St Lucia stands at the heart of the Windward Islands; a lush, fertile island of volcanic peaks, rainforest and banana plantations. Bitterly contested in bygone centuries by the British and French, St Lucia’s history is reflected today in the creole architecture and cuisine and the impossibly difficult to understand patois. The character and aspect of the island of St Lucia between the north around Castries and the south around Soufrière is vastly different. In the north you have the bays, coves and sheltered harbours, white sandy beaches and tourist resorts whereas the south is famous for the volcanic, forest-covered Pitons, sulphur springs and rain forest. The north of St Lucia will appeal if you want a luxury Caribbean beach holiday with comfortable, contemporary accommodation and the possibility of venturing out for days, and the south is to be recommended for those who want the experience of life in a lush, tropical environment with the close proximity of the rainforest.
Facts
Capital
Castries
Airport
About 15 minutes by taxi to Vigie and 90 minutes to Hewanorra
Size
238 square miles
Currency
Eastern Caribbean dollar (£1 = 4EC$)
Population 142,000 approximately
Temperature
26 degrees Centigrade
Local highlights
Banana plantations. Creole architecture and gaily coloured houses in the villages. Jazz festival in May. Creole dishes of plantain, breadfruit, yam and christophene. Exuberant flowers, parrots and humming birds. Lush rainforest walks. Waterfalls, sulphur springs and botanical gardens. The poetry of Nobel prize winner Derek Walcott. Fishing towns of Anse la Raye, Canaries and Soufriere.
Getting out and about
The west coast road from Castries to Soufrière has a good surface and width but just winds up and down the length of the coast. The scenery is dramatic and well worth experiencing by hire car. Boat trips along the coast are also possible and afford breathtaking views of the mountains. Signposting in Castries is almost non-existent so be armed with a detailed map but be prepared to get lost a little. South of Castries, Soufrière and Hewanorra airport are well signposted..
Travel arrangements
Flying time London to St Lucia is about 9 hours. British Airways has direct flights from London Gatwick to St Lucia. Virgin Atlantic has direct flights from London Gatwick to St Lucia.