Brief information
The “Isle of Spice”, as Grenada is sometimes called because of the nutmeg grown there in very large quantities, is probably the most beautiful and flourishing island in the West Indies. There are several reasons why tourists should visit this exotic country. Grenada has picturesque landscapes, tropical forests, mountain rivers with waterfalls, as well as snow-white beaches that are washed by the emerald-turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Geography of Grenada
The island nation of Grenada is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, 120 km northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, 100 km northeast of Venezuela, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Grenada includes the island of the same name and six other small islands. The total area of the country is 344 km.
The island of Grenada and the other islands of the Grenadines are of volcanic origin. Almost the entire territory of Grenada is occupied by mountains. The largest local peak is Mount St. Catherine, whose height reaches 840 meters. Only in coastal areas there are lowlands.
Grenada is located on the southern edge of the so-called. “hurricane belts”. Therefore, hurricanes in this country are a very rare occurrence (over the past 50-60 years, only three hurricanes have happened there).
Capital
Saint George’s is the capital of the state of Grenada. More than 10 thousand people now live in the city. St. George’s was founded by the French in 1650.
Official language
Grenada has one official language – English.
Religion
About 53% of the population are Catholics, and about 40% are Protestants (Anglicans, Presbyterians).
State structure
According to diseaseslearning.com, the State of Grenada is under the authority of the Queen of Great Britain, who appoints her own Governor General there. It is the Governor General who appoints the government of Grenada.
The bicameral local parliament consists of the Senate (13 members) and the House of Representatives (15 members).
The main political parties are the National Democratic Congress and the New National Party.
Climate and weather
The climate is tropical. The dry season runs from January to May and the rainy season runs from June to December. The average annual air temperature is +28C.
Sea
The island of Grenada and other adjacent islands is located in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea. The average annual sea temperature off the coast of these islands is +27-28C. The diving season there continues all year round.
Culture
French colonists and African slaves brought their folk traditions and customs with them to Grenada. As a result of the mixing of these customs, the modern culture of the inhabitants of Grenada was formed. The Indians also had a significant influence on the local culture.
Every month Grenada celebrates a holiday or carnival. This is a good opportunity to see traditional costumes, hear local traditional music, see folk dances, as well as taste local dishes, vegetables and fruits.
The biggest Carnival is held in August for several days.
Cuisine of Grenada
The cuisine of Grenada has been influenced by French, English, African and West Indian culinary traditions. The emphasis in cooking is on seafood and fish, meat, potatoes, vegetables, fruits and, of course, spices.
Tourists are advised to try “Oildown” (stew with breadfruit, onions, celery, carrots, turmeric and coconut milk), “Rotis” (beef with chicken, curry in flatbread), nutmeg ice cream.
The traditional alcoholic drink is rum (the most popular brands are Rum River Antoine and Westerhall Rum).
Attractions
Tourists fly to Grenada, of course, not in search of sights – they are interested in local beaches with volcanic sand and the Caribbean Sea. However, in this country there is something to see.
So, in St. George’s, we recommend tourists to visit the ancient French fortress Fort George (it was built back in 1705), St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (its foundation dates back to 1833), Fort Frederick, St. George’s Church, and French Fort Louis.
Pay attention to the Levera National Park, which is located on the northern coast of the island of Grenada. Sea turtles breed in this park.
Cities and resorts
The largest cities are Southors, Grenville, St. Davids, Goyave, Victoria and the capital – St. George’s.
The main resort areas of the country are Grand Anse and Morne Rouge, which have a well-developed infrastructure for beach holidays. In general, there are 45 beaches on the island of Grenada. Most beaches have restaurants with a large selection of seafood and fish dishes.
Top 6 best beaches in Grenada:
- Grand Anse Beach
- Morne Rouge Beach
- Magazine Beach
- Pink Gin Beach
- bathway beach
- La Sagesse Beach
Souvenirs/Shopping
From Grenada, tourists bring handicrafts, local soap, spices, nutmeg, guava jam, chocolate, rum.
Office Hours
Banks:
Mon-Thu: 08:00-14:00
Fri: 08:00-16:00
Shops:
Mon-Fri: 08:00-16:00
Sat: 08:00-13:00
Visa
A tourist visa is issued at the airport upon arrival.
Currency of Grenada
The East Caribbean dollar is the official currency in Grenada. Its international designation is XCD. One XCD = 100 cents. Most hotels, shops and car rental companies accept all major credit cards.
Customs restrictions
Foreign and local currency can be imported and exported without any restrictions. Pets (dogs and cats) can be imported with a special permit from the Grenada authorities. It is forbidden to import seafood, meat and vegetables. It is forbidden to export rare birds and animals.
Useful phone numbers and addresses
Embassy of Great Britain in Ukraine:
Address: 01025, Kiev, st. Tithe, 9
Phone: (044) 490-36-60
Fax: (044) 490-36-62
Embassy of Ukraine in the UK:
Address: 60, Holland Park, London W11 3SJ
Phone: (020) 7727-6312
Fax: (020) 7792-1708
911 emergency numbers
– all emergencies
Time
Behind Kyiv for 6 hours. Those. if, for example, in Kyiv it is 13:00, then in St. George’s it is only 07:00.
Tips
Tips are common in all hotels, restaurants and shops (they are usually 10-15% of the bill).
The medicine
Doctors recommend that tourists before traveling to Grenada make several preventive vaccinations (against typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, as well as against malaria and rabies).
Security
Tourists are advised not to travel alone to remote areas of Granada, because. there is a possibility of being robbed. Tourists in this country need to follow reasonable safety measures (for example, do not walk late at night or at night on the streets of St. George).
