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Grenada by Dale Nolan

The small and tropical islands of Grenada are packed with lush mountains, hidden waterfalls, scenic bays and superb beaches lapped by warm, turquoise waters. Clinging to the bottom of the Windward Islands, this stunning tri-island nation is soaked in history and is awash with exotic flowers, rare wildlife and the smell of fragrant spices. From its beautiful coral reefs and spectacular rainforest, Grenada is an enticing and unspoilt oasis waiting to be explored. Divided into the islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, this wonderful destination boasts a delightfully relaxed and carefree lifestyle typical of Caribbean island life.

The Amerindians were the first people to settle the islands and evidence of their lives can be found across the nation. Christopher Columbus was the first to sight Grenada but the first colonial settlers were the British who established a small community on Grenada. The Carib tribes then sold the islands to the French for two bottles of brandy and a handful of trinkets but tiring with the violent tribes, the French drove the Caribs to the cliffs where they jumped to their deaths. In 1783, Grenada was ceded to the British and despite a violent French uprising, became a crown colony of the empire. In 1974, the islands achieved independence but the socialist leanings of their leaders brought them into conflict with the USA and neighbouring nations. Today, Grenada is a popular island and produces more nutmeg than virtually anywhere else in the world. As a result of this, the islands of Grenada are commonly known as the ‘Spice Islands’ and their aromatic smells and laidback attitudes attract healthy numbers of visitors to the islands.

One of the island’s greatest attractions is their sandy beaches and fantastic water sports. The three islands include a variety of beaches from the busy, golden sands of Grand Anse Bay on Grenada to the more isolated and fine sands of relaxed Carriacou.

The resort area of Grand Anse is by far the busiest on the islands and has a long and wide beach lined with hawkers and water sport kiosks. The area is ideal for snorkelling, jet skiing and parasailing and is supplied by numerous good eateries and bars serving fabulous rum and fruit punches. Other notable beaches on Grenada include the exclusive sandy strip at Morne Rouge with its idyllic setting of moored yachts and green hills and the pretty beaches of the quiet peninsula of Lanx Aux Epines.

The lush but quiet island of Carriacou also has a number of small but pleasant beaches and amongst them are the scenic stretch at Anse La Rouche with its excellent snorkelling and pristine coral reefs and the popular beach at L’Esterre Bay. Close to Carriacou lie several sublime islets, which can be reached by water taxi from the mainland. The lovely jewels of Sandy Island and White Island provide an excellent opportunity to indulge in Robinson Crusoe fantasies and are absolutely perfect for swimming, snorkelling amongst coral gardens and enjoying romantic beach picnics.

Grenada and its sister islands remain a popular sailing destination and their beautiful shallow waters and numerous coves and bays provide an ideal playground. Grenada hosts a variety of major Caribbean sailing events and includes the wonderful Carriacou Regatta and the annual Grenada Sailing Festival amongst its enviable charms. As well as its enticing coastlines and sailing traditions, Grenada has a variety of other memorable attractions to offer from its historic colonial capital to the exotic and volcanic mountains of its interior.

St. George’s is the cultural and administrative centre of the nation and is an attractive hillside town set out around a wonderful, picturesque harbour dominated by quaint churches, seaside restaurants and a selection of pastel-coloured boutiques. The town is also home to two forts, which straddle the two heads of St. George’s Harbour and these provide glorious views of the stunning coastline and tiny capital. To the east of here is the volcanic heart of Grenada; a region backed by tall mountains, lush jungles, heart-racing hiking trails and spice stations.

One of the best places to experience this primeval environment is within Grenada’s very own Grand Etang National Park. At the centre of this park is the splendid Lake Antoine crater, which provides an ideal place to soak up the diverse wildlife and colourful fauna of the park and is formed from an extinct volcano. The steep forested valleys of the region are also a great place to hike and there are various isolated mountain trails to enjoy. Along these passes it is possible to spot Mona Monkeys and visit a series of thundering but refreshing waterfalls. Elsewhere around the island, visitors can also discover a selection of scented spice stations producing nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger, roam around one of the world’s oldest rum distillery or take a well-earned dip at Grenada’s impressive Annandale Falls.

The tropical islands of Grenada provide a wonderful destination to soak up the best of the Caribbean. The lush mountains spill down to the unspoilt and the rhythmic beat of Grenada’s unique Big Drum music reverberates across the islands.

The relaxed tempo of these islands and the sweet smell of spice and jerk chicken provide an intoxicating background to any stay on these idyllic islands.