The country
The capital and largest city, Castries, and its surrounds boast cascading waterfalls, lush botanical gardens, towering mountains rising from the sea and pristine, powdery beaches.
Founded by the French in 1650 under the name Carénage, for “safe anchorage,” Today, Castries is a haven of duty-free shops, charming hotels, and delightful restaurants. Here, you’ll also find landmarks including the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Derek Walcott Square, the Government House, and Fort Charlotte.
Saint Lucia’s delightful local cuisine blends flavorful African, Asian, American, European, Indian and Caribbean cuisines.
NORTH SAINT LUCIA
North Saint Lucia is one of the most popular locations for visitors to stay. It has seemingly everything just a few minutes away. While this area is harder to get to from the airport, many visitors are likely to stay in this region during their visit.
Nature lovers will appreciate Pigeon Island National Park, which you can reach by car over a causeway. This park offers hiking opportunities, as well as places for kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. Take some time to walk around the old fort ruins and imagine what it would be like back in the 1700s.
North Saint Lucia is also home to the town of Rodney Bay, which has some of the top Saint Lucia beaches as well as popular nightlife spots. Plantation beach faces the Atlantic side, so you can take advantage of wind sports and surfing. Or you can visit Treasure Bay Casino Saint Lucia and try your luck with cards or roulette. North Saint Lucia has more diverse activities and is ideal for groups of people traveling together or for families.
The southern side of Saint Lucia is conveniently close to the airport, allowing you to unwind on stunning beaches and settle into luxurious resorts within minutes of landing. This region of the island is also steeped in history. You can explore the ruins and hike around Vieux Fort, where rusty cannons and old bricks lie scattered.
Additionally, the southern side boasts some exceptional beaches. Sandy Beach and Anse Des Sables Beach both feature crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands for relaxation. Known for their expansive lengths, these beaches offer ample space to find seclusion from other visitors when needed.
Staying on the southern side also provides visitors with the opportunity to take day trips to other areas of the island, offering a chance to explore beyond just the southernmost point.
The west coast of Saint Lucia boasts Soufrière, the island's original French capital. This town may be tranquil during the off-season, but it becomes a bustling tourist hub and a frequent cruise ship stop in peak times. When visiting Soufrière, take a stroll through the Old Town to find unique handcrafted souvenirs for loved ones. Additionally, Soufrière serves as an excellent base for further island adventures.
Nestled beneath the Petit Piton, Soufrière derives its name from the sulfur scent of the dormant volcanic plug. Venture out of town to hike around the Piton or to swim at some of the island's most stunning waterfalls.
Also on the west coast is Anse Chastanet Beach, renowned for its snorkeling opportunities. If you're not staying in the area, consider a day trip to Soufrière, Petit Piton, and Anse Chastanet Beach for a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
The central region of Saint Lucia is the final frontier for visitors to discover. Although it lacks the renowned beaches of other areas, it compensates with a host of unique experiences not found elsewhere on the island.
This area is dotted with forest reserves dedicated to preserving Saint Lucia's indigenous flora and fauna. Among these, the Edmund Forest Reserve stands out as a favorite. Trek through cascading waterfalls and alongside babbling streams to uncover some of the island's most spectacular vistas. Lookout points within the reserve offer panoramic views of quaint towns and unspoiled beaches below. During your hike, keep an eye out for the island's exotic birds and a variety of small mammals.
Hotel accommodations may be scarce in Saint Lucia's central region, but staying at one of the accessible beaches nearby allows for easy visits to the heart of the island.
No matter your choice of stay, from the lively Rodney Bay to the tranquil Soufrière, Saint Lucia promises delights at every turn. With exceptional cuisine, superb snorkeling spots, and immaculate beaches just a stone's throw away, the island invites you to extend your stay.
THE PITONS
Start your exploration of Saint Lucia’s famous landmarks with the Pitons, two volcanic plugs on the southwestern coast of the island. Each Piton has its own name: Gros Piton (at 2,530 ft high) and Petit Piton (at 2,438 ft high). These landmarks actually inspired the creation of a local beer, Piton, a light, refreshing drink popular with locals and residents alike.
There are multiple ways for visitors to explore these landmarks. You can hike around them and see exotic plants and animals that call the area home, or you can sail around them to see the Pitons from the water. Many guests to Saint Lucia prefer to do both, as they are captivated by the beauty and shape of the dormant volcanoes along the coast.
What To Do
Hike or mountain bike through verdant rainforests or kayak across clear Caribbean waters.
Ride on horseback along the beach and watch dolphins and whales play among the waves.
Taste some of the flavorful West Indian, Creole, French and international cuisine.
Soak in the town’s beautiful hot springs at Soufrière, in the crater of an ancient volcano near Petit Piton.
Climb the lush, pyramid-shaped Gros Pitons Mountains.
Tour the island’s only rum distillery in the valley of Roseau.
Snorkel or scuba, or combine the two with a unique SNUBA adventure, amid Saint Lucia’s sparkling seas.
If you love the outdoors, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this island paradise: bubbling hot springs, stunning waterfalls, rainforests, and the Maria Islands Nature Reserve will captivate you.
However, there’s more to enjoy in Saint Lucia than its abundant natural beauty. Take some time out from the dreamy translucent ocean and the grand Piton peaks to enjoy the island’s colorful local history and architecture.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN SAINT LUCIA
The weather in Saint Lucia stays consistently warm throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 84 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit. The busiest time to visit Saint Lucia is from December to April during the driest season. Visitors take advantage of this season to adventure through the Tet Paul Nature Trail in Soufrière and the Pitons, soak in the mineral baths in Soufrière, and zipline through the dense rainforests.
SAINT LUCIA WEATHER IN MAY AND JUNE
Many visitors who trek to Saint Lucia prefer to go during May and June when the temperatures reach the high 70s to 80s. During this time, tourists can take advantage of affordable room rates at the best hotels on the island. Resorts run some excellent deals during this season, and in some cases, rooms can be booked for less than $200 a night.
RAINY AND HURRICANE SEASON IN SAINT LUCIA
The rainy season in Saint Lucia is from June to December. The rainforests typically experience more rainfall than the coastal regions of the island. While vacationing in Saint Lucia during the rainy season may seem daunting, the heavy showers will go as quickly as they came. You will still be able to enjoy the charm that Saint Lucia has to offer and the warm weather.
The hurricane season occurs at around the same time as the rainy season. Some of the most popular festivals, such as the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival at Pigeon Island National Park, happen during this season. And many of the island’s hotels and resorts run deeply discounted deals during this time as well.
Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Saint Lucia is renowned for its exotic beaches, opulent resorts, dramatic landscapes, and the iconic Pitons. As a member of the Windward Islands, it lies between Martinique and St. Vincent. Saint Lucia offers a vast array of transportation options to the island. Over a dozen airlines operate at Saint Lucia's two airports, Hewanorra International Airport and George Charles Airport, connecting to numerous international and regional destinations. Sea travelers can arrive via cruise ships or local ferries that regularly berth at Port Castries and Soufriere. Whether arriving by air or sea, visitors are greeted with the island's warm Caribbean hospitality.
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