Grenada ( gre-NAY-da ), popularly known as " the Spice Island of the Caribbean, "was first discovered by Europeans in 1498, when Christoper Columbus sighted the island and named it Concepcion. The small island and its outliers at the southern end of the Lesser Antilles are part of the Grenadine chain, although separate from the Saint Vincent and Grenadines nation. The island is famous for its cocoa, mace, cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Until Hurricane Ivan made landfall in 2004, Grenada was the largest nutmeg producer in the Western hemisphere. More than half of the island's nutmeg trees were destroyed in the storm, and new plantings will take up to a decade to mature.
Grenada's balmy climate lures travelers seeking an ideal Caribbean retreat. Its 133 square miles ( 344 sq km ) of tropical landscape, encompassing volcanic mountains, lush valleys and pristine beaches, have distinguished it as one of the most beautiful West Indian Islands. Ninety miles ( 145 km ) north of Trinidad, Grenada is the southernmost of the Windward Islands and offers a remoteness that is the essence of its appeal.
Since most of the island nation is mountainous, it is easy to understand why hiking is a popular activity. Although guides may be necessary for some excursions, opportunities exist for hikes to waterfalls, historic sites, scenic views and nature study. Sailing the island's clear waters is another available form of recreation. Grande Anse, a dazzling 2 mile ( 3 km ) stretch of sand on southwestern Grenada, is considered one of the world's finest beaches. Grenada's dependencies of Carriacou and Petite Martinique also have scenic coves with white sand beaches.
Scuba diving has become a major sport and is good off Point Salines and Molinere Point. Viewing the underwater sculptures at Molinere Marine Park also makes for an intriguinng dive excursion. Experienced divers can reach the Bianca C., a cruise ship that sank outside St. George's harbor in 1961; it is the largest shipwreck site in the Caribbean. Deep-sea vessels can be chartered for a half or full day. Arrangements for day sails and longer charters around Granada and the Grenadines can be made at the marinas in St. George's, L'Anse aux Epines and True Blue Bay.
For an exotic Granadian experience back on land, visit the 1740-foot-high ( 530 m ) Grand Etang Lake, a water filled crater of an extinct volcano within a tropical bird sanctuary and forest reserve; local guides are available for hiking. Annadale Falls, a mountain stream plunging 30 feet ( 9 m ) into an adjacent pool surrounded by flowers and plants, also provides an ideal setting for an afternoon off the beaten path. To the north of St. George's are three Concord Falls. The first is accessible by road; the second and third, known as Au Coin and Fontainbleu, are reached by foot through mountain terrain.
La Sagesse Nature Center offers hiking trails, some 86 varieties of tropical birds, a plantation with guided tours and an extensive beach area.
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