Travel to Grenada: cheap flights to the Spice Island
A volcanic island in the southern Lesser Antilles where nutmeg scents the markets, waterfalls tumble through rainforest and long golden beaches meet a gentle sea: Grenada, nicknamed the Spice Island, blends nature, flavour and an unhurried pace. Here is how to plan the trip, then watch for cheap flights to Grenada.
Grenada at a glance
Capital
St. George's
Population
About 120,000
Area
About 344 km²
Currency
East Caribbean dollar
Languages
English, creole
Highest point
Mount St. Catherine
Continent
North America
Time zone
UTC-4
Airports covered
1
Why visit Grenada
Spices, waterfalls, beaches and reefs
The Spice Island
Nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, cloves and cacao all grow here. Discover them on estates, in St. George's market and in locally made chocolate, from tree to bar.
Rainforest, crater lakes and waterfalls
The volcanic terrain shelters rainforest, the crater lake of Grand Etang and, according to the tourism authority, a dozen or more waterfalls, some good for a swim.
Grand Anse and the bays
Grand Anse beach, about three kilometres long, is often ranked among the world's finest; further south, sheltered bays serve as anchorages for sailboats.
Below the surface too
Wrecks, reefs and an underwater sculpture park billed as a world first make the island a diving destination; Carriacou, to the north, extends the trip at island pace.
Highlights
St. George's, Grand Anse, the west coast, Grand Etang and Carriacou
Grenada can be covered in a few days: the southwest for the capital, beaches and marinas, the west coast for fishing villages, the interior for rainforest and waterfalls, the north for estates and wilder beaches. Carriacou makes a natural extension.
St. George's, the Carenage and Fort George
St. George's curls around a horseshoe-shaped natural harbour, the Carenage, lined with colourful houses that climb the hills. Fort George, an eighteenth-century fort, overlooks the town and bay; the view repays the climb. Wander the spice market, old streets and small churches too.
Grand Anse and the southwest beaches
South of the capital, Grand Anse offers about three kilometres of pale sand, palms and beach restaurants, with plenty of hotels. Further south, the Point Salines peninsula and its bays, such as Prickly Bay and True Blue, hold marinas, anchored sailboats and quieter beaches.
The west coast: bays, fishermen and diving
The west-coast road passes fishing villages clinging to the hills and calm bays for diving, including the submerged sculptures at Moliniere. In Gouyave you can eat fresh fish, and on Friday evening the street fills with stalls for a lively night of local cooking.
Grand Etang, waterfalls and rainforest
In the centre of the island, rainforest surrounds Grand Etang, a lake in a volcanic crater, with trails and monkeys living in the trees. Annandale, Seven Sisters and Concord falls can be reached on foot or by car, sometimes with a dip in the pools.
Spices, chocolate, the north and Carriacou
In the north, nutmeg estates, chocolate makers and beaches such as Levera, where sea turtles come to nest in season, show another side. Carriacou, the sister island, is reached by ferry or small plane for its beaches, diving and very slow rhythm.
Before you go
January to May for the dry season, June to December for the rains
| Area | Weather | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest (St. George's, Grand Anse) | Hot, dry and sunny in winter; calm sea. | January to May |
| West coast | More sheltered, calm sea, good for diving. | January to May |
| Interior and waterfalls | Wetter, dense forest; trails slippery after rain. | January to May, or the wet season for greener scenery |
| North and Carriacou | Breezier, wilder beaches; rougher sea on the Atlantic side. | January to May |
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. Grenada sits south of the most active zone and is hit less often than its neighbours, but it is not immune: check forecasts before booking and consider travel insurance. Flights cost more in winter, which is why tracking them early pays off.
Getting around
Minibuses, taxis, rental cars and water taxis
Traffic drives on the left, on narrow, winding, hilly roads. Shared minibuses, numbered by zone, link the capital with villages very cheaply; taxis are handy for excursions. Renting a car usually requires a temporary local licence, so check before you travel.
Allow twenty to thirty minutes between the airport and St. George's, and about an hour to cross the island end to end. Ferries and small planes to Carriacou leave from the main island.
Culture and food
Oil down, chocolate and Spicemas
The national dish, oil down, is a stew of breadfruit slow-cooked with meat or salted fish, callaloo, coconut milk and turmeric. You can also taste fresh nutmeg, cinnamon, organic chocolate and a local rum.
Every August the Spicemas carnival floods the streets with colour and music; it is known for its traditional Jab Jab characters, who open the party.
Travel to Grenada
The Grenada airport tracked by SniperAir
Maurice Bishop International
The airport of Grenada, at Point Salines on the southwest tip of the island: allow about twenty to thirty minutes by road to St. George's. The island's main air gateway.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Grenada
Which airport should I use to travel to Grenada?
Maurice Bishop International (GND), at Point Salines in the southwest, handles international flights. A small airport serves Carriacou. SniperAir tracks GND for you.
When is the best time to travel to Grenada?
January to May is the pleasant dry season. June to December is wetter, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November: the island is less exposed than its neighbours, but follow the forecasts.
Is travelling to Grenada expensive?
It is a mid-range to upmarket destination, but you can balance the budget with guesthouses, local meals, minibuses and free beaches. Tracking flights makes planning easier.
Do I need a visa for Grenada?
Rules depend on your nationality. A valid passport is required and an online entry form may be requested. Always check the official rules before you travel.
How long should I spend in Grenada?
A week covers the capital, beaches, interior and west coast without rushing. Add three to four days for Carriacou.
What currency is used in Grenada?
The East Caribbean dollar, pegged to the US dollar, which is often accepted too. Cards work in hotels and restaurants; keep some cash for minibuses and markets.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Grenada drops below my budget?
Create a SniperAir alert with your departure airport and GND, set your maximum price, and we notify you as soon as a fare falls below it. SniperAir monitors prices and sends alerts. See how it works.
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