Grenada (Island) Attractions
|
|
The island of Grenada is home to 90% of the country's population and land, covering an area of 310sq km/118sq mi. The country's economy is based largely on tourism and farming, with Grenada being one of the world's largest exporters of nutmeg.The island is of volcanic origin, giving it a mountainous interior covered in dense rain forest. The southwestern portion of the island, from St George's to the Point Salines Airport, is the most popular tourist area with protected beaches and calm waters. The southern coast is characterized by inlets and coves which are frequented by yachters. On the eastern side of the island the landscape is slightly more rugged, with larger waves rolling in from the Atlantic.
| Highlights: |
|---|
Levera National Park
Located along the northeastern shore of the island, Levera National Park offers some dramatic scenery. Backed by cliff walls the beach offers views of Sugar Loaf (Levera Island) and other islands in the distance. A natural offshore reef offers protected areas for swimming. Also of interest in the park is Levera Pond, a water filled ancient volcanic crater, and a Bird-Watch Bridge which extends into a mangrove area. There is a visitors center at the entrance to the park.
Caribs' Leap, Sauteurs, Grenada
The town of Sauteurs is known historically for being the area where Carib families died as they jumped off the cliffs while retreating from the French soldiers in 1651. Caribs' Leap is a 40 m coastal cliff wall near St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church.
Grand Anse Bay
Just south of St George's is the resort area of Grand Anse. A long stretch of golden sand beach lines the bay and is backed by a few hotels and restaurants. Vendors on the beach sell a variety of trinkets and souvenirs.
Morne Rouge Bay
One bay south of Grand Anse, near the southern tip of Grenada, is the beach area of Morne Rouge. The bay is lined with white sand and backed by palm trees.
La Sagesse Nature Centre
La Sagesse Nature Centre is on the former estate of Lord Brownlow. His beachside residence has been renovated and turned into an inn. The golden sand beach fronting the property is in a protected bay and offers good swimming.Nature trails in the area run up through the windswept hills and provide excellent views over the ocean and surrounding area. Much of the land behind the inn is a state run banana plantation.
Underwater Sculptures
On the west coast of Grenada, just a short ways north of St George's at Moiliniere Bay is a unique art exhibit of underwater sculptures. Created by artist Jason de Caires Taylor, sixty-five sculptures spread over 800sq metres in a national marine park can be seen by divers, snorkelers or those in a glass bottom boat.
Bathways Beach
In the northeast corner of Grenada is the coral sand Bathways Beach, with a naturally protected pool for swimming. There is a visitors center with some natural history displays at this otherwise undeveloped beach.
Sandy Island
Off Bathways Beach are three small islands. One of these, Sandy Island, has an old abandoned hotel and a nice stretch of beach for swimming. Transportation can usually be arranged to the island from Sauteurs Beach on the north coast.
Dougaldston Spice Estate, Gouyave, Grenada
Dougaldston Spice Estate, where many of the island's spices have traditionally been grown and processed, offers tours of their facilities to the public. Visitors can buy spices here as well.
Nutmeg Processing Plant
Near the Dougaldston Spice Estate is the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station, which is the largest nutmeg processing facility on the island. Tours are open to the public.
Black Bay Beach
Black Bay beach is a volcanic black sand beach. Somewhat remote, accessing this beach requires a short hike off the main road outside of Gouyave.
| Highlights: |
|---|
Hog Island
Off the southern coast of Grenada is Hog Island, a very popular area with yachters. A resort owned by Moorings, a well known yacht chartering organization, offers luxury accommodation on the island.
Lance Aux Épines (L'Anse aux Épines, Prickly Bay)
The Lance Aux Épines area along the south coast of the island is a quiet area with small beaches. To the west of Lance aux Épines is Prickly Bay, a popular yachting anchorage.
Point Salines
At the southwest corner of the island of Grenada, near the airport is Point Salines. This is a dry area covered with scrubland and home to a couple of remote beaches.
Spice Island Billfish Tournament
The annual Spice Island Billfish Tournament, held in late January, draws fishermen from around the world. The tournament involves three days of fishing and lots of on shore activities after the fishing day is over.
Victoria, Grenada
The small fishing village of Victoria is located along the west coast. Aside from a couple of churches there is little to see in the town other than the villagers way of life.
Grenville, Grenada
Grenville is the second largest city on the island of Grenada and the main port on the east coast. Of interest in the town is the c 1886 Court House.
Mt Carmel Waterfall (Marquis Falls)
3 1/2 km (2 mi) south of Grenville is Grenada's highest waterfall, Mount Carmel. A half hour hike through a plantation of spices and fruits leads directly to the falls.
Pearls Airport
At the abandoned Pearls Airport is an old Russian biplane and a Cubana aircraft.
Amerindian Remains, Mount Rich, Grenada
In the village of Mount Rich are a number of petroglyphs from early Carib tribes. These are the most extensive set of petroglyphs on the island.
Point Salines International Airport
Point Salines International Airport is located in the southwest corner of the island, approximately 15 minutes from the capital city of St George's.
Tivoli, Grenada
Tivoli is a small village north of Grenville with an old church as its most notable landmark.
Lake Antoine
Lake Antoine, near the town of Tivoli, is a crater lake formed on an extinct volcano.
River Sallee Boiling Springs
North of Lake Antoine are the River Sallee Boiling Springs. These sulfur springs can be seen bubbling in a number of holes in this area. Sulfur deposits have left orange and yellow hues on the surrounding landscape. The springs have long been a spiritual area for various religious sects.
