An array of excellent outdoor attractions and experiences will make your stay on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia a great adventure.
In the north of the island, the capital city, Castries, is well worth a visit. This busy port welcomes many cruise ships to the island, with popular attractions including the Castries Central Market. A city of British and French influences, you can enjoy diverse architecture and some wonderful views over Castries from the ‘Hill of Good Luck’, Morne Fortune.
About 20 minutes’ drive north of Castries, the village of Gros Islet is known for its lively Friday night street parties which offer a good introduction to the island’s food and culture. Gros Islet is only five minutes from Rodney Bay, where Reduit Beach and the Rodney Bay Marina are the hangouts of choice. With opportunities to go sailing, excellent waterfront dining and a good-sized shopping mall in the form of Baywalk, there’s lots to keep you entertained in this west coast resort. George F.L. Charles Airport, can also be found in Castries.
Not far away Pigeon Island is a big draw. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, this area has lovely beaches and historic sights including a fortress and barracks. Wonderfully scenic, it’s great for hiking and long walks. Pigeon Island also hosts the annual Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival each spring, among many other events.
If you are into ornithology, Saint Lucia is a good place to be. You can spot lots of exotic and rare species around the island, with the Millet Bird Sanctuary or Quilesse Forest Reserve among the best places to spot the famed Saint Lucia Parrot.
Several of the island’s most significant sights can be found around the Soufrière area on the west coast. The so-called ‘drive-in volcano’ of Soufrière is one of these – a lively, sulphurous mass that doesn’t disappoint. You can take a guided tour to get the best views of this mighty volcano in all its glory.
The volcanic cones of the two Pitons form the area’s other star attraction. You can climb right to the top of the Gros Piton and Petit Piton if you have a guide (and a lot of stamina), but following one of the local nature trails and viewing the peaks from a distance is likely to be enough for most. Pay a visit to the pretty town of Soufrière too, while you’re in the area.
