Grenada, the Spice Isle of the Caribbean, offers a vibrant sensory experience with its lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and turquoise waters. For a perfect vacation, Saint George Parish, located on the island's southwestern tip, serves as an ideal base for relaxation and adventure. As the cultural and economic heart of Grenada, it combines colonial charm with modern luxury and provides easy access to top attractions.
Home to St. George’s, one of the West Indies' most picturesque harbour towns, as well as the famed Grand Anse coastline and Point Salines peninsula, this area positions visitors close to the island's best infrastructure. Whether you're exploring the lively Market Square or savouring a quiet moment on a secluded white-sand beach, Saint George beautifully showcases Grenada's diverse experiences.
The success of any international trip is often determined by the ease of arrival and daily logistics. Saint George Parish makes everything easy from the moment travellers land at the airport to the moment they step into a car or a bus to explore.
Saint George Parish houses Maurice Bishop International Airport. For weary travellers, there is no greater luxury than being able to disembark from a long-haul flight and reach a hotel poolside within 10 to 15 minutes. This proximity eliminates the need for exhausting cross-island transfers immediately upon arrival, allowing visitors to begin their vacation the moment they clear customs.
When planning a stay in Saint George, you can choose an environment that suits your pace. The parish offers a diverse range of accommodations that cater to every possible preference. You might choose a high-end resort on the sands of Grand Anse, or perhaps a boutique villa tucked into the hills of Richmond Hill.
For those who want to be close to the airport and enjoy the upscale amenities of larger resorts, the Point Salines area is ideal. For a more historic and local feel, staying near the town of St. George’s allows for easy walks along the colonial streets and quick access to the ferry terminal for trips to the sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Saint George offers several transportation options for travellers who want to explore the parish and the rest of the island. For those who want to experience travelling like locals, the vibrant minibus system operates out of the Melville Street Terminal in the heart of the capital. These colourful vans are an affordable and efficient way to traverse the main coastal roads. If you prefer a more scenic commute, water taxis frequently buzz between the Carenage and Grand Anse Beach, offering a unique perspective of the island’s mountainous skyline.
However, the true key to unlocking the island is the independence offered by a personal vehicle. Renting a car in Saint George is simple, with many agencies located directly at the airport or providing delivery services to local hotels. Most agencies also obtain the local temporary driving permit on the renter’s behalf to streamline the process. Although driving on the left can be challenging at first, it is definitely worth the effort.
The culinary landscape of Saint George Parish is equally impressive, serving as the gastronomic centre of the country. Because it is a hub for both locals and tourists, the variety of dining options is unparalleled. You can start your morning by wandering through Market Square, where the air is thick with the scent of fresh nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. This is the best place to source raw spices and local produce directly from the farmers who grow them.
For evening socialising, the Wall Street area near Grand Anse becomes a lively hub where locals and visitors congregate at beach bars and grills. The accessibility of international ingredients alongside fresh-caught seafood means that dining in Saint George is never repetitive. You can enjoy an Italian-inspired meal one night and a traditional West Indian feast the next, featuring the national dish, Oil Down, all within a few miles of your accommodation.
Once the logistics of your stay are settled, Saint George Parish reveals itself as a gateway to Grenada’s iconic attractions. The beauty of basing yourself here is that you are perfectly positioned between the azure depths of the ocean and the emerald heights of the rainforest.
Every journey in Saint George naturally begins with the coast. The beaches here are diverse enough to satisfy any mood. Grand Anse Beach is the undisputed crown jewel, offering two miles of pristine white sand and calm, swimmable waters. It is the perfect place for a slow morning of sunbathing or a sunset stroll.
For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, Morne Rouge, also known as BBC Beach, provides a more sheltered cove with crystal-clear water that is ideal for families or those seeking tranquillity. The parish also boasts several hidden gems like Magazine Beach or Pink Gin Beach, where the snorkelling is excellent right from the shore.
The maritime adventures continue beneath the surface of the water. Just a short boat ride from St. George’s harbour lies the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park. This hauntingly beautiful installation serves as both an art gallery and an artificial reef, encouraging coral growth and marine life. Snorkelling or diving among these submerged figures is an essential Grenadian experience that is easily arranged from any of the dive shops based in the parish.
History enthusiasts will find themselves drawn to the high ground. The parish is guarded by a series of 18th-century fortifications built by both the French and the British. Fort George stands directly above the town, offering a glimpse into the island’s military past and providing a vantage point for breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the harbour.
Further inland, Fort Frederick sits atop Richmond Hill. Because it faces inland rather than out to sea, it offers a unique perspective of the island’s mountainous interior. These sites are not just relics of the past but are active parts of the landscape, offering some of the best 360-degree photography opportunities on the island.
In addition, the architectural heritage of St. George’s is a testament to its endurance through hurricanes and colonial transitions. A walking tour of the town should include the Sendall Tunnel, a narrow passage carved through the rock in the 19th century to connect the two sides of the town. The various churches, with their intricate stonework and stained glass, add to the European feel of the Caribbean capital.
The Carenage, with its horseshoe-shaped harbour and colourful buildings, is one of the most photographed spots in the region. Walking along the wharf, you can see the Bianca C monument, which commemorates the local bravery shown during the sinking of a large cruise ship in the 1960s.
One of the most surprising benefits of staying in Saint George is how quickly the urban and coastal scenery gives way to the wild rainforest and majestic waterfalls. Within a 20-minute drive from the capital, you can reach Annandale Falls, a lush oasis where water cascades into a deep pool surrounded by ferns and tropical flowers.
This serves as the perfect introduction to the island’s interior before pushing further into Grand Etang National Park. The park is a high-altitude sanctuary centred around a volcanic crater lake. It is home to diverse bird species and the mischievous Mona monkeys. By being based in the south, you have the advantage of being able to monitor the weather and dash up to the mountains when the skies are clear, ensuring you get the best views of the mist-covered peaks.
Choosing Saint George Parish as your travel base is an excellent decision when visiting Grenada. It combines modern convenience with authentic Caribbean charm. From your arrival at the airport to your sunset dinner on Grand Anse, the parish offers a rich experience with easy access to world-class beaches, historical sites, and exceptional dining, ensuring your vacation is vibrant even if you stay within its borders.
However, to truly appreciate Grenada’s diversity, you should explore beyond the familiar comforts of the south. The northern parishes boast cocoa estates, sulfur springs, and rugged coastlines. By renting a car in Saint George Parish, you gain the freedom to discover hidden gems that are often overlooked by tour buses.
Whether you’re heading north to the chocolate makers or east to the wild beaches, a reliable car and a base in Saint George allow you to embrace everything Grenada has to offer. Rent a car from Final Rentals and embark on adventures across the country. Your Caribbean journey begins here, with the whole island waiting to be explored.
