St Lucia is fringed with vast stretches of classic white sand with lively beach bars but there are steep-sided hidden coves to discover, too. A growing golf scene, plantation history and day sailing keeps a wide range of visitors from honeymooners to families well-entertained. There are plenty of weekly events to join in with, as well: fish fries in the villages, markets and the famous Friday night entertainment at Gros Islet.
St Lucia was first colonized successfully by France who signed a treaty with the native Carib peoples in 1660. The island switched hands between Great Britain and France fourteen times between this date and 1814. Because it was fought over so many times, St Lucia is dubbed the ‘Helen of the Caribbean.’
It’s certainly an island worth fighting for. Seen from above, St Lucia is a mass of dense green forested peaks, ridges and valleys that tumble to white coastlines surrounded by bright blue seas. The most famous St Lucian landmarks are the Pitons: striking, pointed twin volcanic peaks that remained when a volcanic cone blew apart 40,000 years ago.
Other tourist attractions include the world's only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs at Soufriere, the Botanical Gardens, the rain forests and Pigeon Island National Park, which is home to Fort Rodney, an old British military base. St Lucia has a variety of terrain to explore. Near the capital there is agriculture and banana plantations, the south is volcanic, mountainous and fertile and the north and east coasts are less rugged and have the best beaches.
St Lucia has a wide range of accommodation from large hotels to tucked away places to stay, hidden in pretty coves and dotted on lush hillsides. Most accommodation is in the more bustling north of the island. In the coves of the south you will find charming, smaller properties. Inspirational Travel will be happy to talk through your ideal itinerary with you, and tailor make your dream St Lucian holiday.
