Seniors, Voici Carriacou and Petite Martinique

Here is a real find in the Caribbean nation of Grenada, seniors: Carriacou and Petite Martinique,  dependencies of Grenada. This YouTube video covers the bases for all three.

Carriacou is the largest island of the Grenadines with 13 square miles and a population of just under 5,000. It is known as “the island surrounded by reefs”.  Hillsborough, the only town, is the port of entry, and there are several small villages scattered throughout the island.

The neighboring island of Petite Martinique, 2½ miles from Carriacou, is also a part of Grenada. Petite Martinique with its 586 acres and population of 900 is very small with a strong local community and few facilities for visitors. The residents of this island live by boat-building, fishing and seafaring.

Carriacou (pronounced ‘carry-a-cou’) is an undiscovered paradise offering the perfect hideaway for those seniors who want to escape the beaten tourist track and are looking for privacy and seclusion. It has a natural beauty which adds to its appeal and has often been described by travel writers as an ‘uncut diamond’. It is called Grenada’s “speciality port.”

Carriacou is politically and economically part of the three island nation of Grenada, Carriacou & Petit Martinique. The dry season usually runs from January to May and the rainy season, or locally called “green season”, arrives in patches throughout the other months, though prolonged rain is unusual.

 Seniors Looking For A Change Of Pace

Carriacou offers senior visitors a change of pace with its relaxed and easy way of life.  The language is English. Tourism is still sufficiently undeveloped to have had little effect on the lives of most islanders. There are three small hotels, a few guest houses and a number of local restaurants. A great place to unwind.

The island was settled by the French, but in 1763 was ceded with Grenada to the British. The majority of the inhabitants today are of African descent, with the influence in the island mainly British, such as driving on the left, though French names are still noticed, especially in the L’Esterre area.

Visitors enjoy the many white sand beaches, deep aqua bays, hill views of the surrounding Grenadine islands, nature trails, reefs and safe anchoring harbors. You might even luck out and witness a “Big Drum” or “Nation” dance which celebrates their West African ancestors that were brought to the island during the days of slavery. These Big Drum dances are usually performed at “Maroons” village festivals or fetes, where food and drink are prepared.

Known as a secret portal into the old Caribbean, Carriacou and Petite Martinique offer senior visitors a wealth of old world charms to be discovered.   jeb