Destination Overview
Born from the seafloor in a sequence of violent volcanic
eruptions, Grenada is a tropical, three-island state, 90 miles
(145km) north of Venezuela. Part of the Lesser Antilles chain, the
country consists of the main island of Grenada and its neighbouring
constituencies, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.Boasting lush soils and a rolling mountainous interior,
breathtaking waterfalls gush down from the centre to meet the sea
and hikes through verdant jungle make for a truly memorable Grenada
nature experience. Couple that with unblemished beaches reminiscent
of those found in glossy travel magazines, billowing sails
criss-crossing an azure coastline, a low-key lifestyle and
unrivalled diving sites such as 'Bianca C' and you've got one of
the most overlooked tropical havens in the Caribbean.Heady fragrances of nutmeg and clove and a warm-hearted
reception greet visitors to the friendly capital of the 'Spice
Island', St. George's. The red tiled roofs, Georgian architecture
and central spice market make it one of the Caribbean's most
charming centres, complimented by a picturesque natural harbour.
Sun-worshippers can choose from 45 beautiful beaches, the most
popular being the two-mile (3km) long Grand Anse Beach, or seek out
one of the many secluded beaches a little further afield.Initially inhabited by Kalinago settlers from the Amazonian
basin in South America, Grenada became an unwilling station of
European expansion, its effects evident in the people, architecture
and cuisine of today. First invaded by the Spanish in violent slave
raids, the resident Kalinago were then largely wiped out by French
colonialists who exploited the land for large-scale sugar cane
plantations and brought slaves in from West Africa to work them.
Britain succeeded France and only in 1974 did Grenada gain
independence from the English.Grenada was crippled by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, but has
recovered at an astonishing rate, jointly hosting the 2007 Cricket
World Cup. Although an impoverished nation, the Grenadian's
friendly disposition along with a vibrant culture of afro-carib and
calypso music, dancing and food as well as its picturesque tropical
location more than make up for the lack of infrastructure. Grenada
has long been a favourite port of call for yachties, divers and
holidaymakers alike, offering some of the best scuba diving in the
Caribbean, with coral gardens, an underwater volcano and the
largest underwater shipwreck in the region, not to mention the
alluring homemade Caribbean cuisine and lip smacking seafood.
