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Carriacou and Petit Martinique are the two of the three islands that form the Independent States of Grenada. Having picturesque beauty, both the islands are ideal for basking in sun, getting a ravishing tan and enjoying beach activities. |
Carriacou
It lies 23 miles northeast of Grenada and is an attractive island with green hills and sandy beaches. This island has an area of 13 sq miles and supports a population of 5000 people. Its capital, Hillsborough, houses a population of about 600. The natives of this island are of an African origin. However the French influence is still evident like in L’Esterrea and the island displays a Scottish heritage as well. The Big Drum Dances are an annual feature around Easter and the Tombstone Feasts are also quite unique. The Carriacou Regatta, initiated in 1965, has become a major festival.
Windward used to be the centre for the craft of hand-built schooners but in recent years the boat builders have moved to Tyrrel Bay. The sailing vessels are built and repaired here in a very traditional manner, without the use of power tools and in the shade of the coconut palms at the edge of the sea. A locally famous painter has his studio at L’Esterre where he displays his work that captures the scenes of Carriacou like kite flying, launching schooners and festivals. There are also picturesque Smugglers’ Coves in and around Anse la Roche.
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Petit Martinique 2½ miles further northeast is Petit Martinique, separated by a narrow channel from Petit St Vincent, the southernmost of St Vincent’s Grenadine dependencies. |
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This tiny circular volcanic cone rises out of the sea 3 miles (5km) northeast of Carriacou. Most of Petit Martinique's 600 inhabitants make a living from the sea and the island enjoys one of the region's highest per capita incomes.
The islanders have a reputation for their independent spirit. The island has a school, church, guesthouse and a grocery shop-cum-bar. There's one road on the western coast, though most people get around on foot. A local cargo boat plies between Petit Martinique and Hillsborough on Carriacou twice a week. You can also arrange for a speedboat to zip you over to the island from Windward on Carriacou's northern coast.
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