The Melville Street Cruise Terminal at St. George's, Grenada. Most ships dock here, but smaller ships may berth directly in the Carenage.

Market Square

Grenada is nicknamed the ‘Spice Isle’, thanks to its large spice plantations, particularly of nutmeg. On a visit to Market Square you’ll see nutmeg, ginger, peppers, cinnamon, turmeric, and a host of other spices fresh from picking and processing. Buy a spice-necklace, a great keepsake of Grenada – but hang it in your kitchen, don’t wear it around your neck! The market is just a block inland from the cruise terminal.

Fort George

On the promontory between the Caribbean and St George’s inner harbor stands Fort George. The fort, built originally by the French in 1705, has a long a complicated history, changing hands between the French and British several times. More recently, in 1983, the fort was strafed by US Marines, as it housed several guns under the control of the soon-to-be ousted government. Today the visitor can walk around the ramparts, see the canon-emplacements, and enjoy panoramic views of the mountainous verdant island, and wide blue sea. Fort George lies about half-a-mile south of the cruise port, a short (but steep) walk.

The Carenage

The Carenage, the oldest and most picturesque part of St George’s overlooks a large bay, which contains the town’s commercial port, as well as a large marina. (The name “Carenage’ comes from the old word ‘careen’, which means beaching a ship a hide tide to allow hull maintenance). Stroll around quaint cobblestone alleys and check out the craft shops, the boutique stores, art galleries and artisan workshops. See the Christ of the Deep statue on the waterfront, given by Costa cruises to Grenada to thank the residents for their help after the sinking of Costa’s Bianca C just offshore. Then eat at one of the welcoming restaurants which specialize in tasty local food. The Carenage is only about a quarter of a mile from the cruise port, but a hill blocks the way. So either take a cab, walk through the road tunnel, or make the sticky climb up and down.

Grand Anse Beach

Grand Anse Beach is Grenada’s most famous beach, and not surprisingly so, since it’s a gorgeous two-mile stretch of soft golden sand. The lazy can just soak up the rays, the energetic can go parasailing or hire a windsurfer. When you’re in need of refreshment, pick from a wide range of cafes and beach bars, or enjoy a picnic with food bought from the nearby market. The beach is just a couple of miles south west of the cruise port; take a cab, a water-taxi, or a colorful local bus.

Mourne Rouge Beach

Just past busy Grand Anse beach lies Mourne Rouge Beach, a more tranquil and laid-back version of its popular neighbor. There are no water sport concessions, or hustling vendors, just white sand and clear turquoise waters. Lots of palm trees behind the beach provide welcome shade for the fair-skinned. The nearby hotel provides bar and restaurant facilities.