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The Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia is compact enough that you can explore many of its highlights during one trip. With its idyllic beaches and intriguing landmarks, there’s plenty to see, and many areas offer excellent amenities with visitors in mind.

You will find contrasts between different parts of the island, with calmer beaches on the west coast. The east is better for surfers, as the Atlantic winds blow in. You will find areas of natural beauty in the south, while the more densely populated north is home to the capital, the port city of Castries.

If you visit Castries you will discover a diverse array of French and British architecture, with the island’s previous occupiers influencing street names too. Notable buildings include the Carnegie Library and the Castries Central Market, a popular attraction in itself.

Head to Morne Fortune and you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, which also offers a good range of restaurants, bars and shops, with street vendors rubbing shoulders with department stores. The international airport, George F.L. Charles Airport, can also be found in Castries. About 25 minutes’ drive away, the Rainforest Adventures ecological park provides activities including zip-wiring, birdwatching tours and guided walks.

Further north, the resort town of Rodney Bay is home to Reduit Beach and the peaceful Gros Islet Beach with its views out to Pigeon Island. This forested national park is one of the highlights of the island. Pigeon Island is connected to the mainland via a wide causeway, and its fortress and barracks are among its interesting sights. In Gros Islet village, you may also come across a regular Friday night street party, with local food and music adding to a lively atmosphere.

A natural phenomenon on the western side of the island, the Soufrière Volcano is quite a sight – the sulphur springs draw the crowds, and the nearby mud baths are a popular part of the visitor experience. Organised tours are available to show you the Soufrière Volcano, and the volcanic cones of the Pitons. Also in this area, these two peaks are the island’s most famous landmark, with winding forest trails taking you to the summits which reward an intense climb. The pretty town of Soufrière is mainly a stopping off point for these mighty attractions, but is a pleasant place to walk around.

Saint Lucia is a destination of note for bird lovers. All sorts of exotic species can be found around the island, the rare Saint Lucia Parrot being one to look out for. Follow the Des Cartiers Rainforest Trail of the Millet Bird Sanctuary, 20km south of Castries, or try the Quilesse Forest Reserve in the south east of the island.

Read more about St Lucia

About St Lucia

The Land, The People, The Light – St Lucia’s motto couldn’t be more representative of this captivating sovereign island nation. Witness dazzling scenery, be spellbound by the fascinating locals and allow for St Lucia to brighten your day and show you a new way to life.

St Lucia gained its independence from the British Commonwealth in 1979 and after centuries of a French presence, which is most visible today in the original Capital of Soufrière, St Lucia is famous for its Pitons & landscapes and vivacious community.

St Lucia really is a hiker’s Nirvana! Where to start? That’s a tough question. However, with the likes of - The Diamond Botanical Gardens, Enbas Saut Waterfall Trail, Pigeon Island National Park, Sulphur Springs Park Scenic Drive and Tet Paul Nature Trail – it doesn’t matter! These UNESCO listed sites are a sight to behold. If you're likely to take to the water, you'll be able to admire the rich marine biodiversity just off the shore of St Lucia. Over 60% of the marine area is made up of coral reefs and these are very poular with snorkelers and scuba divers. Just make sure you put time aside to relish these privileged land & seascapes.

Start your cultural trip downtown in Castries. Here you will be provided with more than enough entertainment for an afternoon and evening. The local Market runs throughout the week and is certainly the right place to come for exotic fruits and tantalising Street Food - the Green Fig & Salt Fish is local delicacy and it's not scarce, so perhaps try a few variants on this regional intricacy and let us know which is your favourite! The vendors are incredibly animated, so expect a show to be put on if you choose to explore this part of the island and brush up on those haggling skills. La Place Carenage and Point Seraphine are very popular Malls and if you bear in mind the added incentive of these complexes being Duty-Free, you and your guests will certainly get some good deals (A taxi back to your villa after such an excursion is suggested!).

Many holiday makers are surprised to learn of St Lucia’s rich cocoa legacy. Ever since the 1700’s this island has been producing cocoa related products, that are incredibly sought after all across the world. Morne Coubaril Estate and La Dauphine Estate specialise in showcasing how plantations use to gather & manufacture the Cocoa Bean fruit and organise educational tours. After learning all about St Lucia’s former booming cocoa industry, you will probably need some therapy…how about chocolate therapy like you’ve never encountered before? Enquire at some of the islands more renowned Spas and you’ll be able to experience the benefits of a chocolate facial and massage. Remember - Chocolate isn’t a food, it’s a medicine!

We have selected some of the most exciting villas on the island, so browse through these dreamy holiday homes and have a look at our cheeky little guide to St Lucia!

Prior to Booking

Please be aware that St Lucia is an island nation that experiences weather patterns dictated by the Atlantic Ocean to the north of the island and the Caribbean Sea to the south of the island. This tropical rainforest climate results in the island experiencing a hurricane season, which usually occurs between June to November. When thinking about booking your holiday to St Lucia, please consult Foreign travel advice for more information.

Entry Requirements

Tourists who are British Citizens will not require a visa and upon arrival and Departure Tax is included in most flight costs. Please check Entry Requirements before departure.

Getting There

St Lucia is served by Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort and George FL Charles local airport in Castries. There are ferries to Martinique, Guadeloupe and Dominica.

From the US:
US travellers can fly to Hewanorra International Airport direct from Miami with American Airlines.

From the UK:
British travellers can fly direct from Gatwick with British Airways, or connect in Miami or Barbados.

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Hewanorra International Airport, Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia:

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