Choosing where to stay in Grenada can shape your entire holiday.

Most visitors are naturally drawn to Grand Anse in the south — it’s famous, convenient, and close to the airport. But there’s another side of Grenada that many travellers don’t discover until much later: the quieter, more untouched north of the island.

So which is better – Grand Anse or the north coast?

The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Leatherback turtles nest along the north coast of Grenada.

Where Is Grand Anse in Grenada?

Grand Anse is located in the south of Grenada, just a short drive from Maurice Bishop International Airport. It’s the island’s most well-known beach, stretching for miles with soft sand and calm Caribbean waters.

This area is home to:

Larger hotels and resorts
Beach bars and restaurants
Easy access to tours and transport

For first-time visitors, it often feels like the obvious choice.

Grand Anse beach in Grenada with white sand and calm Caribbean sea

What Is the North of Grenada Like?

The north of Grenada offers a completely different experience — something we explore in more detail in our guide to the north coast.

Instead of busy beaches and resort clusters, you’ll find:

Dramatic Atlantic views
Quiet surroundings
Small, boutique hotels
A strong connection to local life

The drive to the north takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, but many guests say it’s where the real Grenada begins.

North coast of Grenada with Atlantic ocean waves and rugged coastline

Grand Anse vs North Grenada: The Key Differences

🌴 1. Atmosphere

Grand Anse:
Lively, social, and convenient. You’ll find activity throughout the day and into the evening.

North Grenada:
Peaceful, quiet, and relaxed. Days feel slower, and evenings are calm.

👉 If you want energy, choose Grand Anse.
👉 If you want calm, choose the north.

🌊 2. Beaches and Sea

Grand Anse:
Calm Caribbean waters, ideal for swimming and water sports.

North Grenada:
The Atlantic side offers stronger waves and a more dramatic coastline. Swimming is limited, but the views and sound of the sea are unforgettable.

🏨 3. Type of Hotels

Grand Anse:
Larger resorts and hotels, often with more facilities.

North Grenada:
Boutique hotels with a more personal feel.

At places like Petite Anse Hotel (see availability here), guests often mention the difference immediately — quieter surroundings, more space, and a sense of being somewhere truly special.

🥥 4. Authenticity

Grand Anse:
More developed and geared toward tourism.

North Grenada:
Closer to everyday Grenadian life — fishing villages, local produce, and a slower rhythm.

🚗 5. Location and Convenience

Grand Anse:
Close to the airport (around 10 minutes).

North Grenada:
Further away (around 1 hour 45 minutes), but this distance is part of what keeps it peaceful.

Petite Anse Hotel overlooking the ocean in northern Grenada

Which Area Is Right for You?

Choose Grand Anse if you:

Want everything close by
Prefer lively surroundings
Plan to go out frequently
Want easy access to transport and tours

Choose the North of Grenada if you:

Want peace and quiet
Prefer boutique hotels over large resorts
Value authenticity and local culture
Want to disconnect and relax

Why More Travellers Are Choosing the North

More and more visitors are starting to look beyond Grand Anse.

After travelling extensively, many people are no longer looking for crowded beaches or standard resort experiences. Instead, they’re seeking something more meaningful — somewhere they can slow down and feel connected to their surroundings.

The north of Grenada offers exactly that.

It’s not about having more — it’s about experiencing more of what matters.

Scenic drive through northern Grenada with ocean views

What You Might Miss (and Gain)

It’s important to be honest.

If you stay in the north:

You won’t have nightlife on your doorstep
You won’t have dozens of restaurants nearby
You won’t be minutes from the airport

But in return, you gain:

Space
Calm
Natural beauty
A deeper connection to the island

For many guests, that trade-off is more than worth it.

Things to Do from the North of Grenada

Staying in the north doesn’t mean missing out — in fact, many of Grenada’s most interesting experiences are nearby.

Visit Belmont Estate for a chocolate tour
Take a boat to Sandy Island for excellent snorkelling
Experience the spectacle of Leatherback Turtles nesting (in season)
Explore River Antoine Rum Distillery
Enjoy guided walks and local experiences
Discover quiet beaches and coastal views

These experiences often feel more personal and less crowded than those in the south.

Belmont Estate chocolate plantation experience in Grenada

Final Thoughts: It’s About the Experience You Want

There’s no right or wrong choice — only the experience you’re looking for.

Grand Anse offers convenience and activity.
The north offers peace and authenticity.

If you’re looking for a holiday that feels easy and familiar, Grand Anse is a great option.

But if you’re looking for something quieter, more personal, and more connected to the real Grenada, the north coast may be exactly what you’ve been searching for.

FAQ SECTION

Is Grand Anse the best place to stay in Grenada?

Grand Anse is the most popular place to stay in Grenada, largely because of its long sandy beach, calm Caribbean waters, and close proximity to the airport. It’s a convenient choice, especially for first-time visitors who want easy access to restaurants, tours, and transport links.

However, it’s not necessarily the best place for everyone. Grand Anse can feel busier and more developed, particularly during peak season. Travellers looking for peace, privacy, and a more authentic Caribbean experience often prefer staying in the north of Grenada, where the pace is slower and the surroundings feel more natural and less commercialised.

Is the north of Grenada too remote?

The north of Grenada is more remote compared to the south, but that is part of its appeal. The journey from the airport takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and while this may seem long, many visitors find that the drive becomes part of the experience — offering scenic views, local villages, and a gradual transition into a quieter way of life.

Once you arrive, everything you need is typically available within your hotel or nearby. Boutique hotels in the north often provide dining, experiences, and local recommendations, so guests don’t feel the need to travel frequently. For those looking to disconnect, relax, and enjoy a more peaceful stay, the north is often considered the most rewarding part of the island.

Which side of Grenada has better beaches?

This depends on what you’re looking for in a beach experience. Grand Anse, on the Caribbean side, is known for its calm, clear waters and soft sand, making it ideal for swimming and water sports. It’s the classic “Caribbean beach” that many travellers expect.

In contrast, the north coast faces the Atlantic Ocean, where the waves are often stronger and the coastline more dramatic. While some areas are less suited to swimming, there are also sheltered spots such as David Beach and Bathway Beach where conditions can be calmer.

For those looking for very calm waters, nearby excursions such as Sandy Island offer excellent swimming and snorkelling in clear, sheltered conditions.

The views along this coast are striking, and the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful. Many visitors staying in the north say that even if they swim less overall, they enjoy the beauty, sound, and energy of the ocean far more.

Are there boutique hotels in Grenada?

Yes, Grenada has a growing number of boutique hotels, particularly in the quieter parts of the island such as the north coast. These smaller hotels offer a more personal and relaxed experience compared to larger resorts.

Guests often benefit from a closer connection with staff, locally inspired food, and a setting that feels more in tune with the natural environment. Boutique hotels like Petite Anse Hotel focus on atmosphere, authenticity, and comfort, rather than high-volume tourism, making them ideal for couples, solo travellers, and those looking for a more meaningful stay.

Is it better to stay in the north or south of Grenada?

Choosing between the north and south of Grenada comes down to the type of holiday you want. The south, particularly around Grand Anse, is best for convenience, lively surroundings, and easy access to amenities. It’s well-suited to travellers who enjoy being close to everything.

The north, on the other hand, is better for relaxation, scenery, and a deeper connection to the island. It offers a quieter, more immersive experience, with fewer crowds and a slower pace of life. Many visitors who stay in the north say it feels like discovering a hidden side of Grenada that most tourists never see.

How far is the north of Grenada from the airport?

The drive from Maurice Bishop International Airport to the north of Grenada takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. While it is further than staying in the south, the journey is often described as scenic and enjoyable, passing through lush landscapes, coastal viewpoints, and local communities.

For many guests, this distance helps create a sense of separation from busier areas, making the north feel more peaceful and exclusive. By the time you arrive, it often feels like you’ve stepped into a completely different, more tranquil part of the island.

If you’re still deciding where to stay in Grenada, it’s worth thinking about the kind of experience you want your trip to have.

Some people choose convenience.
Others choose somewhere that feels a little more personal.

If you find yourself leaning towards quiet mornings, sea breeze, and a slower pace of life, the north of the island may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Check availability and start planning your stay at Petite Anse Hotel:
Petite Anse Hotel – Availability

Grand Anse vs North Grenada: Where Should You Stay?