St. Lucia is an island nation located in the eastern part of the Caribbean and is famous for its remarkable mountains, volcanic beaches, luxury resorts, and pristine reefs. Popular with celebrities and everyone in between, St. Lucia welcomes visitors in and encourages them to explore its remarkable culture and landscape.
Top Ten Places to Visit in St. Lucia
1. Castries
Castries is the capital city of St. Lucia and is situated along the northwestern part of the island. From its iconic palm tree-lined Vigie Beach to the busy Castries Market, there is much to see. At Castries Market, you can grab some local, handmade goods and fresh foods as you explore. This town is a popular stop for cruise ships, which means there is great shopping near the harbor. With beautiful resorts, sandy beaches, and stunning sunsets, there’s something for everyone in Castries.
2. Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island is a small island that’s connected to the main island of St. Lucia by a causeway. The island is home to Pigeon Island National Park and historic ruins. Fort Rodney, a British fort, was constructed there in the 18th century, and its ruins remain today. Pigeon Island is also home to the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, an annual event that sees visitors and jazz musicians from all over the world. For history, nature, and music lovers, Pigeon Island makes for a memorable stop in St. Lucia.
3. Soufriere
Soufriere is situated on the west coast of St. Lucia and the iconic mountains, the Pitons, stand watch over the city. Visitors can also enjoy Soufriere’s beaches or step back into the past and explore several colonial-era estates, including the Fond Doux Estate, which is a resort and working cacao plantation. With nearby trails through the lush rainforests, Soufriere is great for history buffs, active travelers, and those who are looking for an ideal place to relax.
4. Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
The Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens is the oldest botanical garden on St. Lucia and also the location of Diamond Falls, a nearly 56-foot-high (17 meters) waterfall that flows with sulfuric water. With mineral baths and a spa in the area, as well as hiking trails, a visit to Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens is perfect for nature lovers or visitors who love relaxing at the spa.
5. The Pitons
The Pitons are two volcanic plugs that stand out against the western coast of St. Lucia and overlook the town of Soufriere. These two iconic mountains are a symbol of the island and together make up a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Pitons sit on opposite sides of Jalousie Bay and are a popular attraction for hikers and nature lovers.
6. Anse La Raye
Anse La Raye is located on the western side of St. Lucia and is famous for its English and French colonial architecture. Known for being a lovely fishing village, Anse La Raye is perfect for visitors who are looking to experience the local culture and enjoy traditional foods and drinks. Depending on when you visit, you may even be lucky enough to see the local fishermen cooking up a storm near the beach during a weekly fish fry.
7. Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay can be found on the western coast of St. Lucia and has been the setting for several Hollywood movies. The azure bay is famous for its lush trees, immaculate beaches, quaint eateries, and romantic atmosphere. For the perfect social media photo or to experience one of the best places to dock in St. Lucia, slip into Marigot Bay and relax.
8. Rodney Bay
Rodney Bay is located on the northwestern coast of St. Lucia and is home to one of the most popular beaches on the island, Reduit Beach. Reduit Beach is known for its long, pristine shorelines, and gorgeous waters, making it a hit with visitors. Rodney Bay is also a popular entertainment and recreation center on the island. With great restaurants and cafes, exciting nightclubs, spas, and more, Rodney Bay is perfect for travelers looking to experience a bit of everything on St. Lucia.
9. Anse Chastanet Beach
Anse Chastanet Beach is on the western coast of St. Lucia and is perfect for visitors who are looking to visit an area with a laidback atmosphere. The calm waters that line the beach make it easy to explore the area’s coral reefs, and the nearby mountains make for spectacular views. With a specialty resort close by, Anse Chastanet Beach is a great fit for snorkelers, swimmers, or visitors who are looking to relax.
10. Sulphur Springs Park
Situated on the southwestern side of St. Lucia near Soufriere, the Sulphur Springs Park was once the location of a sulfur mine but is now a popular tourist spot. Visitors can take guided tours where they can get up close to the active geothermal springs. Further down from the geothermal area, visitors are also able to slip into heated streams, enjoy a soak, and rub their bodies with sulfur-infused mud.
Handy St. Lucia Travel Hints
Tourism to St. Lucia is common, as the naturally beautiful area offers up pristine waters and stunning sites to explore. Here are some helpful hints about what to expect in St. Lucia.
- Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar, though many places will accept US dollars. While some shops and restaurants may accept credit or debit, it is good to keep some cash on hand as not all places will accept cards.
- Tap water in St. Lucia is generally considered safe to drink, though the chlorination may taste strange to some.
- English is the official language of the island, though some locals also speak Creole. Most visitors should find that English is sufficient for travel on the island.