The southernmost of the Windward
Islands,
Grenada is known as
"The Isle of Spice",
producing one third of the world's
supply of
nutmeg along with
quantities of cinnamon, cloves,
ginger, turmeric and mace. While
largely dependent on agriculture,
the tiny nation of Grenada - which
includes neighbouring
Carriacou
and
Petite Martinique as well
as other smaller Grenadine islands -
is steadily earning a reputation as
a holiday destination, but it
remains relatively unspoiled
compared to other more popular
Caribbean islands.
All three of the main islands
offer excellent watersports
opportunities, while Grenada in
particular has its share of stunning
black- and white-sand beaches,
ranging from the resort-lined Grand
Anse Beach on the southwest tip
to the ruggedly spectacular Bathway
Beach in the northeast. But what
makes Grenada truly spectacular is
the dense tropical rainforest
of its mountainous interior, rich in
birdlife and laced with a network of
hiking trails that provide
magnificent views of the surrounding
peaks.
Ringing the island are a variety
of communities, chief among them the
elegant capital of St George's
, as well as the charming fishing
village of Goyave on the west
coast and, on the east coast, Grenville
, the country's agricultural heart.
The country's inhabitants, 90
percent of whom live on the island
of Grenada, are descended from
British, French, African and West
Indians settlers, and their inviting
and friendly nature belies the
country's turbulent history.
Much smaller and far less visited
are the islands of Carriacou
and Petite Martinique ,
appealing for their slow pace and a
welcome respite from the tourist
crowds on Grenada.
