Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands and the location of the nation's capital, George Town. In relation to the other two Cayman Islands, it is approximately 75 miles (121 km) southwest of Little Cayman and 90 miles (145 km) southwest of Cayman Brac.
Spectacular natural beauty, a wealth of activities and points of interest, along with all the modern conveniences to make your stay as comfortable as possible can all be found here on the largest and most developed of the three Cayman Islands. Grand Cayman is the home of George Town, the capital city, which boasts some of the finest cuisine and shopping in the Caribbean.
Whether you want to explore a sunken wreck, dance the night away, or simply go sightseeing, Grand Cayman is the place to start.
Attractions
One of the many attractions Grand Cayman has to offer is Seven Mile Beach. With sand stretching as far as the eyes can see, it is rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Caribbean. Other attractions on Grand Cayman include the 65-acre Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, the National Trust's Mastic Trail (2 mile traditional footpath through unspoiled woodlands in North Side), the Cayman Islands National Museum in George Town, Pedro St. James Historic Site in Savannah, Boatswains Beach, Hell, National Trust historic walking tours of central George Town and West Bay, blowholes in East End, district and historic buildings now being restored under the direction of the National Trust and National Historic Sites Committee, (including the Old Savannah Schoolhouse). Rum Point is also an attraction not to be missed. Imagine sipping a cocktail in a hammock on a beach shaded by majestic Casuarina trees. Enjoy a beach snack or indulge in an a la carte meal or simply take a dip in the crystal clear sea.
Introduction
You will not be short of keepsake ideas once you get to the Cayman Islands. The Islands' history is rich in exotic detail, as our attractions clearly demonstrate.
What could be more exciting than shopping under a warm sun with a gentle breeze from the ocean? Whether you are looking for dazzling jewellery, beautiful local arts and crafts or designer clothes, you will be pleased with the selection these islands have to offer.
In Grand Cayman you never have to go far to shop. In addition to the shops in George Town, there are many local vendors and craftsmen throughout the districts who work from their homes. An amazing variety of local treasures await you, including shell jewellery, thatch work, wood carvings, crocheted items, pepper sauces, tropical fruit jams, honey and Caymanite figurines (Cayman's semi-precious stone).
Cayman's Silver Thatch Palm
The Silver Thatch Palm (Coccothrinax proctorii) is unique to the Cayman Islands. The upper sides of the leaves are light green, but the underside is a silvery colour, hence its name.
Cayman's Silver Thatch Palm Up until the early 1960s, the Silver Thatch Palm played a very important role in the lives of many Caymanians. Usually women and children would collect leaves early in the morning and hang them out to dry for a few days before they could be plaited, sold or traded.
Straw rope made from the leaves was especially prized by fishermen and neighbouring countries such as Jamaica because of its resistance to the effects of salt water.
The broad shaped leaves make them an effective covering and they were widely used for roofing. It is still seen around the islands mainly on beach cabanas, but also commonly weaved and made into hats, baskets, brooms and a host of other unique items.
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