Saint George's

Introduction

Grand Anse beach

© andyjt34

Saint George's is the capital and largest city of Grenada with a total population of around 9,000 in the city itself and over 35,000 thousand inhabitants in the total agglomeration. Apart from its administrative role, the capital and surroundings are the economical heart of the island, partly because it functions as a major port as well. The city is not without its cultural and historical significance though and forts, churches, markets as well as the national museum and the parliament and other governmental buildings are within walking distance. And let's not forget nearby beaches, like the famous Grand Anse beach, which are just a short ride from town. All this can be done in a comfortable way with good hotels catering to package tourists mainly.

Sights and Activities

• Fort George above St. George´s with a beautiful view of the town and the Carenage.
• Fort Frederick high above the sea with outstanding views of St. George´s, Grand Anse, Grand Etang and the southern part of the island.
• Marketplace - nice Caribbean market with newly renovated spice market hall in St. George's - great for spices and fresh fruits & vegetables.
• Bay Gardens - a tropical Garden with a rain forest style - located in the St. Paul`s area of St George's.

Weather

Saint George's has a hot and humid tropical climate with average daytime temperatures between 28º C and 30º C and average nights around 23º C. Most rain falls between June and October with a chance of hurricanes from August onwards. Therefore, the drier (and slightly cooler) December to April period is the best time to visit weather-wise. Unfortunately prices rise sharply during this period and the months of November and May still have good weather. So budget-wise these later months may be a good option as well.

Getting There

By Plane

Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND IATA) is on the main island of Grenada, located on a peninsula in the extreme southwest corner in the Point Salines area. It is about 4 miles from the capital of St. George's. Delta (New York JFK, Atlanta), British Airways, American Eagle, American Airlines, Monarch, Air Canada (winter season), Virgin Atlantic (UK), Liat, Caribbean Airlines, Condor (Germany - winter season), Air Transat (Toronto - infrequent?) and Conviasa (VE)(from Porlamar, Margarita) provide direct service to Grenada; connections can be made on Liat via Trinidad and Barbados, and also from Barbados via SVG Airlines.

By Bus

Connections include services on to Annadale, Concorde, Grand Anse, Grand Etang, Grenville, Gouyave, La Sagesse, Sauters, Victoria and Westernhall.

By Boat

Many cruise ships dock in or near St. George's between October and May. A large cruise ship terminal allows up to 4 ships to be docked at once. The terminal "mall" houses numerous shops, some typical for Caribbean cruises, a few unique to the island. Private moorings for yachts are available all around the island.

Osprey Lines, ☏ +1 473 440-8126. Ferry service between the islands of Granada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Charters of various sizes and crews can be found by inquiring at hotels or the Grenada Yacht Club in St. George's or the island's official tourism website: www.grenadagrenadines.com.

Getting Around

The town centre has several hilly, narrow streets. Drivers are very careful but personal care must be taken as some streets have very narrow or no sidewalks.

The town also has the most picturesque horse-shoe harbour in the Caribbean with restaurants, shops and supermarkets. During the winter Cruise Ship season (between November and May) a cute little tourist train, Grenada Discovery Train , runs a hop-on/hop-off service through the town that also includes entrance to the major tourist sites in town, look under the "DO" section here for more information on this service.

Travel in and around the city St. George's is by taxis, minibuses or hired cars. Hailing a taxi is similar to other parts of the world - hold out a hand and beckon to the driver. Taxis carry an 'H' on their licence plates. The independently owned, but government licensed, cars and vans will stop and ask if one wants a ride. Some standard fares include EC$30 from the airport to St. George's and EC$25-$40 for trips from most hotels to the various dining spots around the city.

Water taxis are another means of getting around - between the Cruise Terminal, Grand Anse Beach and the Carenage.

Eat

• Coconuts Restaurant & Bar (at Grand Anse Beach). A classic Grenada beach experience.
• Laluna, ☏ +1 473 439-0001. Morne Rouge.
• The Red Crab (in Lance Aux Epines). A fabulous menu.
• La Sagesse, ☏ +1 473 444 6458. On a stretch of grey-black sand bay lined tall palms, this is a true Granadian experience.
• The Spice Land Mall (at Grand Anse). Has a local fruit and soup joint.
• Patrick's Restaurant, ☏ +1 473 440-0364. St. George's, on the Lagoon Road across from Port Louis offers a wonderful tapas-like presentation of island cuisine.
• Marquis Complex at the Grand Anse with Nick´s Donut World, Carib Sushi and Le Boulangerie.
• De La Grenade, ☏ +1 473 440-3241. Manufacturer of nutmeg products including liqueur, syrup, pepper sauce, jams and jellies.

Sleep

St. George's has a wide variety of accomodations, from large to medium size hotels, small inns, or just a one-bedroom rental.

• True Blue Bay, Old Mill Road, True Blue Bay, ☏ +1 473 443-8783, ✉ [email protected].

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet services and wifi are available at some places, sometimes wifi comes at an extra cost.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Grenada's international phone code is 1-473.

You can buy local SIM cards which works out cheaper than using the one from home.

Post

The Grenada Postal Corporation offers services.

External Links