Most tourists are usually misled by Saint Lucia’s seemingly small size. Although it is, indeed, only 616 square kilometres (around 238 square miles) and home to just a handful of districts, you will be pleasantly surprised with the offered attractions and activities that will boost your vacation arrangements and plans.
With the majority of action concentrated on the regions of the west and north shores, you will find the infamous Pitons, the steaming Sulphur Springs, the Pigeon Island National Park, amidst cascading waterfalls, lush forests, fishing village fiestas, zipline adventures, and long stretches of fine sand peppered in between popular sites and landmarks. And, even though creating a list of the top places to visit in Saint Lucia is more than a simple dare, we have managed to put together an illustrative guide that you will surely fill up with many more iconic places worth your time in Saint Lucia quickly!
Although Castries is the island’s bustling capital, Gros Islet is the beating heart of the Saint Lucia night scene. The charming fishing village somehow manages to combine natural beauties that distinguish the northern coastline with a lively party vibe that calibrates the entire island around Gros Islet’s weekly street festivities and feasts, featuring live music, lots of delicious barbecued chicken and grilled seafood, and an overflow of local rum!
Gros Islet has something for every taste and requirement, though. So, besides the plethora of bars, restaurants, and cafes, it is also home to Sandal’s Golf & Country Club which will certainly pull every sports enthusiast’s strings with its immaculately maintained greens. Nicely tucked in the stylish Cap Estate area, the golf club is also near the elegant Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, where all the international and regional cricket matches are held.
And, let’s not forget horseback riding fans and water-sports lovers, who can gallop along the shores and/or learn how to kitesurf or sharpen their kitesurfing skills with the valuable assistance of Olympian Beth Lygoe at pristine En Bas Beach.
Speaking of shores, Anse La Voute is an underrated, but gorgeous beach worth exploring, just five minutes from the iconic Pigeon Island National Park and its stunning views. Now, if you are after great family fun times, head to Reduit Beach and Splash Island Water Park, and get the most out of what Gros Islet has to offer you.
Castries is the vibrant capital of Saint Lucia that locks the attention of visitors with its wide shopping scene covering a variety of aspects, from local souvenirs such as woodworks and handcrafted baskets to take back home to coconut shell-made trinkets, spices, calabash, and soaps. Head to Castries Market on a Saturday, though, and be prepared for a bubbling place buzzing with activity as locals come to purchase fresh herbs and homegrown produce!
The next stop? The Pointe Seraphine shopping complex just outside the city centre enables shopaholics to shop for duty-free and upscale items. You will also find designer fragrances, clothing, jewellery, boat tours, car rentals, land tours, and an inviting mixture of other items and services.
While in the area, you may want to walk toward the beer garden of the Antillia Brewing Company and sample their delicious Saint Lucian Indian Pale Ale, West Indian Pale Ale, and Passion Fruit Ale, while watching the bustling port be swarmed with cruise ships from time to time. Also worth a visit is Morne Fortune, a harbour-facing former military outpost offering spectacular vistas of the town.
Around half an hour away from Castries and some 45 minutes away from Gros Islet lies scenic Anse La Raye enchanting visitors with its own version of Gros Islet’s Friday night street festivals, only a bit less breezy and jaunty! The picturesque fishing village epitomises Saint Lucia’s authentic lifestyle with a laid-back vibe and a chill atmosphere, where everything seems to be moving slowly and joyfully. Food lovers know, though, that Anse La Raye will feel like an earthy haven to them, considering that the stars here are freshly-caught fish and lobster seasoned with local spices and herbs and cooked on the beachfront to absolute perfection. Accompanied by delicious fish cakes the locals call accras and conch, another local staple, feel free to wet your throat with yummy local drinks and beverages.
As for those wishing to pair their dining adventures with some music and water-related activities, Anse La Raye is a dreamy meeting point for it all. Expect lots of dancing with the locals to live soca, calypso, and reggae tunes, a beautiful Anse Cochon Beach that is a paradise for snorkelers, and a secluded resort and spa perched on the cliff nearby!
