Grenada is often referred to as 'Spice Island', and with more spices per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, it is indeed true that the sweet scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla often linger in this clement climate. This adds an 'air' of exoticism to the Caribbean country, which actually consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Just as there is often spice in the air, there is music if you seek it. With Grenada's African origins, Calypso is the music of the native Grenadian. Modern music has infiltrated in the form of reggae and pop but Carnival is still awash with traditional rhythms. West Indian rhythms also translate into West Indian dishes, with Grenada's palate-tempting foods such as callaloo soup (much like spinach), seafood and seasoned meats.

Grenada is by far the largest, with a width of 12 miles (18km) and a length of 21 miles (34km), comprising mountainous, volcanic terrain. This topography provides Grenada with one of the loveliest and most varied environments in the Caribbean, including crater lakes, as well as a variety of plant and animal life. Dwarf forests high atop Mount St Catherine descend to the rainforests of middle altitudes, which give way in turn to the dry forests of the lowlands. Those forests shift to mangrove at the coast, giving way to stunning white sand beaches, brilliant blue water and exquisite coral reefs.
However, Grenada's history is not as sweet as its spices, nor as harmonious as its music. Arawak Indians were displaced by Caribs some time before AD 1300, who fiercely resisted settlement until 1650, when the French claimed the island, and then taken by the British in 1783. Until emancipation, Grenada was an important center in the slave trade between Africa and the sugar plantations of the West Indies. Later, trade union organization, promoted by Eric Gairy, a firebrand ex-teacher, took root among the workforce. Gairy ultimately led Grenada into independence from the UK in 1974, and subsequently won three elections. Among his opponents was the New JEWEL Movement (Joint Endeavour for Welfare, Education and Liberation), a group of mainly young, educated left-wingers, led by Maurice Bishop. In the spring of 1979, the NJM deposed Gairy in a bloodless coup. The USA believed that the NJM wanted to turn Grenada into a mini-Cuba, and from 1980 onwards, increased political pressure against the government. This led to the military coup of October 1983 in which Bishop was killed, providing a pretext for US invasion and restoration of the pre-NJM system under US tutelage. Four existing political parties allied to form the New National Party (NNP), which has dominated politics ever since.

Visa formalities for greneda:

Passports
Passport valid for six months from date of departure from Grenada required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Not required by all nationals of countries referred to U.K, U.S.A, Australian, Canadian, and Other EU for stays of up to three months.

Note: Nationals not referred in visa requirement line are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Warning
Most visits to Grenada are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Hurricanes Ivan and Emily caused considerable damage to Grenada in 2004 and 2005 respectively.  Some reconstruction of private homes, official buildings and other facilities are still to be completed.  Most hotels are now fully operational but visitors should check with their tour operator/hotelier/host before traveling to see if their facilities remain affected. The hurricane season in Grenada normally runs from June to November. 

Attractions in Grenada:

St George’s

The Carenage, a picturesque inner harbor with 18th-century warehouses and restaurants, and Fort George (built by the French in 1705) are both worth a visit. See also the outer harbor, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and Fort Frederick.

Spice Country

On the way here, north from the capital, visitors pass through some of the prettiest fishing villages on the island. Hidden among the red roofs of Gouyave is the factory where spices are sorted, dried and milled. The Douglaston Estate is a traditional plantation in the center of the nutmeg- and cocoa-growing region.

Water sports

Grenada’s best-known white-sand beach, the Grand Anse, is complemented by several others, notably those on neighboring Morne Rouge, the deserted beaches on the southern coast and Levera Bay, which is also a favorite surfing spot. Apart from in the sea, swimming is also possible at several of the islands’ rainforest pools and lakes, many of which are formed by waterfalls, such as the Annandale Falls and the Concord Falls. Diving and snorkeling can be practiced widely, with the Grand Anse beach being the starting point for many diving trips to the nearby reefs and islands. Most dive sites are easily accessible from the coast. Some of the best are Molinière Reef, located approximately 5km (3 miles) from St George’s; Martin’s Bay, close to Grand Anse, also a popular snorkeling spot; and Channel Reef. The neighboring island of Carricou, part of the Grenadines, is known as the ‘island of coral reefs’ and offers ideal diving conditions, with a rich marine life. Yachting is also extremely popular and a number of major yacht races and regattas are held throughout the year, notably the January Sailing Festival (lasting five days) and the sailing regatta in Tyrell Bay on Carricou. Particularly popular sailing destinations in the area include the Grenadine islands Sugar Loaf, Green Island and Sandy Island. A variety of small and large craft may be hired. Contact the Grenada Board of Tourism for details. Visitors can also make boat trips on traditional wooden schooners, which is a popular way to cross the 5km- (3-mile) distance between the islands of Carricou and Petit Martinique.

Carriacou

In ‘the Grenadines of Grenada’, this island is a yachtsman’s paradise. The Carriacou Museum in Hillsborough has an impressive collection of Amerindian artifacts and mementoes dating back to occupation by the French and British.

Walking

The Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve contains numerous marked trails. The road to the park passes by the northwestern edge of Mount Sinai (703m/2306ft), with its beautiful crater lake, the Grand Etang. The park contains a wealth of interesting flora and fauna, and there are spectacular flower displays depending on the season. Another volcanic crater lake, Lake Antoine, is located in the Levara National Park, a well known destination for bird watching. The La Sagesse Nature Reserve, located in the south, is a protected bird sanctuary with several rivers, mangroves and salt lakes.

Climate of greneda:

Grenadians enjoy excellent weather throughout the year. The average is in the high 80's. The dry season is from January to May and the 'rainy' season for the rest to the year. But there are short spells of rain in the dry period lasting no more than 5 minutes or so. Grey clouds over the mountains are the first sign of rain. Like most other Caribbean destinations you would expert to find beautiful beaches, tropical sunshine, together with a friendly welcome. But Grenada is unique with its unmistakable aroma of spies, the mountainous terrain and unexplored coral reefs.