Located in the eastern Caribbean at the southern extremity of the Windward Islands, Grenada is North of Trinidad and Tobago and south of St Vincent & the Grenadines (easily accessible as a day trip). With 133 square miles of mountainous terrain, reaching heights of over 2750 square feet atop Mount St. Catherine, Grenada is a verdant island of outstanding natural beauty complete with swathes of white sandy beaches.

Grenada is closer than you think. The island is accessible from North America, other Caribbean islands and Europe with 16 separate airlines serving Grenada’s Point Salines International Airport. Scheduled flights from the UK are available with XL, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways and can be purchased from £300.

Tourism ~ The Past

The tourism industry is growing fast and the Caribbean as a whole continues to grow as a popular destination. Grenada is well placed to capitalise on this growth, in fact the World Travel and Tourism Council recorded 400,000 visitors in 2006 and forecasts international arrivals to Grenada will reach 600,000 by 2016 with Travel and Tourism activity growing by 2.8% per year between 2008 and 2017. These predictions are based solely on organic demand and do not take into account the additional demand that will be gained by new resorts and increased airlift.

The Grenada Tourist board show that stay-over arrivals grew 24% between Q3 2005 and Q3 2006. Q3 2007 figures show that visitor figures were the highest in Grenada’s history.

Tourism ~ The Future

Despite government targets to offer 2700 hotel rooms in the island, there are still currently only 1700, and less than half of these are of a 3-star standard or higher. The market for 4 and 5 star hotels is the fastest growing tourism sector and so the Grenadian government has focused its development strategy to deliver properties to this standard. As a result, demand for high quality accommodation significantly outstrips supply.

Grenada’s rich history, great food, spectacular diving and relaxed, Caribbean atmosphere make this the ideal holiday destination for a wide range of visitors.

Beach

At Grand Anse Beach, two milesof soft white sand line the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, which offers gentle surf and excellent visibility. Palm and sea grape trees shade the edge of the beach offering a cool resting spot during the warmest parts of the day. Grand Anse combines an incredible natural setting, with plenty to do including scuba diving. Vendors along the beach rent water sports equipment and sell handmade crafts. Several major hotels and restaurants are nearby.

Golf

The Grenada Golf Course and Country Club offers nine challenging holes and superb views of the Caribbean and Atlantic seas. Hog and Hartman Estate, just 5 minutes from Bacolet Bay, has been chosen for the creation of a Four Seasons resort. The onsite championship standard golf course will be an added attraction for visitors to Grenada’s south coast.

Sailing

Grenada’s coastline consists of a collection of bays and inlets where small fishing communities nestle alongside the visiting yachts, giving Grenada the reputation as one of the best sailing destinations in the Caribbean. Also Grenada’s location as the southernmost tip of the Grenadines makes it an ideal location to start a yacht trip across the sun blessed islands.

Diving & Snorkeling

Known as the Spice Island of the Caribbean, Grenada is one of the most spectacular of the Windward Islands. The island is unspoilt, full of history and boasts abundant beauty both in and out of the water. Lying only 100 miles from the coast of Venezuela, the island is a safe distance from the hurricane belt and its many sheltered bays provide a mecca for diving. Diving around Grenada is a combination of rich, prolific and extremely healthy coral reefs, plus dramatic volcanic formations around offshore islets and rocks.

Eating & Drinking

The flavours in Caribbean cuisine are inventive and daring, and dining is as alluring as the endlessly blue waters and peaceful sands. Whether you are enjoying the heat of a traditional West Indian dish or sipping a fruity cocktail made with a smooth local rum, food and drink in the Caribbean are an integral part of the experience. Most dishes that you will enjoy will be prepared almost wholly from local ingredients.

Exploring

The mountains of Grenada’s Central Range rise to over 2000 feet. Some of the mountains contain ancient crater basins, one of which holds the largest crater lake, Grand Etang. The lake is over 1700 feet above sea level and is surrounded by some of the islands most beautiful rainforest.

Shopping

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.

Boating & Sailing

Grenada and the sister islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique are a sailor's dream of paradise, white sandy beaches, safe anchorages and friendly seafaring people. The sailing area is the southern Windward Islands (St Vincent and the Grenadines through to Grenada) and with constant trade winds blowing there is ample opportunity for ideal conditions.

Entertainment

Traditionally, calypso and reggae have been the most important musical styles in Grenada. But in more recent years, outside sources have influenced the local music. “Zouk” from the French Caribbean is changing the sound of calypso, while steel band music has been imported from nearby Trinidad and Tobago. African dances are particularly important as well, as many Grenadians have been able to maintain their tribal heritage throughout the years. Grenadians’ mixed heritage has given the islanders a culture all their own. From their two Carnival celebrations to the folklore and personal histories passed down in family memories, you’re sure to get a truly Caribbean feel from this spirited mix.

Wildlife

The rainforests of Grenada are teeming with wildlife, and are the home of numerous species including the endangered hook-billed kite and Grenada dove. Spot mona monkeys swing from branch to branch as they search for armadillos, mongoose and osprey hawks.

Steep and rugged peaks foster a beautiful eco-system on Grenada. There are crater lakes, waterfalls, cascading mountain streams, hot sulphur springs and thick rainforest supporting a wide array of animal and plant life. Many rivers scour this spectacular landscape and have formed deep gullies, ravines and waterfalls.