Introduction

Known as the Spice Island, Grenada is lush, large, volcanic and mantled in rainforest, with gracious islanders, a lovely capital St George’s. Visitors will be enticed by the sweet scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla wafting on the balmy breeze. Nutmeg is the most abundant spice, and Grenada produces about a third of the world’s supply. The three islands of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique are located in the eastern Caribbean at the southern extremity of the Windward Islands. Grenada is not the most developed of the Windward Islands and it is not that developed a tourist destination, which is probably an advantage. Grenada atmosphere is laid back and offers this special Caribbean charm.

History

Carib Indians inhabited Grenada when COLUMBUS discovered the island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century. The French settled Grenada in the 17th century, established sugar estates, and imported large numbers of African slaves. Britain took the island in 1762 and vigorously expanded sugar production. In the 19th century, cacao eventually surpassed sugar as the main export crop; in the 20th century, nutmeg became the leading export. In 1967, Britain gave Grenada autonomy over its internal affairs. Full independence was attained in 1974 making Grenada one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Culture

The nation’s citizens are primarily of African, East-Indian and European descent, with the largest proportion of the population, approximately 75%, of African descent. With its African origins, Calypso is the music of the native Grenadian.

Map

To See

Some of Granada’s attractions are Fort Frederick, Fort George, Old Georgian Buildings and Yellow Poui Art Gallery. The colourful Market on Saturday is also a specialty. The National Museum and Bay Gardens are worth a visit too. Other interest places are Woodlands Sugar Factory, Westerhall Estate Rum Distillery,  River Antoine Rum Distillery, Annandale Falls, Leapers Hill in Sauteurs, and Spice Garden. Tropical rainforests, gorges and the stunning beauty of dormant volcanoes make this a fascinating and diverse landscape with some of the finest beaches in the world. Surfing, swimming - possible at several of the islands’ rainforest pools and lakes-, diving and snorkelling are among the water sports available Yachting is also extremely popular as well as boat trips on traditional wooden schooners.

Usefull Information

Airport: Point Salines International Airport.

Area: 344 km2 (133 square miles).

Business: Banks are open Monday to Thursday, 8am-3pm, and 8am-5pm on Fridays.

Capital: St. George's.

Climate: Average temperatures range from 24ºC to 30ºC, tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds. Due to Grenada’s remarkable topography, the island also experiences climate changes according to altitude.

Clothing: Casual, light cottons are ideal during the day; Bathing suits or mini shorts should not be worn in the streets or stores. Long pants and hiking shoes are recommended for hiking.

Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC).

Customs: The following goods may be imported into Grenada without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l of wine or spirits. Narcotics, arms and ammunition, and fruit and vegetables are prohibited.

Economy: Grenada relies on tourism as its main source of foreign exchange, especially since the construction of an international airport in 1985. Strong performances in construction and manufacturing, together with the development of an offshore financial industry, have also contributed to growth in national output.

Electricity: 220 volts, 50 cycles.

Entry & Departure requirements: Please refer to the official tourist office website link below or contact us.

Health: There is a General Hospital in St. George's, a smaller hospital in Mirabeau in the northern parish of St. Andrew, and one in Carriacou. Clinics and doctors can be found throughout the islands.

Holidays: New Year’s Day (01JAN), Independence Day (FEB), Good Friday, and Easter Monday (MAR-APR), Labour day (MAY), Whit Monday (MAY-JUN), Corpus Christi (JUN), Emancipation Day (AUG), Carnival 2 days (AUG), Thanksgiving Day (OCT), Christmas (25-26DEC).

Language: English is the official language but a French-African patois is also spoken.

Political status: Independent nation, member of the Commonwealth.
Population: 89,971.

Religion: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian and Methodists.

Security: Visitors to Grenada should take sensible precautions, as you would anywhere in the world nowadays.

Shopping: Shops are generally open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Craft and souvenir shops will open on a Sunday or Bank Holiday, especially if cruise ships are in port.

Taxes & Service charges: There is an 8% Government Tax at hotels and restaurants. Most also add a 10% service charge.

Telecommunications: The international dialling code for Dominica is +1 473. 
Time: Standard Time Zone: GMT – 4 hrs. Grenada Island Time does not operate Daylight-Saving Time.

Transportation: Driving is on the left hand side of the road. Rentals require a temporary local license that can be obtained for a fee.

MORE INFORMATION: http://grenadagrenadines.com/