About Grenada

Snapshot of Grenada

One of the last truly Caribbean islands – Grenada

about-01The sensation of Grenada’s pristine white-sand beaches and warm crystal waters on your feet, blended with the sounds of swaying palms and steel drums, will soothe you. The breathtaking views of tropical rainforests, dramatic blue-green seascapes and enchanting pastel harbors will inspire you. Tastes of the local cuisine will satisfy you and the sweet aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg and rum mingled with the crisp coolness of the trade winds will forever imprint themselves on your memory.

“The Spice Isle”, as Grenada is affectionately known, engages and delights you like few other places on earth. Experiencing all the captivating and tangible allure of Grenada’s unblemished beaches, lush cascading landscapes and authentic historical interests is sure to indulge your full complement of senses.

You just may find that Grenada, with all its beauty and charm, will leave an indelible impression on your soul as well as your mind. And it is the recollections of that feeling that will beckon you back for a lifetime to come.

 

 

“Grenada is one of the last truly Caribbean islands, not yet overwhelmed by resorts and cruise ship crowds. The charm of this lush island lies beyond the white-sand beach of Grand Anse andits string of hotels.”
–National Geographic, 2012

The many delights of Grenada

Delightful Geography
Grenada is a Caribbean nation consisting of three islands: Grenada Island, Carriacou and about-02Petite Martinique. Grenada Island, the largest of the three, is 21 miles long and 12 miles wide, an area of around 133 square miles. The country is located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea at the southernmost extremity of the Windward Islands. To the north lie St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and to the south are Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela.

Approximately 110,000 people inhabit Grenada, including 6,500 inhabitants of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The people are primarily of African, East-Indian and European descent, with the largest proportion of the population (75%) being of African ancestry. Grenada is an English-speaking nation, although Creole dialects are also spoken by many of the nation’s people.

Delightful People
While Grenada does experience a “rainy season”, characterized by hot and humid temperatures and the occasional abrupt rainstorm, its location at the southern extreme of the hurricane belt allows it to escape most of the seasonal depressions that can cause grey skies, colder temperatures, and extreme weather for its Caribbean neighbors to the north. In fact, Grenada has suffered just three hurricanes in the past 50 years, which contributes to its reputation as an ideal place to travel or reside.

Delightful Climate
Despite its close proximity to the equator, Grenada maintains highly enjoyable weather throughout the year with temperatures typically ranging from 24 to 30 C (75 to 85 F). This is due in large part to the trade winds that gently cool the islands during the dry season, from October to March.

While Grenada does experience a “rainy season”, characterized by hot and humid temperatures and the occasional abrupt rainstorm, its location at the southern extreme of the hurricane belt allows it to escape most of the seasonal depressions that can cause grey skies, colder temperatures, and extreme weather for its Caribbean neighbors to the north. In fact, Grenada has suffered just three hurricanes in the past 50 years, which contributes to its reputation as an ideal place to travel or reside.

Natural Delights
Grenada’s islands feature some of the most diverse terrain in the Caribbean, from crater lakes and verdant rainforests to sun-kissed swaths of beach and unspoiled underwater ecosystems.

Almost one quarter of Grenada is preserved as national parks or wildlife sanctuaries. Nature trails crisscross the terrain, offering visitors and locals alike the chance to drink in the spectacular views of mangrove-fringed coastlines and experience the islands’ splendid array of fruits, spices, and tropical plant life.

Historical Delights
Well-preserved places of interest abound in Grenada. In the lovely capital of St. George’s, scattered between pastel buildings and red-tiled roofs that tell of the city’s strong Caribbean identity, historic English and French architecture also hints at the culture’s rich heritage of European influence. Fort George, a garrison that has overlooked the capital’s harbor for more than 300 years, is open to the public for tours. In addition, the Saturday market offers locals and tourists alike the opportunity to explore local produce, spices and crafts in a centuries-old tradition.

Other points of interest include the 300-year-old Belmont Estate, which provides a glimpse into life on a traditional West-Indies plantation. The historical Doudaldston Spice Estate doubles as a link to Grenada’s past and the primary processing ground for the spices still sold today.

Grenada’s Scenery

Photo 1: Grenada’s island in the sunshine of day

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Photo 2: A myriad lights twinkle in Grenada after dark

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