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.
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.
Bow of a water taxi at Grand Anse beach at St George's.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Address: La Sagesse Nature Centre, Box 44, St George's, Grenada , Grenada
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Grand Etang National Park
St George's
Grand Anse Bay
Grand Etang National Park
St George's
St George's
Grand Anse Bay
Grand Etang National Park
