The beautiful island just as beautiful as Barbados but without the tourists

There's a Caribbean island that rivals Barbados for beauty, but without the constant crowds leaving cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts. Here, soft white sands stretch along turquoise waters, waterfalls tumble through lush rainforest, and mountain lakes sparkle at the heart of a volcanic landscape.

It has all the picture-perfect scenery of its more famous neighbour, yet feels refreshingly unspoilt. This island sits around 150 miles southwest of Barbados and attracts just a fraction of the visitors. With only 350,000 travellers a year, it remains one of the region's best-kept secrets. Affordable, safe, and bursting with character, Grenada offers a blend of natural beauty, history and unique cultural flavour that keeps those who discover it coming back time and again.

Known as Spice Island, the Caribbean nation - which also includes the smaller islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique - has earned its nickname for being one of the world's biggest spice producers. It's the second-largest supplier of nutmeg on the planet, and also exports ginger, cinnamon and mace in vast quantities.

"Discover Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean!" is the tourism board's motto, and it isn't hard to see why. Beyond its natural beauty, the island has a thriving food and drink culture. Visitors can tour three award-winning rum distilleries, indulge in tastings at five chocolate factories, or join a spice trail to see how the crops that gave Grenada its name are grown and harvested.

Adventure seekers won't be disappointed either. The island is home to the world's first underwater sculpture park, where snorkellers and divers can glide past eerie submerged art installations among the reefs.

There's also zip-lining through tropical rainforest, dune buggy tours across rugged hillsides, and protected marine parks where conservation efforts have kept coral and sea life thriving.

Safety is a question on many travellers' minds, and Grenada scores highly. It's considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming, laid-back local culture. Solo female travellers report feeling comfortable exploring, though normal precautions still apply - avoiding isolated areas after dark, arranging licensed taxis, and exercising the usual awareness in crowded places.

Grenada offers a mix of pristine nature and colonial heritage, with plenty to fill a week or more. Annandale Falls is just a short drive from the capital, and it's surrounded by lush greenery and perfect for a refreshing dip. Located within a national park, the Grand Etang volcanic crater lake is ringed by hiking trails and teeming with wildlife, from tropical birds to mischievous monkeys.

Grand Anse Beach, the island's most famous stretch of sand, runs for two miles and offers calm waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and snorkelling. Finally, for a historical touch, visit Fort George and Fort Frederick - 18th-century forts that overlook St George's, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Grenada's colonial past.

For those wanting to see the island at its liveliest, Spicemas is the highlight of the year. Celebrated every August, the carnival brings parades, music and street parties that showcase Grenada's colourful culture.

In terms of climate, the dry season runs from October to June, offering the most reliable sunshine. The wet season spans June to November, which also coincides with hurricane season, though the island is less frequently hit than some of its neighbours.

Grenada boasts the same coral reefs and inviting turquoise waters as Barbados, but without the crowds. In fact, beaches are said to be 70% less crowded, making it easier to find a quiet stretch of sand.

Practicalities make Grenada an appealing choice too. Getting there is straightforward: UK travellers can connect via nearby islands, while direct flights are available from some US hubs. Citizens of the UK, US and Australia can enter visa-free.