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Sandy Island Carriacou, Grenada
Grenada is a rolling, mountainous island, covered with fragrant spice trees and rare tropical flowers. Bordered by stunning beaches, and dotted with picturesque towns, this verdant island has long been a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa. The seductive drifts through the colourful Saturday markets and Grenada's dense forests. In the interior of this volcanic island are cascading rivers and waterfalls, lush rainforests, and one of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain lakes imaginable. The capital, St. George's, is widely held to be the loveliest city in the Caribbean. Its horseshoe-shaped harbour is surrounded by a pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses and the red-tiled roofs of traditional shops and homes.

Grenada's physical beauty is complemented by its rich history and vibrant, living cultural heritage. Local festivals, fairs, and markets remain an integral part of life on Grenada. Its centuries-old spice plantations and rum distilleries still use traditional methods, emphasizing quality rather than quantity. Although the tourist industry has become more substantial in recent years, the island's easy rhythms and the friendly openness of its residents evoke an atmosphere that has long since vanished elsewhere.

For many visitors, of course, the measure of any island is taken by its beaches and coral reefs, and Grenada offers plenty of both. The island is ringed with miles of picture-perfect strands, including both entrancing black and sugar-fine white sand beaches. Grand Anse Beach, a smooth expanse stretching for two miles around the curve of a gentle bay, is world famous. Grenada has plenty to offer those interested in offshore pleasure as well, with easily accessible and pristine reefs off the coast of both Grenada and its sister island, Carriacou.

Seen from Fort Frederick, Grenada
This small nation consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique. Grenada is by far the largest of the three, with a width of twelve miles (18 km) and a length of twenty-one miles (34 km). Its 133 sq. miles (440 sq. km.) are mountainous, volcanic terrain, reaching heights of over 2,750 feet atop Mount St. Catherine. This topography provides Grenada with one of the loveliest and most varied environments in the Caribbean, including crater lakes as well as a startling variety of plant and animal life. Dwarf forests high atop Mount St. Catherine descend to the montane rainforests of middle altitudes, which give way in turn to the dry forests of the lowlands. Those forests shift to mangrove at the coast, giving way to stunning white sand beaches, brilliant blue water, and exquisite coral reefs.

Grenada's smaller sister island, Carriacou, is hilly but not mountainous. With smoother terrain, Carriacou is an ideal destination for walking. It possesses fine sand beaches and natural harbours, as well as offering excellent views out over the northern Grenadine islands. Petite Martinique, the third and by far the smallest island in the state, consists of little more than the tip of a volcanic cone poking through the water. It is only now being developed for visitors.

Location: The three islands of Grenada are located in the Eastern Caribbean at the southern extremity of the Windward islands, only 100 miles north of Venezuala. To the north lie St. Vincent and the Grenadines; to the south Trinidad and Tobago.

Climate: Average temperatures range from 24C/75F to 30C/87F, tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. Because of Grenada's remarkable topography, the island also experiences climate changes according to altitude. The driest season is between January and May. Even during the rainy season, from June to December, it rarely rains for more than an hour at a time and generally not every day.

People: Grenada's population numbers about 93,000, comprising citizens of African, East-Indian, and European descent. The largest proportion of the population, about 75%, is of African descent.

St. Georges, Grenada
Activities:

Beaches:
There are about 45 beautiful beaches in Grenada, one of the islands most attractive features, and which most visitors come just to enjoy. All beaches on the island are officially public property, which means that the public must have access to it, regardless of where it is situated. Before property can be developed, especially areas which are located near a beach, the developer must show how he is providing access in case someone wishes to go there.

Diving:
The underwater scenery in Grenada is every bit as breathtaking as it is above the waves, and just as accessable. Most of the diving facilities in Grenada are located in the south of the island, and most of the dives sites are within 15 minutes of the Grand Anse Beach. The diving in Grenada is some of the best in the Caribbean, and we boast the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean as well as an underwater volcano! However, with PADI instructors on the island, anyone can try it as long as they are fairly fit and can swim. Diving in Grenada is perfect for the novice and a challenge for the master. The water surrounding Grenada and Carriacou offer fun and excitement for all divers of all skill levels. From lazy drift dives over coral gardens to an eerie and challenging exploration of the wrecks of the Bianca C, these waters are captivating more and more visitors each year.

Climbing For Coconuts, Taken on Grand Anse Beach , Grenada
Saling:
One sure way to get the most out of a Caribbean holiday, is to charter a yacht. There is a wide range of options open to visitors interested in sailing. In Grenada and Petite Martinique, where the sailing is worldclass, it's possible to charter a crewed yacht or bareboat for a day or longer.

A number of local operators run regular day trips around the islands, and these packages generally include leisurely excursions to nearby harbours and islands with food, drinks and a variety of watersports.

Culture
Grenadian culture is a mixture of British, African, West Indian and French influences. Though the majority of Grenadians are Roman Catholic and a French-African patois is spoken by some, the French influence on this small nation is slight compared to other neighboring islands that have oscillated between the main Caribbean colonial powers.

The official language is English, and though the majority are Roman Catholic, there are plenty of Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian churches. African Creole influences come to the fore during Carnival, and a general resurgence of black pride is visible in the widespread practice of giving African names to Grenadian children. Carriacou has a unique folk troupe that performs the African-influenced Big Drum Dance, centered around the playing of drums made of small rum kegs covered with goatskin. On Grenada, steel band and calypso music are popular.

St. Georges, Grenada
The folk art of Carriacou artist Canute Caliste has gained international recognition painting visions of mermaids and sailing vessels at his home in L'Esterre. The popularity of steel hulls has made it difficult to see traditional wooden schooners being built on Carriacou.

Events
Grenada's biggest festival is Carnival, held on the second weekend in August. It includes calypso and steel band competitions, all sorts of costumed revelry, a pageant and a grand finale 'jump-up' on the following Tuesday. Many of Carnival's events are held at Queen's Park, on the north side of St George's. The Spice Island Billfish Tournament held in January attracts anglers from North America and the Caribbean keen to hook its six-figure first prize. Carriacou's four-day Carnival usually takes place in February. The Carriacou Regatta, a major sailing event featuring races to Grenada, Union Island and Bequia, is held in late July or early August. It's accompanied by additional sporting events and plenty of music and dancing.
Last edited by Anna (6:40, 06 January 2006)
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