Discover the Hidden Treasures of Grenada: The Spice Island
Born from the seafloor in a series of violent volcanic eruptions, Grenada is a tropical, three-island Caribbean country located 90 miles (145km) north of Venezuela. Part of the Lesser Antilles chain, it consists of the main island of Grenada and its neighbouring constituencies, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Visitors can look forward to lush soils and a rolling mountainous interior, from where breathtaking waterfalls gush down to meet the sea. Hikes through Grenada’s verdant jungle make for a truly memorable nature experience. The unblemished beaches, azure coastline, low-key lifestyle and unrivalled diving sites such as the wreck of the Bianca Calso contribute to making it one of the most overlooked tropical havens in the Caribbean.
Heady fragrances of nutmeg and clove, and a warm-hearted reception from locals greet visitors to the ‘Spice Island’s’ friendly capital, St. George’s. Red-tiled roofs, Georgian architecture, a central spice market and picturesque natural harbour place the town among the Caribbean’s most charming centres, and sun-worshippers can choose from its 45 beautiful beaches, the most popular being the two-mile (3km) long Grand Anse Beach. Or, they can seek out one of the many secluded beaches a little further afield.
Initially inhabited by Kalinago settlers from the Amazonian basin in South America, Grenada later became an unwilling station of European expansion, the effects of which are evident in the people, architecture and cuisine of the modern country. First invaded by the Spanish in violent slave raids, the resident Kalinago were then largely wiped out by French colonialists who exploited the land for large-scale sugarcane plantations and brought slaves in from West Africa to work them. Britain succeeded France, with Grenada only gaining independence from the British in 1974.
Grenada is a poor country but the friendly disposition of the locals, vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, lip-smacking seafood, joyful calypso music and picturesque tropical location more than make up for the lack of infrastructure.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the official language and is widely spoken, but Grenadian Creole is considered the main language of the island.
- Passport/Visa:
All foreign passengers to Grenada must hold onward or return tickets, and all necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Visa extensions are possible, and can be obtained at the Immigration Authorities Office in Grenada. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for anyone older than one year of age who has come from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, or has transited for more than 12 hours through an air airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency of Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), which is divided into 100 cents. The Eastern Caribbean dollar is tied to the US dollar at USD 1 = XCD 2.70. ATM machines are available at most banks and major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, car rental companies and shops. Many establishments will accept payment in US dollars, giving change in the local currency. Banking hours are generally Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. British three-prong plugs (Type G) are in use.
Climate in Grenada
Grenada enjoys a tropical climate with an average year-round temperature of 80ºF (26ºC). Grenada’s weather is divided across two main seasons, determined by rainfall rather than temperature. The dry season falls between January and May, when showers are few and sporadic and the land is cooled by northeast trade winds. This is the ideal weather for visitors. The rainy season is June to December, when conditions are hot and humid and short bursts of heavy rainfall frequently occur. Conditions are humid along the coast but become considerably cooler and wetter toward the mountainous interior. Grenada lies on the edge of the hurricane belt and hurricane season normally runs from June to November.
Health Notes when travelling to Grenada
The Zika virus has been linked to Grenada, so travellers should take precautions against mosquito bites and unprotected sexual contact. Pregnant woman are especially at risk, and are advised not to travel to Grenada. Dengue fever is common in Latin America and the Caribbean and cases have been reported in Grenada. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers should also consider vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and those planning to eat outside of hotels and restaurants may want to get a typhoid vaccination. Good medical care is available in the urban areas of Grenada but most doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash, regardless of travel health insurance. The water in Grenada is clean and safe to drink.
Safety Notes when travelling to Grenada
Most visits to Grenada are trouble free. Petty crime is prevalent so travellers should be vigilant and shouldn’t carry their travel documents or large amounts of cash or jewellery on them. Isolated areas, including beaches, should be avoided after dark.
Customs in Grenada
Common courtesy goes a long way with locals, and visitors should not overlook saying ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’, or greeting someone before asking a question or making a transaction. Some homosexual acts are illegal in Grenada and it’s perhaps best that gay couples avoid displays of public affection. It is also an offence to wear camouflage clothing and there are severe penalties for all drug offences.
Duty Free in Grenada
Travellers are allowed to import 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 1 litre of wine or spirits, and goods up to a maximum value of XCD 300 without having to pay customs. Illegal drugs, arms and ammunition are prohibited.
Doing Business in Grenada
When conducting business in Grenada, dress should be formal and meetings should be arranged in advance. Business cards are usually exchanged at meetings and English is widely spoken in business circles. Business hours are 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Many offices are closed between 12pm and 1pm for lunch.
Communication in Grenada
The international dialling code for Grenada is +1 473. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the UK). Roaming services are available but expensive, and visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones as an alternative. Almost all hotels and many restaurants provide WiFi, and most yacht marinas have WiFi setups for those who dock there.
Tipping in Grenada
Tipping is common in Grenada and many hospitality industry professionals largely rely on tips for a living. Crew of sailing charters should be tipped 10 to 15 percent of the total cost. If a service charge is not included on a restaurant bill, a 10 percent tip is customary. Bellhops usually receive about US$1 per bag, and taxi drivers usually receive 10 to 15 percent of the fare.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Grenada must hold onward or return tickets, and all necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Visa extensions are possible, and can be obtained at the Immigration Authorities Office in Grenada. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for anyone older than one year of age who has come from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, or has transited for more than 12 hours through an air airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for stays of up to six months for British passport holders, irrespective of the endorsement regarding their national status contained therein.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Tourist Offices
Grenada Tourism Authority, St. George’s: +1 473 440 2279 or http://www.puregrenada.com
Grenada Embassies
- In the United States:
Grenada Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 265 2561
- In Canada:
Consulate General of Grenada, Toronto, Canada: +1 416 595 1343
- In the United Kingdom:
Grenada High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7385 4415
- In South Africa:
Honorary Consulate of Grenada, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 83 461 6559
Foreign Embassies in Grenada
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, St. George’s: +1 473 444 1173
- Canadian Embassy
High Commission of Canada, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Grenada): +1 246 429 3550
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Grenada): +1 246 430 7800
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Grenada): +1 868 822 5450
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Grenada): +1 868 622 9869
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
