The Most Beautiful Towns to Visit While Sailing in Grenada

Planning a trip to the Caribbean? Join us on a sailing adventure in the Bahamas or the British Virgin Islands.

Often called the prettiest capital in the Caribbean, St George’s has pastel-coloured Georgian buildings facing its horseshoe-shaped harbour. Take a waterfront stroll along the lovely Carenage and explore the market square with its colourful displays of island-grown produce. The sweet-toothed will enjoy the House of Chocolate – which serves as a shop, museum and café, highlighting the island’s chocolate industry. Elegant restaurants abound, but don’t miss BB’s Crab Shack overlooking the sea for great home cooking and entertaining chat from the man himself.

Gouyave – a small town on the west coast of Grenada – was once a poor fishing town. Today, it’s best known as a party town, chock-full with lively bars and clubs. Stop by Kelly’s Hot Spot on Fridays: not only can you eat as much fish as you like, but there’s also live music from local drummers and musicians. The Annual Fisherman Birthday celebration and Sailing Regatta takes place on June 29th when beautifully decorated boats are blessed and festivities carry on into the night.

Grenville is a quiet, unspoilt town in St Andrew’s parish, protected by a coral reef. Visit the Spice Market on Sandal Street – which is open every day but at its most entertaining on Saturday when you can mix with the locals. Buy chocolate, coconuts and art and crafts, as well as spices. Just minutes from town, you’ll find Grenville Bay. It’s one of the most eye-catching spots in the area with surprising black sand and dark dramatic waters against a lush green backdrop º a contrast to the classic tropical Caribbean white beach and blue sea. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant, set directly on the water.

Hillsborough, Carricao

Tranquil Hillsborough is the capital of Carriacou, a small island close to Grenada. Although small, it is full of historical and cultural interest, most of which you can see in a few hours. Stop at the tiny Carriacou museum, set in a restored cotton gin mill. For sweeping views, head northeast to the hilltop site of Princess Royal Hospital, framed by seaward facing cannons. Nearby is the charming village of Windward – where wooden sloops are still built using methods introduced by early Scottish settlers.

The pretty town of Sauteurs in the north of Grenada overlooks Sauteurs Bay with its long, unspoilt beach. In 1651, Carib Indians on the island fiercely resisted colonisation by the French and jumped to their deaths at a place now known as Carib’s Leap. The site is excellent for views of the Grenadine islands – look out for petroglyphs on the rocky walls. Finish your visit with lunch on Main Street at Helena’s Ocean View Restaurant and Bar.

Victoria is known as ‘Sunset City’, because of its rosy sunsets which can be seen from most points in town. Mount St Catherine – the highest mountain on Grenada – and the tallest waterfall, Tufton Hall, are located nearby. Pause at the base of the falls for a quick dip in the pools. Keep an eye out for the lovely flora here, such as water hyacinths and wild fuchsia.

Pretty Petite Martinique is a sparsely populated island where boat-building is still the main occupation. Arrive at the jetty in Paradise – the only village. Pace of life is slow here, but this is a heavenly spot to unwind. Make sure to book a seafood dinner at the atmospheric Palm Beach, where you can drink in views of the other Grenadine islands. Try one of the rum cocktails – as many of them exclusive to the restaurant.

The small town of Tivoli – with its stone Grenadian churches – is known for its drumming traditions. You may see or hear young people practising for the various drum festivals held here. This is the closest town to the Belmont Estate – a plantation dating back to the 1600s. Get a glimpse of what life would have been like while touring the coca and nutmeg operation. Sample the organic dark chocolate, but don’t miss the plantation’s lunch buffet of home-cooked Creole dishes – made using fruits and vegetables grown on the estate.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.