Grenada
Photograph: Courtesy Pure Grenada
Photograph: Courtesy Pure Grenada

The 6 best things to do in Grenada

From sustainable tourism to island hopping, here's how to spend your time on Spice Island

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Grenada—affectionately called the Spice Island—is a Caribbean gem where every experience feels both authentic and unhurried. Whether you’re island hopping to nearby Carriacou, savoring oildown or retreating to a boutique hideaway, this island invites you to slow down and connect with its rhythm.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned island hopper, Grenada is a nature lover’s paradise: home to the world’s first underwater sculpture park, stretches of unspoiled beaches, rainforest hikes and cuisine that embodies the island’s rich history, flavors and traditions.

What sets Grenada apart is not only its natural beauty, but its vision for the future—a thoughtful blend of sustainable tourism, an emerging culinary scene and community-driven experiences that invite travelers to forge a deeper connection with Caribbean life.

Grenada offers the kind of off-the-beaten-path magic that is destined to be the next big thing. Here are six amazing things to do in Grenada. 

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Amazing things to do in Grenada

1. Explore Grand Anse Spice & Craft Market

Fully stock your spice rack with island-grown treasures such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and mace—the very flavors that earned Grenada its nickname: the Spice Island. While wandering through the Spice & Craft Market, you’ll be met by some of Grenada’s most welcoming ambassadors: the market vendors, whose handmade creations are rooted in the island’s Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage. From hair braiding to handwoven baskets, custom jewelry to local food, the Grand Anse Spice & Craft Market is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Grenadian life.

Here, shopping is an experience that blends artistry, storytelling and community spirit. Each vendor not only sells their wares but shares a bit of history—explaining the inspiration behind their craft, offering tips on how to use spices in cooking or inviting you to try a sample of homemade cocoa tea.

Time Out tip: Visit in the afternoon when the market is alive with music and chatter, and don’t leave without a hat, basket or tray from Culture Man.

2. Island hop to Carriacou

Visiting Carriacou is a must for travelers seeking Grenada’s quieter, more traditional side. Known as the “Island of Reefs,” this sister isle is just a short ferry or flight away, yet it feels worlds apart from the bustle of St. George’s.

Here, you’ll find pristine, crowd-free beaches like Paradise and Anse La Roche, where turquoise waters lap against untouched shores. The island is steeped in boat-building heritage, with wooden sloops still crafted by hand—a living tradition that connects generations.

Food lovers can savor freshly caught lobster grilled right on the sand, while adventurers can snorkel or dive among the turtles and vibrant reefs that give Carriacou its name. Culture seekers, meanwhile, will be captivated by the island’s annual Shakespeare Mas—a one-of-a-kind festival where oratory meets pageantry, blending masterful recitations of Shakespeare, historic texts and Bible verses with colorful costumes, resulting in a spirited performance that reimagines the Bard through a distinctly Caribbean lens.

Time Out tip: Pair your Carriacou escape with a hop to Petite Martinique, an even smaller, slower and more intimate destination that is the perfect finishing touch to an island-hopping adventure.

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3. Experience Mount Cinnamon

Perched on a hillside above the breathtaking stretch of Grand Anse Beach, Mount Cinnamon is a boutique retreat that blends thoughtful design with laid-back luxury, embodying the true essence of Caribbean hospitality. With sweeping sea views, this locally owned haven balances wellness, comfort and culture with an unmistakable sense of place.

The whitewashed villas add to Mount Cinnamon’s tranquil aesthetic, each featuring a well-appointed private terrace and panoramic vistas that stretch from the Caribbean Sea to Grenada’s lush, verdant hillsides. Mornings begin with a continental breakfast—often enhanced with local staples like saltfish and provisions—savored on the balcony before following the perfectly manicured path down to the private beach club for tai chi, a personal training session, or a selfie at the jumbo beach mirror.

What makes Mount Cinnamon truly special is its commitment to community and sustainability. The on-site boutique, Canella, showcases exclusively Grenadian artisans, while the restaurant partners with local farmers to curate intimate Chef Tables. Together, these hyperlocal initiatives ensure that every stay leaves a positive imprint on the island beyond the resort.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the hotel’s legendary Friday night bonfire at Savvy’s, where freshly grilled seafood, knockout cocktails and live music make for an unforgettable evening with your toes in the sand.

4. Meet the monkeys at Grand Etang

High in Grenada’s lush interior lies Grand Etang National Park, a rainforest sanctuary built around a crater lake formed by an ancient volcano. Grand Etang is a hiker’s dream, with trails that wind past waterfalls, towering bamboo groves, and misty viewpoints. But Grand Etang is best known for its most charming residents—the Mona monkeys, playful creatures that have become the beloved wildlife of the forest.

Originally brought from West Africa centuries ago, these curious creatures are now part of Grenada’s ecosystem. They can often be spotted swinging through trees or edging closer to visitors in hopes of a snack. (It’s best to admire without feeding them.) Watching their playful antics amid the forest is an unforgettable experience that feels worlds away from the beaches below.

Time Out tip: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon for the best chance to spot monkeys— and pair your visit with a hike to the nearby Seven Sisters Waterfalls for a refreshing swim.

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5. Dine in Dexter’s Living Room

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, skip the restaurant scene and book a table at Dexter’s, one of Grenada’s most treasured culinary gems. Owned and operated by Chef Dexter Tannis, this intimate spot blurs the line between fine dining and having dinner at your uncle’s—every evening, Dexter curates a multi-course feast served in his dining room and breezy Caribbean-style gallery.

Menus shift with the seasons and the island’s harvest: think lobster fresh from the sea, spice infused sauces and produce sourced from nearby farms. Each plate showcases Grenada’s natural bounty, elevated by Dexter’s welcoming spirit, storytelling, and expert wine pairings. The experience feels less like a restaurant and more like being welcomed into the home of a Caribbean family.

Time Out tip: Reservations are essential—with only a handful of seats available each evening, Dexter’s Living Room is a rare, one-of-a-kind evening worth planning ahead for.

6. Book a farm-to-table experience at Tee’s Eco Farm

For a truly immersive Grenadian experience, trade white tablecloths for a farm-to-table adventure with GRENROP (Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers). This off-the-beaten-path culinary day blends nature with freshly picked spices, fruits and provisions you won’t find anywhere else.

Set on a working farm along a lush riverbank, Ms. Theresa Marecheau, President of GRENROP, welcomes guests for garden tours, tastings and liming—that quintessential Caribbean pastime of relaxing with family and friends. Her menus are rooted in Grenada’s heritage: crisp accras (fried salted fish cakes), warm coconut bake and seasonal fruit picked moments before it’s served. Between bites—and mini lessons on Grenada’s bounty—unwind on the panoramic veranda or stroll down to the river.

More than a meal, Ms. Marecheau’s farm-to-table experience is a celebration of Grenadian culture, heritage, and cuisine—where food is made with love, nature sets the stage, and the energy is unmatched.

Time Out tip: Book well in advance and request Dr. Guido Marcel, a botanist and chemist specializing in pharmacognosy, to join for an unforgettable deep dive into the island’s flora.

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