Known as "The Spice of the Caribbean," visitors will be enticed by the sweet scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla wafting on the balmy breeze. In fact, there are more spices in Grenada per square mile than anywhere else on the planet. Nutmeg is the most abundant spice, and Grenada produces about a third of the world’s supply.

Grenada’s capital, St. George’s, is known as the most picturesque city in the Caribbean. Its horseshoe-shaped harbour is surrounded by a pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses and the red-tiled roofs of traditional shops and homes. Rich in English, French and West Indian history, St. George’s is filled with beautiful well-preserved examples of French and British Colonial architecture.

As for cuisine, visitors can indulge in some of the most exciting in the region, from native Grenadian fare, made from the fresh bountiful produce that is found in the bustling markets to some of the finest creations in international cuisine. West Indian cuisine is of course popular, with restaurants featuring creative local cuisine such as callaloo soup, a melange of fresh local seafood, and meats prepared with a true West Indian flare.

This small nation consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou (pronounced Carry-a KOO), and Petite Martinique (pronounced Pitty Mar-ti-NEEK). Grenada is by far the largest of the three, with a width of twelve miles (18 km) and a length of twenty-one miles (34 km). Its 133 square miles are mountainous, volcanic terrain, reaching heights of over 2,756 feet atop Mount St. Catherine. 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 montane 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.

Grenada’s smaller sister island, Carriacou, is hilly but not mountainous. With smoother terrain, Carriacou is an ideal destination for walking. It possesses fine sand beaches and natural harbours, as well as excellent views of the northern Grenadine islands.

Petite Martinique, the third and smallest island in the state, consists of little more than the tip of a volcanic cone poking through the water. It lies 2.5 miles off the northeast coast of Carriacou. It is only now being developed for visitors.

Location
The three islands of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique are located in the eastern Caribbean at the southern extremity of the Windward Islands, only 100 miles north of Venezuela. To the north lie St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to the south lie Trinidad and Tobago.

Climate
Average temperatures range from 75ºF to 85ºF (24ºC to 30ºC), tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. Due to Grenada’s remarkable topography, the island also experiences climate changes according to altitude. The driest season is between January and May. Even during the rainy season, from June to December, it rarely rains for more than an hour at a time and generally not every day.

People
Approximately 108,132 (est 2008) people inhabit Grenada, including the 6,521 inhabitants of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The nation’s citizens are primarily of African, East-Indian and European descent, with the largest proportion of the population, approximately 75%, of African descent. Grenada is an English-speaking nation.

Music
With its African origins, Calypso is the music of the native Grenadian. Though the mini-buses now play reggae and pop, it is still the music of choice at Carnival time. Ex-tempore is an art form where the musician sings to a standard tune but has impromptu lyrics.

Ports of Entry
Visitors travel to Grenada by Sea and Air. There are a variety of Cruise lines which stop either in St. George's, in Grenada or Hillsborough in Carriacou. International flights stop at Point Salines International Airport, and visitors who continue have only a short hop by inter-island charter to Lauriston Airport in Carriacou.
 
Visitors who make their way down by yacht have a variety of marinas at which they can clear immigration and customs as well as dock and purchase supplies. Anchorage in the islands is available in most inlets and bays, please check with immigration for an updated list.