10 Reasons You’ll Want to Travel to Grenada
Grenada is ideal for adventures and water sports, like my favorite, snorkeling. // Courtesy Grenada Tourism Authority
Grenada, a Caribbean gem known as the Spice Island, is a destination that deserves to be noticed — especially if you want to enjoy new adventures or revisit some of your favorite ways to have fun in the sun.
The tourism bureau of Grenada is highlighting the tri-island destination of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique this summer, touting the region's boundless opportunities to explore, relax and experience the best of Caribbean living.
Grenada features ideal weather all year so you can get out and explore and take on adventure. It's an ideal destination for sailing, yachting and a host of other waters sports. Plus, there is also plenty to do on land, with festivals, food and sightseeing.
Check out these 10 reasons to consider a trip to Grenada.
1. Explore 3 Caribbean Islands on One Trip
Not only are Carriacou and Petite Martinique easily accessible from Grenada, they both offer off-the-radar experiences because there are no large resorts or crowded beaches. Travelers will find rows of boats on its shores. These boats were made with boat-building techniques dating to the 19th century. The islands' residents have their own traditions, separate from Grenada, which include annual festivals such as annuals events like Carriacou Carnival, Petite Martinique Whitsuntide Regatta from and the Carriacou Regatta.
2. The Annual SpiceMas "Pure Mas" Carnival
The most anticipated event of the year, SpiceMas (August 14-15, 2017) transforms the island of Grenada into a spectacle of all things culture, splendor and surprise. Belonging only to Grenadian culture, Jab Jabs are people who walk and dance through the streets wearing a horned headpiece covered in black oil. This masquerade takes place early Monday morning and goes through to Monday Night Mas where party-goers in bright T-shirts wave light sticks and dance through the streets well into the night. The festival climaxes with parades of the explosively colorful bands, calypso and soca competitions along with a frenzy of steel pan music. Spectators and participants alike feel the energy on the streets and through the veins of the island.
3. It’s a Paradise for Divers and Snorkelers
There are more than 50 dive sites to try, with a selection of wrecks and reefs that house an abundance of marine life. The must-see and most famous wreck is the 600-foot-long Bianca C, which sank in the St. Georges harbor in 1961. Only advanced divers can experience the Bianca C, but beginners wishing for a unique underwater experience should visit the World's First Underwater Sculpture Park. It is a selection of more than 100 sculptures that act as artificial reefs.
4. Dozens of Beautiful Beaches
With so many beaches available on the islands, it is easy to find one that fits your style (relaxing, playing or a little of both). The most famous, Grand Anse Beach, is home to a number of hotels and restaurants and extends two miles long. Little secluded beaches such as Menere Point, Gaby's Beach, and Pink Gin are ideal for relaxing and unwinding without the crowds.
5. Resorts to Fit Any Travel Style
From five star hotels and resorts to cozy guesthouses and cottages, the island's accommodations are able to satisfy the pickiest travelers. Luxury travelers can enjoy a truly personalized and indulgent experience at award-winning resorts that include top-notch service and delectable cuisine. Visitors wishing to rejuvenate and find a quaint paradise can find secluded villa rentals located on hilltops or near private beaches. In addition, the varied selection of all-inclusive accommodations, give you a chance to leave your worries behind. Into a more authentic local experience? Try one of the guesthouses or bed and breakfasts.
6. Spectacular Waterfalls Hiking
Waterfalls hiking and other trail activities take you into the heart of Grenada // Courtesy True Blue Bay Boutique Resort
There are 15 waterfalls in Grenada, and they can be extremely accessible. Concord Falls is located just feet away from the road, but the bit-more-difficult to reach Mount Carmel Waterfall is reached by a 30-minute hike through plantation fields. Each has its own unique beauty with pools to swim in and surrounded by exquisite flora and fauna.
7. The Spice-Infused Cuisine
Home to some of the best herbs, vegetables and spices in the Caribbean as well as being the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg, Grenada's unique cuisine ranges from wholesome savory dishes to sweet treats infused with nutmeg and cocoa. The national dish, oil down, consists of stew made with salted meat, breadfruit, dumplings, turmeric, and callaloo all steamed in coconut milk. To top off any meal, nutmeg ice cream is a popular dessert option.
8. Rich History is Found in the Streets and Landmarks
Although Christopher Columbus set his eyes on Grenada in 1498 during his third voyage, the island was formed about 2 million years ago and was inhabited by the Arawaks. To this day, visitors can see the Arawak influence when visiting the Grenada National Museum, which houses artifacts as well as collections from the first inhabitants and plantation economy. Presently, the names of the villages, the architecture and dialect spoken, bear reference to Grenada's history of European settlements.
9. It’s a Chocolate-Lover's Paradise
Cocoa production in Grenada uses an organic, "tree to bar" process. The Grenada Chocolate Company started this business model in 1999 where the cocoa grew in the same place it was processed, allowing for the co-operative to do its own fermenting with fresh beans. Since then, many more producers of chocolate opened up sustainable and ethical businesses such as Belmont Estate, Crayfish Bay, and Diamond Chocolate Factory, which are available for visitors to tour and taste the variety of pure Grenadian chocolate.
10. You’ll Find Talented Artistans
From natural products to handmade crafts — many with a nutmeg or cocoa theme — a variety of souvenir items can be found when visiting Grenada. The island's most notable shopping location is the Grand Anse Craft and Spice Market, where talented, Grenadian artisans sell art, spices and custom-made jewelry.
A complete list of accommodation offerings, tours, restaurants and all that Grenada has to offer is available at www.puregrenada.com.
About Grenada
The tri-island destination of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique is located in the southernmost region of the Caribbean near St. Vincent and the Grenadines and off the coast of Venezuela. The population of Grenada is about 107,000, and temperatures average about 80 degrees year-round.
Thanks for reading,
JR