In northeastern Grenada, the 450-acre Levera National Park is located in the parish of Saint Patrick. As an important biodiversity area, it brings together a range of natural features: the lagoon is an important wildlife habitat and a refuge for numerous bird species. Visitors can walk along the circuit around the 23-acre pond. From Levera Beach, the view extends to Sugar Loaf Island, Green Island and Sandy Island.
Lagoon, Coast and Crater Lake
The lagoon, pond and coastal views each offer their own highlights. Lake Antoine adds a geological feature to the parish’s natural landscape: the lake formed after the collapse of an extinct volcanic dome and is a crater lake. It is also home to a species-rich wetland ecosystem. At this lake, volcanic origins and a diverse habitat come together.
At the River Sallee hot springs, visitors can bathe in the pools or ask local guides to rub a soothing earth mixture onto their skin. The springs also have traditional religious significance for Baptists, who perform rituals there. Bathing, applying the earth mixture and the religious tradition are distinct aspects of this place.
Traces of History and Cocoa
Leapers’ Hill is home to a monument. The site is associated with the French attack of 1650, during which about 40 Island Caribs jumped from the cliff, later called le Morne des Sauteurs. This story gives the hill a specific historical connection. Mount Rich also preserves evidence of an earlier culture: Amerindian petroglyphs, or rock art.
Belmont Estate, a 300-year-old working plantation, lies in the northern part of the parish. The estate offers plantation and cocoa tours, as well as a museum. The cocoa fermentation facility showcases traditional and modern methods of cocoa processing. These include the so-called “Dancing of the Cocoa,” in which the beans are polished.
Cocoa is also processed in Hermitage: the Grenada Chocolate Company operates a chocolate factory there based on the “tree to bar” principle. The cocoa experiences in Belmont and Hermitage offer different perspectives—from the processing techniques showcased to the factory’s production principle.
Getting Around and Guided Tours
There are several ways to get to Myristic Mountain: local buses take you as far as the village of Mt Rich; from there, you walk to the farm. Alternatively, you can arrange a taxi to the farm. As transport options may change, check locally before your trip. Myristic Mountain offers hiking trails and horseback riding excursions. Trail conditions may vary; you should also check the availability of horseback riding excursions in advance.
SPECTO-guided tours have a specific booking deadline: they must be booked two days before the tour date. Participants also need a permit to access the beach; beach access is not permitted without a permit. Keep both requirements in mind when planning such a tour.
A recurring event in the parish calendar is the St Patrick’s Day Fiesta. It takes place every year in March and features arts and crafts, agricultural and cultural performances, sporting activities and entertainment. Visitors to Saint Patrick at this time of year can enjoy a varied festival program in addition to its landscapes and historic sites.
Discover more destinations: Sauteurs, Prospect, Mount Rose, St David, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Saint Andrew, Saint John, St George.
For the main travel overview: Grenada.
