The Caribbean Island of Grenada is an independent nation comprised of three individual islands, the other two of which are known as Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the former being the larger island in what is known as the Southern Grenadines. Despite being one of the more popular tourist destinations within the Caribbean, the nation is actually one of the smallest in the western hemisphere.
CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF GRENADA
Since becoming a part of the British Commonwealth in 1967, Grenada enacted a constitution in 1973 and eventually became an independent nation the following year. After some difficult times during the late seventies and 1980s, Grenada began its transition from a communist nation to one of democracy and free market capitalism. The primary industry which contributes towards the economy remains agriculture but Grenada thrives mostly on the money generated from its local and international tourism.
Grenada’s is frequently referred to as “Spice Island” and its favorable reputation largely comes from the colorful residents who are quite amiable as well as the abundance of nature which comes from the coasts of Grand Anse Beach to the foliage in Grant Etang National Park. The beaches complement the secluded coves and the natural trails visitors are encouraged to explore.
The atmosphere in the beautiful caribbean island of Grenada caters more towards people seeking a place to relax than those who may be looking for a home or vacation escape with lots of party activity or popular attractions like casinos. Instead, residents and guests are encouraged to seek out activities like snorkeling, sailing along the coast, fishing or simply relaxing on the sands of the Grenada beaches.
Several internationally recognized events are held throughout the island, one of the most popular of them being the annual Carnival festival where locals hold musical competitions and dress up in native Caribbean attire. The Spice Island Billfish Tournament is a fishing competition held in January which remains very popular with Americans and fishing enthusiasts throughout the Caribbean. Finally, the Carriacou Regatta takes place sometime between July and August and consists of a fusion of music and dancing along with a sailing competition.
Besides its tourism and vacation appeal, Grenada has also earned a reputation for its abundance of spices from cocoa and cinnamon to mace, cloves and nutmeg. In fact, a common saying among Grenada locals says to “drop a few seeds anywhere and you have an instant garden.” The large production of natural spices makes Grenada one of the largest suppliers of nutmeg in the world.
CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF GRENADA REAL ESTATE
The entire Caribbean has surged in its developments of condominiums and residential property due to a fervent demand and Grenada is no exception to this surge in pre-construction investment property and homes by the waterfront. Builders have made it a point to construct properties near the best Grenada attractions while still being far enough to ensure tranquility and privacy.
There is available property for sale pretty much everywhere throughout Grenada but in terms of finding a new area to call home, the eastern and southern areas of the island provide the most abundant residential real estate options, those areas being Fort Jeudy, Westerhall Point and Lance aux Pines. The more historical areas to the north are also well known for having some of the most eye catching property.
Vacation rentals consist mostly of cottages, villas, apartments and can be found in areas like St. George’s, aforementioned Lance aux Epines and Crochu and can range between three bedroom and two bathrooms to larger vacation villas with eight bedrooms and bathrooms or something in between. The smaller residences come with fully equipped kitchens and terraces while larger ones contain everything the smaller ones do in addition to private patios and expansive balconies.
Grenada is also popular due to its several miles of undeveloped land available for purchase but an Alien Land Holding License must be obtained beforehand. This license usually takes around three months or so to be granted upon which buyers agree to pay ten percent of the purchase price to the Grenada government.
GRENADA HOTELS & RESORTS
Bel Air Plantation
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Outdoor pool
- Kayaks
- Snorkeling
- Room service (8am-10:30pm)
- Laundry service
- Dry cleaning
Blue Horizons Garden Resort
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Two bars
- Outdoor pool
- Recreation room
- Babysitting
- Laundry service
Calabash
Amenities
- Two restaurants
- Two bars
- Outdoor pool
- Golf privileges
- Tennis court
- Exercise room
- Sailboat rentals
- Snorkeling
- Room service (10am-10pm)
- Babysitting
- Laundry service
- Rooms for those with limited mobility
Coyaba
Amenities
- Two open-air restaurants
- Two bars
- Outdoor pool
- Tennis court
- Golf
- Canoes
- Sailing
- Snorkeling
- Limited room service
- Laundry service
- Non smoking rooms
- Rooms for those w/limited mobility
Gem Holiday Resort
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Minimart
- Babysitting
- Laundry service
- Dry cleaningDance club
RESTAURANTS
- Alhabaca- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- Antigua Bodega Castanede- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- Asador de Castilla- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- Botánico- Vegetarian cuisine
- Cafetería/Cervecería Vía- Colón-Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- Carmen de San Miguel- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- Casa Salvador- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- Casa Torcuato del Albayzín- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- Chikito- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- Corrada del Carbón- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- El Claustro- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- El Huerto de Juan Ranas- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- La Colina de Almanzara- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- La Mimbre- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- La Piccola Italia- Italian cuisine
- Las Tinajas- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- Los Santanderinos- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- Mesón Blas Casa- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- Mesón el Trillo- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
- Mirador de Morayma- Spanish/Portuguese cuisine
CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF GRENADA TRAVEL GUIDE
Currency:
The official currency of Grenada is the East Caribbean dollar (EC$) which is at the exchange rate of US$1= EC$2.70.
Telecommunications:
Calling Code: 1 (268)
Top Level Domain: (.gd)
Cable providers: East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS).
Government:
Grenada is a parliamentary democracy. It’s headed by the Governor General who is part of the executive branch. They also have a judicial branch and legislative, where parliament resides.
Passport requirements:
Passports: Required
Valid Travel Documents: Required Exit/Entry
Government Issued Photo ID: Required
Climate:
Grenada has a typical 80 degree temperature tropical marine climate that has very little seasonal change. Northeast trade winds are typical in this area.
Religion: Christianity
Language: Standard English
Tips when you get there:
Grenada is a large island. Using buses or renting a car is highly recommended if you want to see all the island has to offer. Grenada is also one of the few Caribbean islands with a train for quick transportation.
What to do
Grenada has many restaurants, bars, clubs and shops one could visit. It’s a particularly large island in the Caribbean so there is a vast array of locations and activities available. The island nation also has a long history, being the first island discovered by Europeans in the mid-thirteenth century, and there are many buildings, artifacts and tours you can take to experience the island’s rich history firsthand.
Grenada is also known for having beautiful natural vistas and exotic wildlife. Touring the rain-forests it’s not uncommon to see primates, exotic birds and interesting reptiles. Additionally, Grenada’s long coastline is graced with fascinating marine life. And of course one cannot forget the white beaches that make staying in Grenada so pleasant and serene.
sponsors: Caribbean MLS Listings
