Grenada travel guide

The southernmost of the Windward Islands, Grenada is known as "The Isle of Spice", producing one third of the world's supply of nutmeg along with quantities of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, turmeric and mace. While largely dependent on agriculture, the tiny nation of Grenada - which includes neighbouring Carriacou and

Petite Martinique as well as other smaller Grenadine islands - is steadily earning a reputation as a holiday destination, but it remains relatively unspoiled compared to other more popular Caribbean islands.

Petite Martinique as well as other smaller Grenadine islands - is steadily earning a reputation as a holiday destination, but it remains relatively unspoiled compared to other more popular Caribbean islands.

Ringing the island are a variety of communities, chief among them the elegant capital of St George's , as well as the charming fishing village of Goyave on the west coast and, on the east coast, Grenville , the country's agricultural heart. The country's inhabitants, 90 percent of whom live on the island of Grenada, are descended from British, French, African and West Indians settlers, and their inviting and friendly nature belies the country's turbulent history.

Much smaller and far less visited are the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique , appealing for their slow pace and a welcome respite from the tourist crowds on Grenada

Of Grenada's many attractions a few stand apart. The mountainous interior of the lush rainforest of Grand Etang National Park is a walker's paradise, with its network of trails leading to spectacular waterfalls, fascinating crater lakes and mist-shrouded mountain peaks. Among the country's numerous white-sand beaches, by far the most stunning is Grenada's Grand Anse , whose long horseshoe bay is the focus of the island's tourist trade. For a taste of laid-back island life, as well as smaller beaches and secluded sunbathing, there's the tiny island of Petite Martinique just a short ferry ride away.

Grenada's climate is warm and humid, with a rainy season from June to December - it rarely rains for more than an hour and lets up on some days. The coolest time of the year is November to February, also the island's high season, though average temperatures are only in the low twenties Celsius.

valid passport and a return or onward ticket are required for entry , and immigration will stamp your passport with the exact number of days you plan to spend in the country. They will also ask where you intend to stay.

Grenada's official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) , although the US dollar is widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops, and by car rental and taxi companies. The EC dollar is divided into 100 cents. Bills come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 EC dollars; coins in 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 cents. At the time of writing, the rate of exchange was roughly EC$2.70 to US$1.

Credit cards and major travellers' cheques are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Prices such as bus fares and admission fees have been quoted in EC$; all other prices are given in US$.

An 8 percent government tax is added at hotels and restaurants on top of a 10 percent service charge . Tipping is at your discretion, but not necessary.

Grenada grows many kinds of fruits, vegetables and spices, all of which are for sale in the colourful market in St George's. Seafood is plentiful, ranging from conch - known locally as lambie - to flying fish. Also widely available and unmissable are delicious rotis , thin layers of pastry folded around various fillings. Favourite starts include callaloo soup and nutmeg ice cream is an island specialty.

The beer of choice is Carib , brewed on the island and available in all bars. Likewise rum produced in Grenada's distilleries is used in a wide variety of punches and cocktails. Be sure to sample the locally produced fruit juice . Bursting with flavour, what's on offer depends on the season; those made from passion fruit and sorrel are both delicious and well worth trying.

All three islands have a good number of places to eat , ranging from Chinese to creole, though vegetarians will find generally that most restaurants do not cater for them. Outside of St George's on Grenada, however, dining options tend to be mainly hotel restaurants and bars . Most establishments serve a dinner menu after 7pm that is considerably more expensive than meals served during the day, and the choice of inexpensive restaurants dwindles after this time.