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St. Lucia is arguably one of the most attractive islands in all of the Caribbean. This tiny settlement, based just north east of Barbados, has long been a favourite amongst honeymooners, families and couples, who are in search of a dream escape.
St. Lucia’s landscape is made up of luscious green valleys, luxurious beaches and expansive rainforests. Historically, the island has changed hands between the British and French no less than fourteen times.
The Caribbean island has been nicknamed ‘Helen of the West Indies’, after Helen of Troy - the daughter of Zeus and according to Greek mythology, the most beautiful woman in the world.
Flights: You can fly direct to St Lucia from London Gatwick.
Passport/visa requirements: Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date you enter the country.
Packing essentials: St Lucia boasts one of the Caribbean’s warmest climates with temperatures rarely dropping below 22°C, even in the winter months. Sun cream, sun glasses and a hat for protection is a must, as is light clothing. However, you should also be prepared for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, especially from June through to November, so taking a light waterproof jacket would be advisable.
St. Lucia’s long lasting appeal has cemented it as one of the world’s most sought after destinations for luxury holidays to the Caribbean. Both families and couples alike will love this remarkable island, which offers numerous opportunities for exploration.
Whilst it’ll be hard to keep away from St. Lucia’s white sand beaches, it’s also worth venturing across the country’s mountainous inlands, including Sulphur Springs – the area is considered the world’s only “drive-in” volcano and can be found toward the south west of the island, near Soufrièr.
Head to the east of St. Lucia to Chassin to explore the island’s rainforests, all of which can be explored via one of the area’s many aerial trams or zip lines! Frequent tours and excursions run around the region, offering an insight into the local plant life. If this sounds like your idea of fun, you may also want to take a hiking trip up Gros Piton – the second highest peak on the island.
Be sure to make some time for a trip to Castries during your holiday. The bustling capital is home to some bustling markets, historical monuments and cathedrals, including the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. On top of cultural and historic landmarks, St. Lucia is home to your favourite holiday pastimes, including snorkelling, sailing, water sports and more!
St Lucia is a laidback island, and with that can come some travel complications.
Thankfully, there are still a range of transport options ensuring that just about everywhere is accessible.
The two main airports George F L Charles and Hewanorra operate helicopter rides to take you to various parts of the island.
Most visitors will make use of the roads on the island at some point.
Plenty of transfers are available from the airports, whilst cars can be hired easily from various points or through hotels directly.
If you do plan to rent a vehicle during your stay, it may be worth getting a 4-wheel drive as the terrain can quickly become mountainous if you go off the beaten track.
Hiring a taxi is another relatively inexpensive option and a good way to see the island without the hassle of driving yourself. Most firms have fixed rates dependent on the length of journey, but as always check with the driver beforehand to avoid any problems – and clarify whether price quoted is in East Caribbean Dollars not US Dollars.
If you’re really trying to budget, local minibuses are available between the most popular towns – Castries, Vieux Fort and Soufrière.
Being surrounded by ocean, it’s hard not to enjoy transport by boat and other options when visiting St Lucia.
Water Taxis are a great way to either go island hopping or access secluded parts of St Lucia, whilst boats can be chartered from Rodney Bay among other popular points.
Aside from the beaches, Pitons and general paradise, St Lucia is a hotbed of sport.
They don’t like cricket... oh no, they love it!
St Lucian’s are some of the most passionate fans of the gentleman’s game, and can often be found packing out the Beausejour Cricket Ground, now renamed the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium - after the island’s most famous cricketing export.
The West Indies side make frequent trips to the ground for international test and one-day internationals, and the stadium played a key part in the 2007 Cricket World Cup and the 2010 World T20, where it hosted both semi-final matches.
In more recent years, it has been the home of the St Lucia Stars franchise, who compete in the domestic Caribbean Premier League, an annual T20 tournament.
St Lucia has seen a big influx of tennis participation in recent years, with the island building a new national Tennis Centre, and competing annually in the Davis Cup.
It is also home to a Commonwealth gold medal-winning high-jumper, in Levern Spencer. The female athlete won gold at the third time of asking in the 2018 Gold Coast games, and boasts an impressive back catalogue of medals from previous Commonwealth, Pan Am and Central American and Caribbean Games.
A picturesque island like St Lucia wouldn’t be complete without some top golf courses. Both the Sandals St Lucia and the St Lucia Golf & Country Club boast 18 holes in idyllic settings.
St Lucia can’t brag about multiple long beaches like other Caribbean hot spots, so locals and visitors sure make the most of the five-mile stretch of sand that is Reduit Beach.
Ideally located close to a host of hotels, bars and restaurants in Rodney Bay, Reduit Beach is the perfect choice for a long stroll, sunbathing sessions or dipping your toes in the calm waters.
There are also plenty of snorkelling, windsurfing and water-skiing options here, while the young and young at heart can take on the Splash Island Water Park, which floats out in the middle of the sea.
If you want to enjoy views of St Lucia stunning Pitons, Jalousie Beach is the place for you. Situated between Gros Piton and Petit Piton, this enchanting spot could possibly be most breathtaking beach in the whole of the Caribbean.
A chunk of the sand is reserved for guests of the Sugar Beach resort, but there’s still plenty of space and the opportunity to enjoy this sensational location even if you are not a guest at the hotel.
Jalousie Beach is also the number one choice with adventurers looking to snorkel and scuba dive in the coral reefs off shore.
If you’re looking for a beach with lots of star appeal, you should definitely opt for Marigot Bay. This picture-perfect spot on the west coast of the island is regularly used in Hollywood films – with one being none other than the Pirates of the Caribbean!
We can’t promise Jack Sparrow will be there, but the view is just as eye-catching!
Not just popular on the island itself, the acclaimed event is well known across the Caribbean and even worldwide.
Past performers have included some of the world’s most famous musicians including; Elton John, Rihanna, John Legend and Diana Ross.
It usually takes place in early to mid-May each year, with a spectacular finale at Pigeon Island National Landmark.
It could be argued that the Caribbean is just one big party, but those words couldn’t be truer than when Carnival arrives in St Lucia.
Traditional steel drums and costumes that leave little to the imagination all add to the colour and sounds that will help you dance the night (and even next day) away.
The Carnival usually takes place in June or July.
What started out as Creole Day back in 1981, to celebrate the traditional heritage of the island, is now a month-long celebration throughout October.
Find everything great about St Lucia, with music, food, street parties and of course rum. It wouldn’t be a celebration otherwise, right?
January blues? Not in St Lucia, thanks to this three-day food and rum festival.
Some of the island’s best chefs...and rum makers will be in attendance, alongside some top international chefs to showcase the best St Lucia has to offer.
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Where is St. Lucia located?
The island of St Lucia is located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, approximately 39km south of Martinique and 34km northeast of St Vincent.
What is the currency in St. Lucia?
The official currency of St Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar, however, the US dollar is also widely accepted.
What is the time difference between the UK and St Lucia?
The time zone in St Lucia is AST (Atlantic Standard Time) - this is 4 hours behind GMT.
When is the best time to go to St. Lucia?
The most popular time to visit St Lucia is December to April, when the island enjoys a warm and dry climate.
When is hurricane season in St. Lucia?
Hurricane season in St Lucia can stretch from June to November, but the biggest peak in hurricane activity is usually September and October.
When is rainy season in St. Lucia?
The entire rainy season in St. Lucia stretches from June to November, but rainfall levels typically peak in September and October.
How long should you stay in St Lucia?
We recommend staying in St Lucia for around a week to give you time to relax, explore and indulge in some watersports or other activities.
Can you fly direct to St Lucia?
Yes, you can currently find direct flights from the UK to St Lucia from London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
How long does it take to fly to St Lucia?
A direct flight from London Gatwick to Hewanorra International Airport, in St Lucia, takes approximately 8 to 9 hours.
Do you need a passport to travel to St. Lucia?
Yes, you will need a passport to travel to St Lucia. You may also be required to produce proof of sufficient funds during your stay.
Do I need a visa for St Lucia?
No visa is required for stays of up to 6 weeks in St Lucia. You must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date you leave the country. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply and pay for an extension of stay through the St Lucia Immigration Department.
What language do St. Lucians speak?
The official language of St Lucia is English. Saint Lucian French Creole, which is known locally as Patois, is also widely spoken.
Can you drink alcohol in St Lucia?
Yes, anyone over the age of 18 can drink alcohol in St Lucia.
Does St. Lucia have nice beaches?
St. Lucia is well known for its beautiful beaches. Popular ones include Sugar Beach, Reduit Beach and Anse Chastanet.
Is St. Lucia safe?
Yes, St Lucia is considered to be a safe country for tourists. As with any destination, we’d always encourage you to be vigilant when travelling to (and exploring) a destination.
Does St Lucia have mosquitoes?
As St Lucia is a tropical island, there are mosquitoes so it’s always a good idea to take insect repellent.
What is the capital of St Lucia?
Castries is the capital of St Lucia and is located on the west coast of the island.
Is St. Lucia expensive?
Some holidays to St Lucia can be slightly more expensive than many other Caribbean destinations. However the cost to travel to and stay in this destination will vary depending on where you choose to stay and the food/activities that you choose.
Are St Lucia plugs the same as UK plugs?
St Lucia tends to have UK 3-pin plug sockets and use the same standard voltage (230V) so you are able to use your UK appliances.
Is St. Lucia a good holiday destination?
Yes, St Lucia is an excellent place to go on holiday. It has something for everyone - from lush rainforests and cultural attractions to water sports and flawless beaches.
Is St Lucia a good family holiday destination?
St Lucia is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for families, with incredible resorts and child-friendly activities.
Which hotels in St Lucia do all-inclusive?
Many of St Lucia’s best hotels offer all-inclusive packages, providing access to a range of outstanding restaurants and bars, including the fabulous Calabash Cove and Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa. Browse our range of all-inclusive St Lucia hotels to find the best option for you.
Which side of St. Lucia is best?
The best side of St. Lucia will vary depending on what you want to get out of your stay. In the north, you’ll find more tourist centric facilities, but the south is full of stunning scenery and natural attractions.
