Charming volcanic landscape, luxurious yachts in the port, and white sandy beaches are for the numerous tourists the main attractions of the Spice Isle Grenada. This island state, consists of the largest island Grenada itself and northward smaller Grenadines, lying between Saint Vincent in the north and Trinidad and Tobago in the south, is situated in the Caribbean, or West Indies. The islands are created by volcanic activity, which prove numerous crater lakes, great amount of thermal springs, and also frequent earthquakes. The isles of Grenadines are usually made of a single volcano. The highest mountain of the main island called Mount Saint Catherine reaches to 840 metres. The tropical humid climate softened by the trade winds offers the opportunity to visit the area in every year season. Grenada is situated on the edge of the hurricane belt, yet dangerous hurricanes usually avoid it. The saddest exception of the recent years was the hurricane Ivan in 2004, which damaged almost 90% of the residences.

People and economy in Grenada

The majority of the population are descendants of the African slaves and the mixture of Africans and Europeans. The minority consisting of Indians brought after the abolition of slavery as plantation workers can be find there, contrary to indigenous people, totally destroyed by French conquerors. The official language is English, however, Grenadian Creole and French Patois are also widely spoken. The economy is focused mainly on the export of spices like ginger, cloves, cinnamon and especially nutmeg, providing one third of the world supply. The nutmeg can be even found on the national flag. Hence it comes the very characteristic labelling of Grenada as The Spice Isle.

Grenada's history

The isle of Grenada was discovered by Christopher Columbus and called Conceptión, though warlike Caribs discouraged Spanish from colonisation. As the first Europeans, French settled in the territory and, as well as in other Caribbean islands, the fights between French and British succeeded. Finally, Grenada became the constitutional monarchy within Commonwealth. Nevertheless, only few people know that a few years ago, Grenada, trying to ally with communist Cuba, suddenly became the very centre of the Cold War and was subsequently invaded by the United States. The democratic government was restored in 1984.

Grenada's culture

Although the original French influence in the form of the houses built in the Georgian and Victorian style or two conserved fortresses is still visible, it is the British influence, which dominates in Grenada at the present time, combined with the African tradition, particularly in music and cultural habits. The traditional African rituals are observed especially in the largest island of Grenadines Carriacou, represented by the wild "Great Drum Dance" performed on Christmas.

What to do in Grenada

Famous for its limpid sea, coral reefs, and fine white sandy beaches, Grenada is considered to be the paradise for divers, soaring-flyers, and sea lovers. Almost all tiny islands are uninhabited and that is why they became attractive destinations for the yacht trips. The elaborate system of national parks and reservations promises the various possibilities how to explore the beautiful nature of the islands, including breathtaking waterfalls, crater lakes and volcanoes providing splendid views and luring numerous mountain hikers, birdwatchers and other nature admirers and outdoor lovers.