St Lucia Holidays

While St Lucia is renowned for being a quiet and peaceful haven for relaxation, it’s certainly not short on attractions! In fact, there are many fantastic things to do in St Lucia to make your holiday memorable.

• St Lucia boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. To the north of the island, you’ll find idyllic pearl white sands straight from a postcard, while the south coast is much more raw and rugged thanks to its volcanic nature. Reduit Beach is St Lucia’s most famous stretch of sand, but why stop there?
• The Pitons — Gros Piton and Petit Piton (or ‘Big Piton’ and ‘Small Piton’) — are two enormous peaks rising from the ocean in what must be one of the most spectacular and dramatic natural scenes in the Caribbean. The peaks hold UNESCO World Heritage Status, and Gros Piton reaches 798.25m in height!
• Pigeon Island is a National Park that is connected to the island of St Lucia via a man-made causeway. A former British fort, there is plenty of historical significance here, making it ideal for colonial history enthusiasts, but if you’re interested in wildlife and great scenery, you’ll also have a wonderful day out.
• For a more lively city experience, head to the island’s capital of Castries where you’ll find an active harbour, plenty of shopping opportunities, colourful murals, and an energetic atmosphere. Castries is also home to the stunning Vigie Beach; a breathtaking stretch of sand that’s lined with exotic palm trees.
• Less than 5 miles from Castries you’ll find the world famous Marigot Bay, which many say is the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean. Surrounded by lush green forested hills on three sides, the small coastal opening provides incredible views across the Caribbean Sea, with crystal clear, gleaming blue waters.
• Adventure lovers looking for memorable, thrilling activities to really get the adrenaline pumping will find them in St Lucia. With everything from challenging hikes through the forested mountains to white knuckle zip lines across the treetops, there really is much more to St Lucia than just sun, sea, and sand!

St Lucia beaches are the highlight of the island, with each coastline offering a different beachfront experience. If you’re dreaming of relaxing on the white sands of the Caribbean, St Lucia is the place.

• Reduit Beach St Lucia is perhaps the most famous of all the island’s beaches; a fabulous mile long stretch of golden sands with views across to Pigeon Island. This is the longest continuous stretch of sand in St Lucia, with most of the island’s beaches being small and nestled away within picturesque bays.
• Another lengthy stretch of sand in St Lucia can be found at Grand Anse, near Dennery. Unlike Reduit Beach, which has a very lively, energetic, and bustling atmosphere, Grand Anse is a lot quieter. It’s highly protected due to the endangered loggerhead turtles which nest right here on the beachfront.
• If you’re searching for smaller, more sheltered beaches, you’ll have no trouble finding them! Jalousie Beach is one of the best beaches in St Lucia thanks to its incredible views of the Pitons, while Anse Chastenet is a firm favourite of snorkelers, divers, and swimmers, thanks to the still, calm serene waters.
• In St Lucia, there’s a beach around every corner! You’ll find some tiny, idyllic coves hiding in the nooks of Marigot Bay just south of Castries, or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, head for Anse Louvert on the north east coast, accessed by an invigorating three hour hike from Desbarra.

St Lucia food is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Reflecting the island’s French, British, and East Indian influences, the local cuisine is exceptional, and there are plenty of great dishes to try.

• Seafood is a highlight of many St Lucia restaurants, particularly tuna, mahi mahi, and snapper. The Friday night ‘Fish Fry’ is an institution across the island; a night where both locals and visitors flock to the streets to enjoy some freshly fried fish. Anse la Raye on the west coast is famous for its Fish Fry events.
• A classic St Lucia dish is green figs and saltfish… which is actually much tastier than its name suggests! The dish is made with unripe bananas sliced and sauteed with garlic, vegetables, and saltfish. Salted cod is common, although you’ll find a number of restaurants mixing it up with different varieties of saltfish.
• There are plenty of restaurants in St Lucia, but don’t overlook the amazing street food carts and roadside stands serving up local, ready-to-eat favourites such as shark & bake. This is a sandwich filled with fish and vegetables, and also comes in a ‘float’ variety where the sandwich bread is fried up crisp.
• If you’re visiting St Lucia to attend one of the island’s exciting, energetic festivals, you’ll definitely encounter accras; deep fried balls of flaked fish and spices which are often served up as a snack to hungry festival goers. They’re usually served with a side of black pudding, and plenty of hot sauce.
• If you’re not a big fish eater, don’t worry! Another favourite dish is pouille dudon; a syrupy chicken stew flavoured with Caribbean coconut. This dish is best enjoyed with an ice cold, locally brewed Piton beer, or with a glass of Caribbean island rum to complement the coconut flavours in the chicken.

While the resorts and hotels of St Lucia offer plenty of entertainment and nightlife, it’s also worth checking out what’s going on in the city, especially in the nightlife capital of Rodney Bay Village (https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/rodney-bay-holidays.html).

• Bars in St Lucia vary from formal oceanfront cocktail bars to energetic nightclubs, and everything in between! However, no matter what sort of island nightlife experience you’re looking for, Friday nights are definitely the most popular for drinking and dancing, and this is when the island really comes to life.
• The bars in Rodney Bay are great, but for something a little different give the Gros Islet Jump Up a try. Jump Up is a massive street party that takes place in Gros Islet every Friday night. The street is lined with vendors selling steamed fish and BBQ chicken, and the spiced rum punch flows throughout the night.
• Anse la Raye offers a similar street party experience, although it’s a little less hectic than Jump Up. This is a true St Lucia Fish Fry Friday night experience, with food stalls, live music, craft markets, and plenty of rum. It’s a great place to people watch, and the event attracts visitors from all four corners of the world.

There are so many things to do in St Lucia for families that you’ll wonder where you’ll find the time to do it all! This really is one of the best Caribbean islands for little ones, with plenty to see, do, and climb!

• The Splash Island water park on Reduit Beach is a highlight for families visiting St Lucia. Marketed as the wettest and wildest attraction in the Caribbean, this open water adventure allows kids (and adults!) to explore the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea in a safe, fun environment filled with obstacle courses.
• For beachside adventure, Reduit Beach is one of the best beaches in St Lucia for children. Not only does it boast the huge inflatable water park, it also benefits from calm, shallow waters which make it excellent for swimming, and for trying out a wide range of watersports such as snorkeling and sailing.
• St Lucia is a top destination for ziplining, thanks to its densely forested landscape. Kids can whizz across the treetops and enjoy a spectacular birds eye view of the island while screaming with delight. There are a number of places to zipline in St Lucia, especially in the Dennery area to the east.
• If your kids like getting dirty and making a mess, then they will absolutely love spending a day at the mud baths in the west coast town of Soufrière. The mud baths are formed by the sulphur springs of the Soufrière Volcano, and while they’re mucky, they’re also said to help detoxify and rejuvenate the body.
• If your kids love to climb, you’ve got quite a few choices in St Lucia! The most challenging, of course, are the Pitons, but for something a little less strenuous, take a day trip to Fort Rodney on Pigeon Island, where your little ones can let off some energy by scrambling on the rocks before a refreshing swim.

As a top honeymoon destination for couples, there are lots of romantic things to do in St Lucia. If you’re planning a luxurious St Lucia adults-only holiday, here are just a few activities that you may enjoy:

• Taking a sunset cruise through the mesmerising waters of the Caribbean Sea, admiring the incredible views of the Pitons. A sunset sail is the perfect way to enjoy a little more intimacy, away from the hustle and bustle of the exciting, energetic city of Castries, and to experience true calm and relaxation.
• Strolling hand-in-hand through the beautiful botanical gardens on the west coast of the island, or along the fine white sands of St Lucia’s secluded beachfront destinations. Perhaps you want to sit on Reduit Beach and people watch, or enjoy a quieter experience in one of the island’s small bays; it’s up to you!
• St Lucia is bursting with chic spas and top salons located in the island’s excellent hotels and resorts, so why not spend a day unwinding and relaxing together with a couple’s massage? Afterwards, sit back with a cocktail (or two!), and enjoy a day of not really doing anything except enjoying each other’s company.
• If you’re thinking of having a romantic dinner out, St Lucia is full of great dining experiences. Beachfront restaurants offer incredible views and atmospheric settings, but it can often be just as romantic to join in with the local traditions, taking in a famous Friday night Fish Fry in Anse la Raye.

The rich and diverse culture of St Lucia can be experienced in all sorts of exciting ways across the island. A blend of British and French colonial history and true Caribbean flair is everywhere in St Lucia.

• For a true insight into St Lucia culture, the Folk Research Center in Castries should be your first stop. The centre features exhibits highlighting the traditions of native islanders, and gives a glimpse into the history of this old harbour town, showing pictures of the elegant Brazil Street buildings in their heyday.
• Fort Rodney is also well worth a visit. Located in the Pigeon Island National Park, this former 18th century British fort stands proud on the hilltop, commanding excellent views across St Lucia. Much of the fort now lies in ruins, but there are plenty of information boards providing insight into the structure.
• Morne Fortune is another important historical and cultural attraction. Built in the 1700s by the French, the battery was previously under both French and British rule, and today the area is home to both the Government House of St Lucia, and to the University of the West Indies St Lucian Campus.
• Music plays a huge role in the culture of St Lucia, and you’ll find live music playing in many places across the island. The music is a wonderful fusion of African and European elements, and often accompanies the Kwadril Creole folk dance that you’ll see performed at many local festivals.

What is the best time of year to visit St Lucia?

St Lucia is hot all year round, with a stable temperature of around 30 degrees no matter what the season. June - November can be a little wetter, so many people like to travel between December - May.

How long is the flight to St Lucia from the UK?

A flight from the UK to St Lucia takes between 8 and 9 hours into Hewanorra International Airport on the island’s south coast. Ground transfers to Castries and north coast destinations take a little over one hour.

Do you need vaccinations for St Lucia?

You don't need vaccinations for St Lucia. However, the Chikungunya virus (transmitted through mosquito bites) and Zika virus have been confirmed on the island so it is important to take care. A rabies vaccination against Bat Lyssavirus may be beneficial for some travellers undertaking caving activities.

Can you drink the water in St Lucia?

Tap water in St Lucia is safe to drink, and there is no need to worry about ice cubes in drinks. However, as the water is chlorinated it may taste a little strange! Bottled water is widely available if you prefer.

What currency do they use in St Lucia?

The official currency of St Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. However, almost all shops and restaurants on the island will accept the United States Dollar, and credit cards can also be used.