Grenada is called the Spice Island and for good reason. This island grows a large percentage of the world’s nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, allspice and cocoa. The processing plants for these spices are a must-see attraction while you are visiting the island. Like most of the Caribbean islands, Grenada is blessed with an abundance of beaches. But these beaches are different in that they range in color from white to pink to volcanic black.
The largest tourist area lies along the southwestern tip of the island near the capital city of St. Georges. This is the Caribbean side of the island and most of the beaches are calm and serene. The beaches on the eastern side of the island are rough and craggy and many have cliffs that jut out into the pounding Atlantic Ocean.
The natural place to start your vacation is in the capital city of St. Georges whose red-roofed buildings and horseshoe-shaped harbor make it one of the most picturesque in the Caribbean. The city is built on a group of small hills which makes it ideal for hikers. As you walk up these streets just turn around for a fantastic view of the city and water below. St. Georges is neat and clean with a nice variety of shops, businesses, and restaurants. Don’t forget to notice the bright red colored phone booths. An area on the waterfront called the Carenage is the duty-free shopping district. Look for bargains in local spices, brightly-colored paintings, coral jewelry, and locally-made rum. In the city you can make your connection with excursion companies which can take you to the many highlights which await you in the interior of the island.
Grenada is a lush, green jewel and its many interior features and activities should not be missed. One of the premier destinations is the Grand Etang National Park which means great lake. This park is a dormant volcano which culminates in a 13-acre lake in the volcanic center which rises 1,740 ft. above sea level. The panoramic views from this area are not to be missed . You can also visit many of the numerous waterfalls on the island where you can hike, picnic, and swim. The rivers also lend themselves to good whitewater rafting. This island is a dream vacation spot for eco-tourists, hikers, and bird-watchers alike. Everywhere you look, you’ll see lush, green hillsides covered in tropical trees and plants and alive with native birds and wildlife.
As your day ends and you look towards evening, your choices for dining and nightlife run the gamut, from candlelit dinners overlooking the beach to lobster feasts on the beach to open-air decks with live island music with steel drums or jazz musicians.
Grenada is a tropical gem with a variety of things to do and see. This vacation will have you wanting to come back for more.
