Due to its mountainous interior, Grenada possesses an irregular coastline, marked by many small bays and inlets. As a result, it offers several secluded and private beaches, many of which seem to have been untouched since the island rose from the sea. The white sand beaches are formed from pulversied coral "rock" and tiny fragments of mollusk shells. There are a number of black sand beaches as well, where the sand is of a finer, softer quality.

Most of the better-known beaches are in the southwestern part of Grenada.This is also the location of Grenada's most famous stretch of sand, the two-mile long Grand Anse. Located just south of St. George's, this stunning soft white sand beach has attracted many of the island's hotels and resorts. Unlike other islands, however, Grenada has made sure that the development is unobtrusive. By law, no hotel on the island can exceed three stories or the height of the palm trees.

- Book your hotel in Grenada >>
- Beaches Grenada >>

Sailing. As the Gateway to the Grenadines, Carriacou is the perfect place to begin or end your sailing holiday. In Carriacou, yachts can moor at:

- Tyrell Bay Marina, Tyrell Bay 443 7552
- Tyrell Bay Yacht Haulout, Tyrell Bay 443 8175
- Carriacou Yacht Club, Hermitage 443 6292

Tanki's Water Sport Paradise
Address: L'Esterre Carriacou
Phone: (1-473) 443-8406
Fax: (1-473) 441-2492

There are historical museums in both Grenada and Carriacou and other places of interest including Plantation "Great" houses which have been refurbished and are operated today as restaurants and inns.

The Grenada National Museum
Address: Corner Young & Monckton St, St. George's
Phone: (1-473) 440-3725

From exotic spices to duty-free bargains, shopping in Grenada offers something of interest for everyone. Bustling with activity and offering a wide assortment of fresh produce, spices and handicrafts, St. George’s market is the center of island life. Souvenir, gift and handicraft shops are also prevalent in the St. George’s district, especially on Young Street and the Carenage. The best buys in Grenada are batik and screen printed textiles, locally made handicraft, leather craft, and wood carvings.

For those looking for larger shopping centers, the Grand Anse Shopping Centre and LeMarquis Complex offer shops, clothing stores, restaurants and art galleries. The new Spiceland Mall also has a wide variety of shops and boutiques.

Attractive jewellery is sold by Spice Island Jewellery. Spices, locally-made jams, jellies, and syrups, especially nutmeg, local fresh fruits and vegetables are other good buys.

Grenada also offers fine duty-free bargains. Most of the duty free shops are located on the Carenage in St. George’s or at Point Salines International Airport, including Gittens Duty Free Shops for perfumes and cosmetics, Bon Voyage for jewellery, crystal, and other gifts, Colombian Emeralds for a fine selection of quality jewellery, LAND for Leather goods and Duty Free Caribbean for gifts, souvenirs and duty free rums and spirits.

On the Spice Island of the Caribbean, West Indian and Creole flavors combine to produce a unique cuisine that is distinctly Grenadian. Creole cuisine and seafood are Grenada’s specialties and the inspiration for some of the island’s best restaurants. And, of course, all Grenadian cuisine is enhanced by the wide variety of spices grown on the island, including nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and ginger, to name just a few. For instance, nutmeg, which is the island’s principal spice, is infused into everything from candy to ice cream.

Grenada’s more exotic dishes include "Oildown," which is the national dish and consists of a stew made with salted meat, breadfruit, onion, carrot, celery, dasheen (a root vegetable grown locally) and dumplings, all slowly steamed in coconut milk until the liquid is absorbed. Seafood of all kinds is very popular and plentiful, with Grenadian caviar (roe of white sea urchin), conch and a fish dish called "Stuffed Jacks" appearing on many restaurant menus.

For those looking for something a little more familiar, there are also plenty of fine restaurants that offer an array of delectable French, Italian and Continental dishes.

- Restaurants in Grenada >>

On weekends the nightlife in Carriacou picks up a pace with seasonal entertainment at several local watering holes.

Carriacou is home to many cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The largest festivals include Carriacou Carnival, Carriacou Regatta and the Carriacou Maroon Music Festival.

- Carnival Celebrations Feb / Mar
- Maroon Music Festival Apr
- Regatta Festival Jul / Aug
- TTSA Sailing Series Nov
- Parang Festival Dec

Carriacou's carnival celebrations are held on the Monday and Tuesday immediately preceding the start of the Christian Lenten season. A celebration of culture and tradition, this indigenous carnival features early morning j'ouvert and daytime parade of the fancy bands through the town on Carnival Monday and Shakespeare Mas played in the villages from 9 am on Carnival Tuesday. Surrounded by pulsating musical rhythms and biting calypso commentaries, Carriacou carnival climaxes in Main Street, Hillsborough at midday on Carnival Tuesday.

Links & Sources:

• Frommers
• Ministry of Tourism
• Grenada Tourism Board