Grenada

A quiet, green Caribbean island where nutmeg and cocoa grow in the hills and the sea stays calm and clear. Great value by regional standards.

Grenada offers a sensory immersion into the Caribbean, where lush rainforests meet pristine white-sand shores. Beyond the iconic Grand Anse Beach, travelers can hike to hidden volcanic waterfalls or explore the world's first underwater sculpture park, all while surrounded by the intoxicating fragrance of blooming nutmeg and cinnamon plantations.

January–May for the driest, sunniest weather. July–November is wetter.

Grand Anse Beach, Annandale Falls, the underwater sculpture park, nutmeg plantations, and Grand Etang crater lake.

Local buses are cheap and colorful; a rental car works well. The island is compact (about 21 miles long).

The culinary scene centers on 'Oil Down,' a rich one-pot stew simmered in coconut milk with breadfruit and salted meat. Dining here is a relaxed, communal affair, often featuring fresh Caribbean seafood seasoned with locally grown aromatic spices. Visitors should embrace the island's slow pace and carry cash for small, family-run beachside shacks.

Budget: $50–80/day. Mid-range: $120–200/day.

One of the region's safest islands. Take normal precautions.