Located at the southern tip of the islands of the Lesser Antilles , Grenada is the last in the chain of the paradise of islands in the Eastern Caribbean . The island was discovered by Columbus on his third voyage in 1498. The influence of the French is very evident throughout the island with many places and family names showing their French roots, and the cuisine being strongly Creole based with heavy use of spices, all of which are produced on the island. This has resulted in Grenada enjoying the justly deserved title of the Spice Island of the Caribbean, with nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, cloves, and many others resulting in the smell of the spices drifting over the island and out to sea.
This added to the magnificence of the natural harbour of the capital, St George's , with it's surrounding hills, ablazed with bourgainvillia and hibiscus, terracing down to the colourful and quaint waterfront, creates an unforgettable impression of Grenada for all it's visitors. The most spectacular views of St George's are from the vantage points of Fort George , built in 1705, and Fort Frederick , completed in 1791, on Richmond Hill . This island paradise with the scenic grandeur of it's mountainous interior and some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean compete with the friendliness of it's people for the lasting affections of the tourists visiting Grenada .
Grand Anse Beach is reputed to be one of the finest beaches in the world, but time is recommended to spend looking around St George's , the island capital. Quaint buildings, both commercial and private, hug the hillsides with narrow streets all leading to the quayside, which bustles with life providing excellent shopping, banking facilities and restaurants, with spice venders offering their wares from both shops and stalls. Water taxis are available for those who wish to see this unique harbour from the best vantage points.
The inner harbour is known as the Careenage with it's preserved 18th century warehouses, lively bars and restaurants make it a popular meeting place for tourists and yachtmen alike. No visit to Grenada is complete without a trip to see the wonders of the Gran Etang National Park . On route can be seen the Annandale Waterfalls set amid the colour and splendour of natural tropical vegetation. At the centre of the National Park is the museum providing an insight into the history of the island, whilst a short walk away is the Grand Etang Lake , a thirteen acre cobalt blue crater, with it's legend of mermaids living in it's depths.
North of Grenada, lies the unspoilt islands of the Grenadines , two of which belong to Grenada . Whilst Petit Martinique, famous as a haven for smugglers in bygone days, lies in the centre of the Grenadines , Carriacou lies just north of Grenada . This is an unspoilt island not tainted by commerce. It's capital, Hillsborough, epitomizes the Caribbean of the past, and it's two hotels are small and casually intimate. Carriacou is famous for producing "Jack Iron", a most potent variety of rum, which should be partaken with extreme caution and much dilution with non-alcoholic beverages. The most memorable of the smaller uninhabited islands popular with the yachtmen is Kick em Jenny, supposedly a corruption of Quai qui gene (Annoying Reef).
Grenada offers it's visitors scenic beauty, fine beaches, natural splendour, and excellent facilities for tourists including sailing, sports fishing, golf, tennis, and scuba diving with clear water, extensive coral reefs, and several interesting wreck sites including that of the Italian liner, Bianca C, which sank in 1961 and now lies at a depth of 120 feet.
