15 Things Grenada is Known For

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Caribbean

Grenada is a Caribbean island known and loved for its various spices like nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and more. The abundance of spices in Grenada is a well-known fact. However, this intriguing island has much more to be discovered, including its world-class cocoa, fabulous beaches, majestic waterfalls, and the world's first underwater sculpture park!

Here are 15 things for which Grenada is famous.

1. The Island of Spice

Grenada is referred to as the Spice Isle. Nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, turmeric, and bay leaves are some spices found on this island. Grenada is a top exporter of these products. There is even a little nutmeg on its flag!

2. Amazing Beaches

Grenada is filled with exotic shores and amazing beaches. One of the most popular beaches is Grand Anse Beach. Grand Anse is an extensive strand with lots of shade and fantastic views.

The Morne Rouge Beach is also a good option and is much quieter than others. You can visit L'anse aux Epines, St. David's, or St. Patrick's, for many little beaches you'll have primarily to yourself. Also, Levera Beach offers excellent views of the three offshore islands, Sugar Loaf, Green, and Sandy Island.

3. Majestic Waterfalls

After the incredible beaches, the refreshing waterfalls are the next must-see attraction in Grenada. Annandale Waterfall is among the most visited, as it is near the capital, St. George's. Other waterfalls generally offer a better experience for travelers willing to explore further: Concord Falls and Seven Sisters.

At Concord Falls, there are hiking trails with impressive views. One of the most incredible waterfalls on the island is the Seven Sisters Falls, located in the Grand Etang National Park. A tour of the falls includes a 45-minute hike. After your hike, take a refreshing dip in the natural pool.

4. Chocolate Production

The island is also very well known for its cocoa. Grenada is one of the Caribbean islands with all three types of cocoa. Visit Grenada's House of Chocolates in St. George's to try a variety of cocoa. The 17th-century Belmont Estate offers a variety of tours and a shop of their delicious products.

5. Underwater Sculpture Park

The Underwater Sculpture Park in St. George, Grenada, was conceptualized to help preserve the coral reefs.

Most sculptures were built from rebar and concrete and surprisingly blend well into the underwater environment. Over the years, they began attracting an array of marine species where damaged reefs previously existed. The underwater art tells its visitors cultural and historical stories about Grenada and can be seen on both snorkeling and diving excursions.

6. A Lake at the Heart of an Extinct Volcano

Visit Grenada's extinct volcano, where the main attraction is a crater-formed lake surrounded by jungle. While on tour, you will encounter unique wildlife, including birds, lizards, and other flora and fauna, so lovely that you won't stop taking photos.

7. Rum

An island famous for spices might be just as well known for rums, which is definitely the case for Grenada. The benefits of having such excellent quality of both spices and rum mean you will find the best rum punch mixes on the island.

To learn more about the rum-making process in Grenada, visit the River Antoine Royal Rum Distillery. It is the oldest water-propelled distillery still in operation in the Caribbean. You can also visit Clarke's Court Rum Distillery, the largest distillery on the island. This distillery produces rums (light and dark), liqueurs, as well as blended and spiced rums.

8. Lush Botanical Gardens

To see a flourishing botanical garden while in Grenada, visit the Palm Tree Botanical Garden in St. David's. Spread across 2 acres, the gardens overlook the picturesque south coast of the island. The botanical garden gets its name because of the 25 different palm tree species. The botanical garden is open daily except for Sundays.

9. Beautiful Rainforest

Grenada is one of the greenest islands of the Caribbean, where you can enjoy a vacation that offers the best of both worlds. Nearly half the island is covered with rainforest. The island is developed enough for travelers to opt for opulent accommodations like the all-inclusive Sandals Grenada and still get a secluded experience trekking through the rainforest, during hikes, and other nature-oriented tours.

10. Amazing National Parks

At Grand Etang National Park, you can enjoy native plants, animals, great scenery, and hiking opportunities. Grand Etang Lake, which started as a crater, is at the center of the park. Levera National Park is another excellent option with a beach, a mangrove swamp with a roped walkway, a boardwalk, and an observation tower.

11. Leatherback Turtles

Grenada is very popular for Leatherback turtle watching. These sea turtle species are the largest in the world. Over the years, they have dwindled in numbers and are now critically endangered. Levera Beach in Grenada has the largest leatherback nesting population, so it is a great spot for turtle watching.

12. Spicemas Carnival

Spicemas is a carnival held each year in Grenada during the second week of August. Carnival in Grenada involves costumes, Soca and Calypso music and competitions, and dancing in the streets for the grand finale!

13. Historical Forts

Fort George was constructed by the French in 1705. Now it is a major sightseeing location with some ancient cannons still on site. During a visit, you can enjoy amazing views of the Bay and St. George's. While exploring the fort, there is a bit of climbing. But the view from the top is totally worth it. Also, check out Fort Frederick, also built by the French in 1779. The views here are also impressive. These sites both provide an opportunity to learn more about the island's history.

14. Carenage Harbor & Anchorage

The Carenage is the local harbor and anchorage. It is an excellent place for a scenic stroll along the mellow waterfront to explore the shops and enjoy the ambiance. This area has historic buildings, and you'll also see fishers going in and out of the port and catamaran tours heading out.

15. Year-Round Warm Weather

The consistent warm weather all year round keeps travelers returning to Grenada. Even when it's rainy, the temperature doesn't often vary from the annual average of 88°F.

The tropical climate in Grenada makes the island perfect for tropical beach vacations. The island also appeals to travelers who want to escape chilly temperatures. There are two seasons: humid, hot, and a little rainy (June - December) and dry and warm (January - May).

Here are six authentic souvenirs to bring home with you from Grenada: Nutmeg, local chocolate, rum, guava jam, Grenadian Batiks, and handwoven baskets.

There's a lot to love about Grenada. Whether you go for the incredible beaches, expansive rainforests, or luxury experiences at an all-inclusive resort like Sandals Grenada, you'll take home some unforgettable memories.