Northwest of Trinidad and Tobago lies Grenada, the island nation made up of seven islands in the southeastern edge of the Caribbean Sea. Laid back and friendly like most of the Caribbean islands, Grenada is a peaceful place known for its romance and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, going on a scuba diving trip, planning to catch a big blue marlin, or just want to relax on the beach, a holiday in Grenada will fulfill your wishes.
The Three Main Islands of Grenada
Grenada’s three main islands are Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and Grenada itself.
Grenada itself is divided into six distinct parishes, each with their own unique attractions. St George and its capital city of the same name, and St Andrew with its historic Rainbow City are particularly worth a visit.
On the island of Carriacou, you’ll be treated to rugged beauty, quaint rum shops, and excellent conditions for scuba diving. The eastern side of Carriacou includes a six mile long barrier reef that is a major draw for visitors.
Petite Martinique, as its name suggests, is a small island of less than five hundred acres. The island is known for its high-quality beaches on the leeward side.
What to Do in Grenada
Visitors to Grenada are most likely to comment on the slow pace of life on the island. Open air restaurants and bars hold community functions that may begin in the afternoon and linger on well into the night. Grenadians like to enjoy life, and they’re always celebrating something, so expect to see at least one or two parades or festivals during your stay. Island music, street festivals, live theatre, dance, and a vibrant nightlife characterize the nation.
Shoppers, meanwhile, should explore the incredible duty-free bargains offered in St George’s market – the very centre of life on the island. Locally designed batik, screen printed textiles, along with wood carvings, leather craft, and other handicraft can be found in St George on the Carenage.
Golfers should take a spin along the nine-hole course at the Grenada Golf and Country Club. After a round of golf, relax at the club’s bar and try the local rum.
Natural Wonders of Grenada
The natural wonders of Grenada are many, and luckily the nation has started to take steps in the last few years to protect its natural resources for the benefit of all. Today, more than ten percent of Grenada’s total land mass is preserved in the form of parks, sanctuaries, and wildlife preserves. In other words: if you like to hike, go birdwatching, kayak, or mountain bike, Grenada is the Caribbean holiday destination for you.
Water Sports in Grenada
Like all Caribbean holiday destinations, Grenada is known for its beautiful waters and beaches. In Grenada in particular, the most popular watersport is sailing/yachting.
Grenada hosts several regattas each year. During the last week of January there’s the La Source Grenada Sailing Festival, which includes several days of races and (of course) an enthusiastic street festival. Fisherman’s Birthday (the same as the Feast of St Peter and St Paul mentioned above) happens on June 29th each year. Boats and nets are blessed, followed by boat racing and (have a guess?) street parties. The Carriacou Regatta Festival began in 1965 and has since become of the the Caribbean’s major annual events. Boats from Grenada, Tobago, Martinique, Antigua, and St Vincent gather to see whose sailing is supreme. Accompanying the boat racing are numerous other competitions and parties, including donkey racing, Miss Aquaval Queen Show, and Miss Wet T-Shirt.
Overall, Grenadians are a fun-loving people who will welcome foreign to their festivities. You won’t be able to help catching the laid-back spirit of Grenada, and you’ll definitely leave with a smile on your face.