St. Lucia is the sort of island that travellers to the Caribbean dream about--a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown. One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent, and north of Barbados. St. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, with a shape that is said to resemble either a mango or an avocado (depending on your taste). The Atlantic Ocean kisses its eastern shore, while the beaches of the west coast owe their beauty to the calm Caribbean Sea.
Boasting a drive-through volcano, as well as its own National Rain Forest Reserve with over 19,000 color-splashed acres of natural wonders, St. Lucia’s exotic beauty truly captures the luxuriant allure of the Caribbean. From the distinctive twin peaks of Les Pitons to the cascading majesty of Diamond Falls and the translucent turquoise sea that frames it all, St. Lucia dazzles the eye as it seduces the body and spirit.
Castries St. Lucia's bustling capital is home to several of St. Lucia's historical sights, like the La Toc Battery, and beautiful architecture, including the uniquely decorated Cathedral and the Central Library. There is excellent shopping in the town market and Bagshaws, where the art of silkscreening can be observed.
Gros Piton climbing the 2,619-foot Gros Piton is for the hale and hardy, but the breathtaking views, scenery and feeling of accomplishment are worth it. A fee of $25 per person pays for a well-trained guide for the 4-mile round-trip route. Hikers typically start out in the early cool hours of the day to complete the round trip, which may take from 2-6 hours one way.
Drive-through Volcano It’s been 400,000 years since volcanic activity occurred here, but the pit that resulted from a collapsed dome of molten lava at the La Soufriere volcano presents a fascinating picture of what the earth must have looked like back then. As you approach the side of the crater, the sulphuris smell of rotten eggs rises up. The red, blue and green tinged landscape, including 24 steaming vents, hints at deposits of iron, copper oxide, magnesium and others minerals bubbling to the surface.
Beaches every beach on the island of St. Lucia, including those that are part of the top resorts, is open to the public. The beaches on the western side of the island front the tranquil turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and are favored for swimming and water sports, while the wild but beautiful eastern side churns with the more turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Average Temperature: Summer 80°/70° F; Winter 77°/70° F |
