Known as the Caribbean’s Spice Island, there’s a reason why travellers love Grenada – in fact, there are 10.
From its spice plantations to its diving opportunities, beaches, and culture of friendliness, discover why travellers love Grenada.
Top 10 reasons why Canadians and travellers love Grenada
10) Experience a bygone era at Grenada’s plantation houses
Grenada is an island steeped in history and culture that comes alive with a visit to the island’s beautiful plantation houses such as the beautification of Plas Manje. Walk through history and be enveloped with spices at Douglaston. One of Grenada’s oldest spice estates and primary spice processing plants offers authentic spice processing, lectures and demonstrations on primary spice production – recreating an art/skill of centuries ago
9) Marvel at Grenada’s waterfalls
Grenada’s waterfalls are some of the most spectacular in the Caribbean and include Annandale Falls – small, scenic and accessible – and Concord Falls – picturesque and ideal for swimming. Concord Falls is accessible by road, while Au Coin and Fountainbleu are accessible only by foot.
8) Participate in the hustle and bustle of Grenada’s famous ‘Spice Market’
Bustling, noisy and colourful, the newly renovated market in the Market Square is the centre of activity in St. George’s. It is the main site for those buying and selling local fresh produce, exotic spices and handicrafts. Souvenir, gift and handicraft shops are prevalent in the St. George’s district, especially on Young Street and the Carenage. The best buys in Grenada are batik and screen printed textiles, locally made handicraft, leather craft, and woodcarvings.
7) ‘Spice’ up your life with Grenada’s products
Grenada produces allspice, clove, cinnamon, ginger, bay leaves, tumeric and sapote, and is one of the world’s major suppliers of nutmeg and mace. Recommended visits include Dougaldston Spice Estate, a historical monument to Grenada’s past of spice growing and processing; Gouyave and Grenville Nutmeg Processing Station, the largest in Grenada; Grenada Distillers Limited to savour rum products; River Antoine Rum Distillery to view processes that have changed little since the 1800’s, and remains the oldest functioning rum-propelled distillery not only in Grenada, but the Caribbean; Westerhall Rum Distillery with vestiges of old artifacts used in the rum refining process; and the Grenada Chocolate Factory for the pure taste of rich local chocolate.
6) Visit Carriacou
Unspoiled Carriacou (90-minute ferry ride away from Grenada or 15 minutes by air) is the tiny island with 7,000 inhabitants. It is one of the last places on earth where old traditions are preserved, such as the Big Drum Dance, elaborate wooden boat building handed down from Scottish ancestors and accompanying ceremonies that are a blend of Caribbean and Glaswegian heritages. It’s a spectacular location for scuba diving and snorkeling, or taking a water taxi adventure to neighbouring Sandy Island.
5) Walk the Grand Anse Beach, one of the world’s best beaches
Grenada’s most famous beaches and one of the largest in the Caribbean – this is the stretch called Grand Anse. This is a perfect place to walk particularly at the end of the day when locals come to have a swim. Grand Anse Beach, a sheltered two-mile stretch of perfect sand, dotted with sea grape and palm trees, just south of the capital St. George’s, is recognized as being one of the world’s best beaches and probably the most suitable in the world for families. At the north part of the beach, enjoy a laid-back cold Carib at a local bar, or meet Jennifer Hosten, the 1970 Miss World and former High Commissioner to Canada, who still maintains a house in Manotick. Sunday brunch pancakes are served with maple syrup and Caribbean specialties.
4) Dive the unspoiled paradise of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique
The state of Grenada offers a unique dive product, both topside and underwater. Slipping below the calm surface, diving enthusiasts are treated to some of the most breathtaking underwater scenery and abundant marine life in the Caribbean. With over 30 dive sites most within 15-20 minutes from dive shops, Grenada and its sister islands make ideal diving destinations. Grenada and Carriacou are known for spectacular walls and wrecks, with sharks, turtles, lobsters and giant moray eels gliding against the backdrop of soft coral forest, striking reefs and sponges.
3) Watch baby turtles hatch on the sand
Grenada is one of the three sites in the Caribbean that annually hosts 150+ female leatherbacks. The turtles make the arduous journey from their feeding grounds in North America to the tropical climate of Grenada to lay their eggs. These ancient reptiles have been around for over 165 million years and have managed to outlive the dinosaurs. Levera Beach is where the nesting females bury their eggs in the sand in order to incubate them and to protect them from predators. Best viewing is in May and June of each year.
2) Explore, hike and bird watch in Grand Etang
Hike a three to four mile, half-day rainforest trek through the 30-acre Grand Etang Forest to Concord Falls, a spectacular waterfall, then take a refreshing dip in the swimming hole or visit several natural wildlife sanctuaries. Grand Etang Lake (one of Grenada’s extinct volcanoes) is a virtual bird watchers paradise, where avian enthusiasts will be enthralled by the rare tropical species that make Grenada their habitat such as the Grenada Dove (the national bird of Grenada), Gree-Gree, Hook-Billed Kite, which can be seen swooping down from atop the towering mahoganies of the Mount Qua Qua Trial.
1) The friendly and hospitable people
All who visit Grenada comment on the friendly people! None are more hospitable than the local residents and in particular, the tour guides who take guests all around the Island. They are a veritable encyclopedia of history and natural science that arrange visits to major waterfalls, hikes in the Grand Etang Rainforest, visits to towns and markets, strolls through the Carenage that encircles the picturesque horseshoe harbour in St. George’s, tours of archaeological and historical sites, and they will even plan a picnic in a choice location.
For more information on visiting Grenada, go to: www.grenadagrenadines.com .
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