Grenada Caribbean Vacation

Nicknamed the "Isle of Spice," the nation of Grenada actually consists of the three islands of Grenada (pop. 95,000), Carriacou (pop. 5,000) and Petite Martinique (pop. 700). First spotted by Columbus in 1498, the island's European settlement was not a peaceful one. In 1783, by the Treaty of Versailles, France relinquished control of Grenada to the British. Grenada's natural lush beauty is attracting more visitors each year. St. George's, the capital, is regarded as the loveliest city in the Caribbean. A colorful blend of dockside warehouses and red-tiled roofs of homes and stores surround the horseshoe-shaped harbor. The largest beach, Grand Anse, is a two-mile stretch of sugar-fine white sand. The smaller sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique are less developed and provide excellent destinations for day sailing trips and snorkeling adventures.