Tourist Attractions in Grenada

In the far south of the Caribbean, not far from the coast of Venezuela, is the tranquil nation of Grenada. It includes not only the main island of Grenada but also the two smaller islands of Petit Martinique and Carriacou. This is a land of lush mountains, soft sand beaches, plantations, small towns and a relatively small number of seaside resorts. Many visitors spend their time around Grand Anse, a lovely stretch of beach catering to tourists, but there is much more to see for those who choose to venture out.

The capital city of St George's is set around a lovely harbour. The inner harbor area of Carenage is a particularly interesting spot where schooners come and go and visitors can relax at local restaurants. One of the main attractions in the city is Fort George, built by the French in the early 18th C. From this high point there are good views of the harbor and surroundings. Not far from St George's is the resort area of Grand Anse Bay, the main tourist destination on the island, with a beautiful beach, hotels, restaurants, and other tourist amenities. Just south of here is the Morne Rouge Bay, another popular beach in the area.

Further afield, in the northeast of Grenada, is the scenic Levera National Park. This park is set along a dramatic stretch of coast with cliffs and beaches, and a view to the offshore island of Sugar Loaf. The area has an abundance of wildlife, and is a particularly good spot for bird watching or just walking the trails. Snorkelers and divers will also be impressed by the coral reefs. Another area of interest in the northeast is Bathways Beach, a relatively undeveloped beach with a visitor's center.

Spread around Grenada are a number of old plantations and estates, some of which can be visited. The historic Dougaldston Spice Estate provides a look at the many spices grown on the island and offers informative tours, and insight on the industry and history. For those interested in exploring the interior, Grand Etang Road offers a scenic drive through the rainforest along a twisty road. It leads through Grand Etang National Park, which has numerous hiking trails of varying lengths to suit all levels of ability. This is a great place to see some of the native plants and spectacular waterfalls. One of the highlights is Grand Etang Lake, formed long ago by a crater.

Travelers who take the time to visit the islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique will not be disappointed. These are much smaller islands and easy to explore. Carriacou has a number of small villages but the main population center is Hillsborough. Visitors can walk up a road to a high point on the hospital grounds for excellent views over the island and sea. Also up in this area are the remains of an old British Fort and an old sugar mill. Petit Martinique is located 5 km/3 mi northeast of Carriacou and is even quieter than its neighbor, but equally beautiful.