Overview
Grenada (the first “a” is a long vowel) is the most southerly of the Windward Islands, about 100 mi (161 km) from the Venezuelan coast. It is a volcanic island traversed by a mountain range, the highest peak of which is Mount St. Catherine (2,756 ft; 840 m).
Basic Facts
- Capital St. George's, 4,300
- Monetary unit: East Caribbean dollar (1 US = 2.67 EC)
- Languages: English (official), French patois
Places of Interest
For many visitors, of course, the measure of any island is taken by its beaches and coral reefs, and Grenada offers plenty of both. Grand Anse Beach, a smooth expanse stretching for two miles around the curve of a gentle bay, is world famous. In the interior of this volcanic island are cascading rivers and waterfalls, lush rainforests, and one of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain lakes imaginable. Its centuries-old spice plantations and rum distilleries are worth visiting.
Waterfalls
Grenada has several fabulous waterfalls. Depending upon your fitness level, you can choose between a gentle stroll through a well tended garden to get to Annadale Falls; or, if you are feeling very energetic, a 20 minute hike through the rain forest to get to the Seven Sisters and Honeymoon Fall
Fort George
Situated on a volcanic spine 175 feet above the harbour of St. George’s, capital of the island nation of Grenada, Fort George was seen by John Paul Jones in 1770. Built between 1705 and 1710, the old fort figured largely in the (F&I) Seven Years War, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, the Grenadian Revolution and the US-Caribbean Intervention of 1983. The original eighteenth century structure is one of the finest remaining examples of a Vauban-style masonry fortress in the world.
Morne Fendue Plantation House
Morne Fendue Plantation House The house itself was built early in the twentieth century of stone from the local river, held together by a mixture of lime and molasses, which was strong enough to withstand the 1955 hurricane Janet unscathed. The ladies' WC is a masterpiece of plumbing make-and-do: one looks everywhere for heath-Robinson's signature. There are pictures of Herefordshire, England, where Betty worked in the second world war. The house and its contents are, in other words, a little piece of Grenadian history and biography.
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