Grenada a Jewel of the Caribbean – Complete Travel Guide, Top Attractions, Culture, and Best Time to Visit

Introduction

Grenada is located in the southern Caribbean sea and is a wonderful tropical island with captivating nature, incredible history and colorful traditions. Famous for sale of spices such as nutmegs, cinnamon and cloves hence the nickname “Spice Isle” Grenada provides visitors a saved experience. White sandy beaches, breathtaking waterfalls in the rainforest, historical past and the culture that revolves around steelpan music, Grenada can be best described as beautiful in every sense. It aims to give the readers an accurate information about Grenada such as how to get there, the right time to visit, history and background, culture and the tourist spots that they must see.

Geography of Grenada

Cave Trip - Grenada a Jewel of the Caribbean – Complete Travel Guide, Top Attractions, Culture, and Best Time to Visit

Grenada is the largest of the Grenadine islands, an archipelago comprising three main islands: Grenada, Carriacou & Petit Martinique. It occupies the southern part of the Windward Islands arch in the eastern Caribbean; the nearest states are St Vincent and the Grenadines to the north and the South American countries of Trinidad and Tobago to the to the south. Grenada occupies about 344 square kilometers (133 square miles) of land and it can be described as mountainous country with rainforests and valleys.

Grenada is situated in the southern part of Caribbean Sea and its capital city is St. George that is considered as one of the most scenic harbours in the region. In the central line of the island the mountains are arranging beginning from Mount Saint Catherine, the highest peak is 840 meters or 2,760 feet. They give rise to waterfalls which enhance the beauty of the island The shoreline of the island consist of secluded coves and white sandy beaches by the clear waters.

History of Grenada

Beautiful as the scenes and geographical terrains of this island, is as rich its history of the country we call Grenada. There is evidence that the first inhabitants of the island were the Arawaks and later the Caribs who were the indigenous people who existed on the fruits of the land and other water bodies. Evidently Christopher Columbus visited the island during his third voyage in 1498 but it was only in the 17th century that the Europeans started to set foot in the region.

Grenada’s colonization started with the French, when they arrived in the island in 1650. Today French is traceable in the many town names and in cultural practices that exist on the island to date. In time it became a playground for the two colonial masters, the French and the British, and became a British colony in 1783 by a treaty known as the Treaty of Paris. Grenada continued to be a British Colony up to February 7, 1974 when the island attained its independence to become one of the most smallest countries in the western half of the hemisphere.

The island also has a definite place in the contemporary historical process. Grenada also experienced a Marxist led coup in 1979 and this was followed by a military intervention from the United States of America in the year 1983. The political stability that is currently accorded to this island nation has enhanced the security of this country thus enhancing the prospects of tourism.

Cave Trip - Grenada a Jewel of the Caribbean – Complete Travel Guide, Top Attractions, Culture, and Best Time to Visit

Culture of Grenada

The cultural of the Grenada is diverse, it has an apparent African origin which is blended with French, British and indigenous Peoples’ cultures making Grenada a culturally diverse and colourful country. The people of Grenada called Grenadians are friendly and hospitable people who are ever willing to take a stranger round their island telling the stories and history of their island.

Music and Dance

Music is indeed center mask of the Grenadian culture. Calypso and soca music, reggae and steelpan and other music and dance forms of Grenada are still full of spirit and fun. The island is famous for one type of traditional music and dance called jab jab that is a product of the people of Grenada’s Carnival, known as Spicemas. This is a lively festival held in August whereby dancers make vigorous, breathtaking movements, use of energetic, attractive and racy costumes.

Cave Trip - Grenada a Jewel of the Caribbean – Complete Travel Guide, Top Attractions, Culture, and Best Time to Visit

Art and Craft

Grenada is also characterized by developing an arts culture. Wall arts, sculptures, and jewelry and baskets and other goods that have been done by local artists are inspired by the tropical environments of the island. St. George’s houses the Grenada National Museum that demonstrates the aspects of art including Carib and Arawak’s art and their material culture, colonial past and art and culture evolution.

How to Visit Grenada

Getting to Grenada is relatively easy since it is endowed with efficient Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND that hosts direct flights from U. S, canada and Europe. From the U. S some of the airlines that can be used to get into the Dominican Republic include American Airlines, JetBlue and Delta, which perform flights from cities like Miami and New York. The direct flights of the airlines such as British Airlines and Virgin Atlantic are available for the European travelers to reach the U. K.

Visitors can also use Ship because many cruases do make a stop over in Grenada because of its location in the Caribbean region. Foreign charter yachts are allowed entry into Grenada’s marinas especially at Port Louis Marina in St. George’s.

Once at the island, hiring a car is one good way of moving around but there are also taxis and busses around.

Travel Best Time To Visit To Grenada

That is why the best time to visit Grenada depends on what kind of experience you would like to get. The major tourism season comes during the dry season which is from January to May. The summer months, however, are hot and rather dry, although much less humid than during the winter, which is ideal for beach holidays, trekking and other outdoor activities on the island.

The climate is characterized by warm temperatures and occasional showers during June to December, this is the wet season and it is also rare that hurricanes hit Grenada given that it is located outside the hurricane zone. This is because there are few people in the island during the period, and most of the services such as accommodation and activities cost relatively cheap. As a result, if you wish to try some local hospitality, it is better to visit Grenada in August when Spicemas Carnival is held.

Must-See Attractions in Grenada

Grenada can indeed be said to be packed with numerous places of interest, which are of interest to history and nature lovers, sun lovers and those in search of adrenalin rush.

1. Grand Anse Beach

The spectacular Grand Anse Beach is Grenada’s pride and joy of the Grenada shoreline. This has fresh sunlight, warmed sea water, soft white sand, coconuts trees all along the 3 kilometers (2 miles) of work. This makes it an ideal playground for swimming, sun bathing, and water board activities such as snorkeling and paddle boarding among others.

2. St. George’s

The capital city of St. George’s is a very beautiful city and one of the most beautiful cities in Caribbean. Wishing with a horseshoe bay with pastel-coloured buildings and becoming one of Latin America’s most popular ports, with its winding colonial streets. Fort George is a 17th-century fort which provides spectacular views of the harbor and the town, so one must not miss it.

3. Annandale Falls

About 2 km east of St. George’s, Annandale Falls is a most beautiful waterfall of 10 metres (30 ft) high in an exotic tropical garden. There is ASDP tour with private beach and swimming pool at the bottom of the waterfall, however visitors can just relax and take time to observe the area.

Cave Trip - Grenada a Jewel of the Caribbean – Complete Travel Guide, Top Attractions, Culture, and Best Time to Visit

4. Grand Etang National Park

Any adventure freak specially the lovers of nature and wildlife should not miss Grand Etang National Park. It is situated in central part of the island, thus it is endowed with the Grand Etang Lake formed from a crater and hiking trails. It is necessary to have a closer look at a number of native animals like mona monkeys and beautiful birds.

5. Underwater Sculpture Park

The Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park is one of the best tourist attraction sites In Grenada. Situated along the west coast, this marine park comprises of sculptures laid in the sea, which has formed an artificial reef. This is one of the best place for snorkelling and also for scuba diving.

6. Belmont Estate

Go back in time and pay a visit to Belmont Estate, it is a working plantation, 400 years old. With this estate, visitors get to know basic agritourism products of the country Grenada such as cocoa and have a meal at the restaurant of the estate.

7. Levera National Park

Situated in the north-east of Grenada close to the town of Levera, this park boast of its beautiful land formation that includes white sand beaches, mangroves and the spectacular Levera Pond. The park also contains a vital nesting ground for leatherback turtles hence tourists can engage the available guided tours to learn or have a sneak view of these beasts.

Grenadian Cuisine

The same as with spices, it’s possible to enjoy the taste of Grenada’s food. Food in the island is blend of African, French and Indian origin and the most popular dish is based on seafood. Make sure to taste ‘oil down’, the pride of Grenada; a highly delicious breadfruit, callaloo, coconut milk and salted meat in one pot.

Cave Trip - Grenada a Jewel of the Caribbean – Complete Travel Guide, Top Attractions, Culture, and Best Time to Visit

Second, there are a number of other things that should not be missed such as pelau (rice and meat dish), roti (Indian style bread with spicy meat curry or vegetables), fresh products of sea such as lobster and conch. Don’t leave the island without tasting its famous chocolate made from the locally grown cocoa and accompany the experience with a glass of locally made rum or rum punch with sprinkling of nutmeg on top.

Conclusion

Grenada is a natural beauty island that boasts tropical climate and has something for everyone no matter the nature of traveler. If it you are interested in watching a quiet sunrise on an unknown beach, trekking in the middle of tropical forests, or learning about a wonderful culture, Grenada provides. With such things as natural landscapes, people, history and festivals, one can always be certain that Grenada is the place to spend your vacation. Organise your trip to the Spice Isle and find out all the amazing things that you can do in this off the tourist trail Caribbean destination.

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