Grenada

WHEN TO GO

Though it was hit hard by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Emily in 2005, Grenada actually lies below the Hurricane Belt, meaning that the violent storms during the late summer and early autumn tend to blow right on by. During the rest of the year, the island experiences two main seasons: dry and rainy. The former is from January to May, a period marked by low precipitation and temperatures in the low 80s. The rainy season lasts from June to December—though downpours are short. Although summer sees an increase in temperatures to the high 80s, trade winds keep humidity relatively bearable.

HOW TO GET THERE

All flights land at Point Salines International Airport, about 20 minutes from the capital, St. George's. At the moment, the only nonstop flights from the U.S. mainland and Grenada are via Air Jamaica, which serves the island from New York City's JFK airport. The island is, however, served via American Eagle (American Airlines' Caribbean-region subsidiary) through its hub in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Flights are also available from Montego Bay on Air Jamaica and Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, on BWIA. Regional airlines LIAT and Caribbean Star link Grenada with other Caribbean islands such as Antigua, St. Lucia, and Barbados. Additionally, the island is visited by several of the most popular cruise lines, including Celebrity, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Holland America. Cruise liners dock at the Melville Street Cruise Terminal within the centrally located Port of St. George's. (There is a departure tax of $20 for travelers over 13 and $10 for under-13s when leaving via airplane.)

LAY OF THE LAND

Set on an oxbow-shaped deep-water harbor rimmed by mountains, west-side St. George's might be the prettiest natural setting for a capital in the Caribbean. Grand Anse, the main beach, is a few miles to the south; the international airport and most upscale accommodation are located in the southwest, the driest part of Grenada. The mountainous interior receives copious rainfall, feeding fast-flowing rivers and nurturing bumper crops of fruits, vegetables, and, of course, spices. Small fishing villages dot the irregular Caribbean coast, while the rougher Atlantic shore is largely undeveloped. Administratively, the island is divided into parishes. Hilly Carriacou, 23 miles north of the big island, and neighboring Petite Martinique have a more arid climate.

GETTING AROUND

Travel within the island is either by public bus, conventional taxi, or water taxi—the latter serving the waterfront attractions within the capital, St. George's, as well as on Grand Anse Beach. Use of public transportation, while effective, is complex and not recommended. Taxis may be ordered from most hotels, with prices fixed according to destination. It's also possible to rent a car. Avis is located just outside the main airport at Point Salines (473-440-3936). And David's Car (473-444-4091; www.davidscars.com) is a reliable local rental firm found within the airport itself

TOURIST INFO

Grenada Board of Tourism
Burns Point
City of St. George's
Tel: 473 440 2279

Carriacou
Main Street
Hillsborough
Tel: 473 443 7948

NEED TO KNOW

Language: English
Capital City: St. George's
Population: 90,000
Area: 133 square miles
Telephone Calling Code(s): 473
Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz
Currency: As of Dec 30, 2008:
1 East Caribbean Dollars = $0.37 US Calculate Other Amounts
Entry Requirements:

Grenada does not require visas for citizens of the United States. A valid passport or birth certificate is sufficient for a three-month stay.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

January: 1, New Year's Day
February: 7, Independence Day
May: 1, Labor Day
August: First Monday, Emancipation Day; second Monday and Second Tuesday, Carnival
October: 25, Thanksgiving Day
December: 25, Christmas Day; 26, Boxing Day
Spring: Friday before Easter, Good Friday; Easter; day after Easter, Easter Monday; eighth Monday after Easter, Pentecost Monday
Summer: Ninth Thursday after Easter, Corpus Christi