Grenada

Grenada is of volcanic origin, with lush, green mountains rising to 2,756 feet and magnificent beaches. Grand Anse Beach, just south of St George's, is said to be one of the finest in the Caribbean. St George's itself is a beautiful town, built on green hills and surrounding one of the prettiest harbours. The narrow streets are lined with buildings dating back to the 18th century.

This island country and Commonwealth Realm consisting of the island of Grenada and six smaller islands at the southern end of the Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Grenada is located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, northeast of Venezuela, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Grenada is rich in diversity and offers a range of natural and historic attractions ranging from lakes, beautiful white and black sandy beaches, a waterfall for everyday of the year, unspoilt rain forest, forts and 18 century architecture.

The island offers the comfort of security and a mix accommodation plant ranging from luxury hotels to affordable Intimate inns Grenada is perfect for rest and relaxation and is an ideal vacation spot for families and friends.

Grenada, also known as the Spice Isle, is famous for its nutmeg crop, but also produces cloves, ginger, cinnamon, mace, cocoa and bananas. In the Caribbean Grenada is known as the place to Spice up Your Life! The island just next door where the rest of the Caribbean escapes for a quick break to rejuvenate and refresh the soul, for family fun during the holidays, for that romantic place to propose, get married and honeymoon.

In fact, there are more spices in Grenada per square mile than anywhere else on the planet. Nutmeg is the most abundant spice, and Grenada produces about a third of the world’s supply.

Grenada’s capital, St. George’s, is known as the most picturesque city in the Caribbean. Its horseshoe-shaped harbour is surrounded by a pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses and the red-tiled roofs of traditional shops and homes. Rich in English, French and West Indian history, St. George’s is filled with beautiful well-preserved examples of French and British Colonial architecture.

As for cuisine, visitors can indulge in some of the most exciting in the region, from native Grenadian fare, made from the fresh bountiful produce that is found in the bustling markets to some of the finest creations in international cuisine. West Indian cuisine is of course popular, with restaurants featuring creative local cuisine such as callaloo soup, a melange of fresh local seafood, and meats prepared with a true West Indian flare.

This small nation consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou (pronounced Carry-a KOO), and Petite Martinique (pronounced Pitty Mar-ti-NEEK). Grenada is by far the largest of the three, with a width of twelve miles (18 km) and a length of twenty-one miles (34 km). Its 133 square miles are mountainous, volcanic terrain, reaching heights of over 2,750 feet atop Mount St. Catherine. This topography provides Grenada with one of the loveliest and most varied environments in the Caribbean, including crater lakes as well as a variety of plant and animal life. Dwarf forests high atop Mount St. Catherine descend to the montane rainforests of middle altitudes, which give way in turn to the dry forests of the lowlands. Those forests shift to mangrove at the coast, giving way to stunning white sand beaches, brilliant blue water and exquisite coral reefs.

Grenada’s smaller sister island, Carriacou, is hilly but not mountainous. With smoother terrain, Carriacou is an ideal destination for walking. It possesses fine sand beaches and natural harbours, as well as excellent views of the northern Grenadine islands.

Petite Martinique, the third and smallest island in the state, consists of little more than the tip of a volcanic cone poking through the water. It lies 2.5 miles off the northeast coast of Carriacou. It is only now being developed for visitors .

Getting Around

Plane:

There are numerous flights a day between Grenada and Carriacou. Point Salines International Airport is on Grenada's southwestern tip, about 3 miles (5km) southwest of St George's. There are no buses operating from the airport, but there a number of rental car offices and taxis available with set fares to all points on the island. Carriacou's airport is just southwest of Hillsborough and minibuses and taxis tend to swing by the airport whenever a flight comes in.

Minivan:

Minivan buses are a good way to get around Grenada if you want to experience the rhythms of daily life - most blast calypso and reggae music and provide a hair-raising ride. Most buses leave St George's from the Esplanade bus terminal at the west end of Granby St. The two main minibus routes on Carriacou are between Hillsborough and Windward and Hillsborough and Tyrell Bay. Unfortunately most buses stop running in the early evening, and there are few services anywhere on Sunday. Some minibuses, however, double as taxis and are available for private charter. You can flag down a passing bus from the side of the road by simply sticking out your hand. To get off a bus, just yell out 'drop one.'

Car Rental:

There are a number of local and international car rental agencies. Most of the local agencies have small fleets and a minimum three -day rental period and you're probably better off dealing with the international companies. Visitors need to purchase a local driving license, available from the car rental companies. Driving is on the left!

Taxi:

Taxis fares are regulated by the government, though taxis can also be hired by the hour for sightseeing tours.

Inter-Island

: Cargo boats and catamarans run regularly between Grenada and Carriacou. A ride in an old-fashioned cargo boat can take three to four hours while the modern express catamarans take half as long but cost twice as much. Boats are available to several nearshore islands. There is regular boat service connecting Petit Martinique with Grenada and Carriacou. This mile-wide island has one road along the west coast, but it is otherwise easy to get around on foot.

From the grandest luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts, to the smallest inviting guest-houses and inns, Grenada offers accommodations that suit every lifestyle and, not to mention, budget. There is a comprehensive road system in Grenada, and a major roads rehabilitation program has been ongoing for some time, resulting in a dramatic improvement in the condition of the roads. Getting about by public transport is easy and exhilarating, and the fares are reasonable. There are direct flights from Miami, New York, London and Toronto.

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