Grenada's capital, ST GEORGE'S , is an attractive colonial town nestled in the hillsides above a horseshoe-shaped harbour. Low, whitewashed and terracotta-roofed buildings follow the sweep of the bay, standing out against the rich green of the surrounding vegetation. During the eighteenth century, the town was partly gutted by three devastating fires, leading to legislation that restricted the height of buildings and banned the use timber. The result of all this is a town dominated by British colonial architecture but with a distinctly Mediterranean feel.

St George's won't take more than a day to explore, and it's worth taking time away from the beach to do so. Though the market is at its liveliest on Saturday morning, most shops close on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays, making the town a quiet place during those times - except when a cruise ship docks, in which case the town explodes into a frenzy of activity. Market stalls spring up on shore, restaurants and bars fill up, street vendors and local guides come out in force, and all visitors - whether they're cruise-ship passengers or not - become the focus of a barrage of offers from taxi drivers and spice sellers.

Bear in mind, though, that although St George's is a laid-back town, attitudes veer towards the conservative, and it is considered rude to wear swimwear or high-cut shorts in the streets and in shops and restaurants.