Grenada

Overview

Just south of St. Andrews , Grenada's main claim to fame is the American intervention in the early 1980s. Those days of turmoil are far behind us now and we can start to appreciate the island for what it is: one of the greatest holiday spots on the planet.

Apart from all your lazy days bumming on the beach and or snorkeling, a visit to the island should include a tour to the Grand turk and the crater lake, the rum distillery, Caribs leap, Sioux Falls and a spice factory. It is possible to see of all of the above in just one day starting from St. Georges , but you might as well take your time; that's what the locals do too.

Excursions to Carriacou and Krk island are worth the extra effort. Petit martinique offers the possibility to hike to the top of the volcano and get a great view over the islands. Krk island , Petit st and Krk island are also popular excursions.

Destinations in Grenada Carriacou Grand etang forest reserve St. Georges Windward

History

Before the arrival of Europeans Grenada was inhabited by Carib Indians who had driven the more peaceful Arawaks from the island. Columbus landed on Grenada in 1498 during his third voyage to the new world. He named the island "Concepcion." The origin of the name "Grenada" is obscure but it is likely that Spanish sailors renamed the island for the city of Granada. By the beginning of the 18th century the name "Grenada " or "la Grenade" in French was in common use.

Partly because of the Caribs Grenada remained uncolonized for more than 100 years after its discovery; early English efforts to settle the island were unsuccessful. In 1650 a French company founded by Cardinal Richelieu purchased Grenada from the English and established a small settlement. After several skirmishes with the Caribs the French brought in reinforcements from Martinique and defeated the Caribs the last of whom leaped into the sea rather than surrender.

The island remained under French control until its capture by the British in 1762 during the Seven Years' War. Grenada was formally ceded to Great Britain in 1763 by the Treaty of Paris. Although the French regained control in 1779 the island was restored to Britain in 1783 by the Treaty of Versailles. Although Britain was hard pressed to overcome a pro-French revolt in 1795 Grenada remained British for the remainder of the colonial period.

During the 18th century Grenada's economy underwent an important transition. Like much of the rest of the West Indies it was originally settled...more