Destination attractions things to do in grenada

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

The Caribbean has scores of beautiful islands. Traveling there is like traveling to another part of the world. The reason behind this is that almost every major European country has colonized parts of it at one time or another. Some islands have been colonized by many different European nations. Pair that with the African slave influence and you have two continents on one island.

Grenada, located in the Eastern Caribbean at the southern extremity of the Windward Islands is only 100 miles north of Venezuela. It is a nation composed of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique. At one hundred thirty three square miles, Grenada is the biggest of the three.

Grenada's history allows for a mixture of African, East Indian and European (French and British) culture. French heritage survives in its place names, its buildings, and its strong Catholicism. British culture is has also survived in the names of towns and landmarks. But the African and East Indian influence is quite evident in the food.

Though it is only one hundred thirty three square feet Grenada offers much to do for her visitors. Grenada has an irregular coastline, dotted by many small bays and inlets. She offers several secluded and private beaches. Many of these have been untouched since the island's inception. Most of the popular beaches are in the southwestern part. The more popular beaches are at Calabash, Lance aux Epines, and Horseshoe.

The two mile long Grand Anse, Grenada's most famous stretch of sand is also located just south of St. George (the capital). Many of the island's hotels and resorts have been attracted to this stunning soft white sand beach. But Grenada has made sure that the development is very low key and minimal. By law, no hotel on the island can exceed three stories or the height of the palm trees. So most likely your accommodations along Grand Anse will be an intimate and cozy inn.

For the adventurer Grenada offers yachting, scuba diving and snorkeling. Grenadas waters offer some of the best sailing opportunities in the Caribbean. As a result it has gained a reputation as one of the yachting centers of the Caribbean. The Grenada Yacht Club organizes quite a few sailing events each year. If sailing is your passion don't miss the Grenada Sailing Festival in February.

Is the water calling your name? Grenada offers plenty of great snorkeling and dive locations. Many sites are largely unexplored or under explored. When snorkeling off the west coast of the island make sure to visit the 600-foot wreck of the Bianca (a cruise liner that sank in 1961). But the most convenient snorkeling is found just south of the famous Grand Anse beach.

Looking to catch your own dinner? Grenada offers great deep sea fishing. The annual Spice Island (Grenadas nickname) Game Fishing Tournament attracts fishing professionals from all over the world. But for the visitor there are charter companies that offer day trips to the same fishing grounds.

For those that prefer the land to the sea, Grenada offers golf, tennis and plenty of shopping. The Grenada Golf & Country Club is a nine-hole course located near Grand Anse. The club includes club rental, instruction, snacks at the bar, and a caddy service.

Many hotels have tennis facilities. But if your hotel doesn't, it is simple to make arrangements for a court with a hotel that does. Public courts are available at Grand Anse.

You can't come back from Grenada without souvenirs. The best buys in Grenada are batik and screen printed textiles, locally made handicraft, leather craft, and wood carvings. Spices (especially nutmeg), locally-made jams, jellies, syrups, local fresh fruits and vegetables are also good buys.

Grenada also offers fine duty-free bargains. Most duty free shopping is found at the airport. Duty free shops offer an excellent selection of perfumes and cosmetics. Jewelry, crystal, and other gifts are available at the airport, as well as duty free liquor.

Don't you dare believe the nightlife is reserved for big cities? Grenada will prove you wrong. A local entertainment fare is Sunday Beach BBQ with reggae and calypso music. Before you go dancing you may want to eat at one of the dozens of restaurants. Grenada offers international cuisine as well as local. There are restaurants that serve Szechuan Chinese food as well as German and Australian food. But if you want to totally absorb the local culture, plenty of restaurants offer West Indian and Caribbean food.

Grenada offers so much for such a small island. You are guaranteed to have a grand time!