge Beach. (also known as BBC Beach): Located very close to Grand Anse, the beach is known for its calm, turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings. It is ideal for snorkeling and relaxing.
3 Bathway Beach. Located on the north coast of Grenada, Bathway Beach is a popular beach for locals and tourists alike. The strong waves make it a good place for body or boogie boarding. You can also relax in the natural tide pools here.
4 Levera Beach. This secluded beach is located in the north of the island and is part of the Levera National Park. It is an important nesting site for sea turtles, especially during turtle season. The beach offers an impressive backdrop with a view of the offshore island of Sugar Loaf.
5 La Sagesse Beach. This quiet beach is located in a sheltered bay on the southeast coast of Grenada. There is a quaint beach bar and restaurant here, as well as a lagoon perfect for kayaking.
6 Pink Gin Beach. Part of the all-inclusive Sandals Grenada resort, Pink Gin Beach features powdery white sand and clear waters. Although it is a private beach, guests of other hotels in the area can also use the beach.
7 Magazine Beach. This beach is located on the southwest coast of the island near Point Salines and Maurice Bishop International Airport. Magazine Beach features golden sand and turquoise waters and is a good place for swimming and relaxing. There are also a few hotels and restaurants nearby.
8 Black Bay Beach. Black Bay Beach is a secluded beach on the northwest coast of Grenada. This quiet spot is ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature. There are no facilities or restaurants nearby, so bring provisions when visiting this beach.
9 Lance aux Épines Beach. Located on the south coast of Grenada near Lance aux Épines Cottages, the beach offers a picturesque setting overlooking Prickly Bay. It is a quiet beach good for swimming and snorkeling.
10 Petit Anse Beach. A secluded, lush green beach on the north coast of Grenada, Petit Anse is a place to relax and enjoy nature. There are some accommodations and restaurants nearby.infoedit
11 Hog Island Beach. Hog Island is a tiny island off the south coast of Grenada, and the beach here is popular with sailors and boaters. The beach is often quiet and secluded, offering a relaxed atmosphere.
12 Grand Mal Bay. Located on the west coast of Grenada, this beach offers beautiful sunsets and calm waters. It is a recommended place for snorkeling and diving, as there are some of the island's best diving spots nearby.

 

Cuisine

Prices for meals: in a cheap restaurant, McDonalds: approx. €8/person. Medium restaurant: approx. €35/person

Grenada's cuisine is well seasoned. As a starter, many menus include callaloo soup, a vegetable soup similar to spinach.

CooCoo is a corn casserole made with coconut milk, a type of polenta.

Callaloo are large leaves that grow on long stems along flowing water. The stems and leaves are cooked together, can be used in exactly the same way as spinach and taste very similar.

Oil Down is a traditional dish that cannot be explained. The basic ingredients are chicken wings, dried cod, plantains, breadfruit and many, many spices. Everything is cooked together in a large pot.

Roti comes from India; a flour dough pocket with various fillings. With chicken roti, the chicken bones may not have been removed from the meat.

Sea mussels are called lambi here, and for dessert you should not miss out on avocado ice cream.
There is a brewery in Grand Anse, the beer brewed here is (feel) not as strong as in Germany (but still has 5.1%), it is also exported to many other islands: Carib Lager Beer.

 

Nightlife

The nightlife in Grenada offers a variety of entertainment options, especially in the tourist areas like St. George's and Grand Anse. Here you will find beach bars and restaurants that offer live music, theme nights and a relaxed atmosphere. There are also casinos, like the "Casino at the Grand Beach Resort," where you can play games of chance. If you are looking for live music, you will find bars and restaurants that feature local bands and artists, often with reggae or Caribbean steelpan music. Karaoke nights and dance clubs are also popular and offer a fun way to spend the night. Grenada also has festivals and events that offer cultural performances, concerts and local entertainment. A romantic option to spend the evening is sunset and evening boat tours, which often offer dinner and drinks.

 

Accommodation

Prices for accommodation in Grenada vary depending on the type of accommodation, location, season and comfort level. Here are some examples of accommodation types and approximate prices:

Hotels: In St. George's, the capital of Grenada, you will find a variety of hotels, including luxury resorts, boutique hotels and budget accommodations. Prices per night can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the star rating and amenities offered.

Vacation Rentals and Villas: Vacation rentals and villas are a popular option in Grenada, especially for longer stays or group trips. Prices can vary depending on size, location and amenities, but often start at around $100 per night and can be significantly higher.

Hostels and Guest Houses: There are also hostels and guest houses in Grenada, which are a budget-friendly option. Prices per night in hostels start at around $20 to $50.

All-inclusive resorts: Some of the luxury resorts in Grenada offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, meals, drinks, and activities. Prices for all-inclusive resorts can range from $300 to $1,000 per night or more, depending on the resort and the season.

Eco-friendly accommodations: Grenada also has some eco-friendly accommodations that focus on sustainability and nature experiences. Prices vary, but often start at around $150 to $300 per night.

It's important to note that prices tend to be higher during peak season, which typically runs from December to April, than during low season. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel times, to get the best rates and availability.

 

Safety

Grenada is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Since there is an everyone-knows-everyone mentality, commercial crimes would quickly be noticed. However, no one is prevented from begging and trying to sell goods to tourists.

 

Health

There is a general hospital in St. Georges directly below the fort, a smaller hospital in Mirabeau on the east coast and one on Carriacou, as well as a private clinic in St. Paul's. All four hospitals have doctors of various specialties. In every larger town there are also medical stations, which are staffed by nurses and sometimes doctors and can help with minor problems. Tap water is safe to drink, but does not have the same quality as in Germany. In the north of the island the water quality is better, it is only lightly chlorinated. All of the island's drinking water comes from the Grand Etang crater lake at almost 800m above sea level and is piped to the various parts of the island via various reservoirs. For this reason, swimming in the Grand Etang is also not recommended.

 

Climate and travel times

Grenada has a tropical climate, which is controlled by the trade wind zone and the foothills of the northeast trade winds. Temperatures in Grenada are relatively constant throughout the year, with average temperatures between 24°C and 30°C. The two main seasons are the dry season from January to May and the rainy season from June to December.

The best time to visit Grenada depends on personal preference. The dry season, particularly the months of January to April, is considered the ideal time to visit. There is less rainfall during these months, and the weather is usually sunny and pleasant. This is also the peak season for tourists, so prices for accommodation and activities may be higher.

The rainy season from June to December brings more rainfall, but the island is still very visitable during this time. The landscape is more lush, water temperatures are warmer, and prices tend to be lower. So if you are looking for a budget travel experience or want to see nature in full bloom, the rainy season could be a good option. However, it is important to note that there can also be occasional storms and hurricanes during this time, especially in the months of August to October.

 

Rules and respect

As with anywhere in the world, if you are friendly, you will be treated kindly and a smile can lead to hours of conversation. The island's inhabitants are considered to be very friendly, but you should still respect people's privacy and, for example, never take a photo of a person without asking (no matter how beautiful the subject!).

 

Practical tips

Electricity: Grenada uses the standard 230 V at 50 Hz power supply. Most sockets are type D and G. It is advisable to bring a travel plug adapter, but most hotels also provide one free of charge.

Tipping: In restaurants and for services, a tip of 10-15% is expected, unless it is already included in the bill.