Saint Lucia travel guide
Saint Lucia Tourism | Saint Lucia Guide
You're Going to Love Saint Lucia
Blessed with thick rainforests that spread across mountains and down towards the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Saint Lucia is blanketed in natural beauty. Mesmerizing volcanic rocks rise along the island, while there is no shortage of marine life underneath the ocean surface. Ideal for a romantic getaway or relaxing vacation, beach-side hammocks, and sand-floored bars are everywhere.
What to do in Saint Lucia
1. Hike up Gros Piton
Spectacularly climbing 2,619 ft out of the sea, the volcanic plug provides incredible views along the coastline and requires little mountaineering experience.
2. Explore Pigeon Island
Once isolated from the rest of the country, the region has been artificially attached and is home to several remnants displaying its naval history.
3. Buy Some Local Produce at Castries Market
The open-air market has more than 300 stalls that sell locally caught fish and meat as well as farmed vegetables, spices, and herbs.
4. Discover the Gems of Soufriere
The quaint town was once the capital of Sant Lucia and is surrounded by Sulphur springs, colonial estates, cacao plantations, and breathtaking waterfalls.
5. Unwind at Rodney Bay
Glorious resorts stretch along the white sand beach to create a laid-back atmosphere where it's impossible not to relax. There's also a waterpark charismatic marina to check out.
When to visit Saint Lucia
The tropical climate is warm year-round, however, the best time to visit is during the dry season between January and April.
How to Get to Saint Lucia
Entry requirements
European Union citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, while nationals of countries, such as the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and China, can enter for 42 days.
Plane
Hewanorra International Airport welcomes long-distance flights from major cities, such as Atlanta, New York, London, Toronto, and Boston, on carriers that include United Airlines, WestJet, and British Airways. George F. L. Charles Airport, on the other hand, operates predominantly regional services to Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, and Saint Vincent. A nonstop flight from New York to Saint Lucia costs between approximately 460-540 XCD (170-200 USD).
Boat
Ferries can be caught from Roseau in Dominica (5h), Fort-de-France in Martinique (1h 30m), and Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe (7h 30m). The services cost roughly 145-205 XCD (54-76 USD).
Popular airlines serving Saint Lucia
Where to stay in Saint Lucia
There are boutique hotels to enjoy inland as well as villas and resorts dotted along the coast. Self-catering condos are popular in the northwestern region near Castries.
Where to stay in popular areas of Saint Lucia
Most booked hotels in Saint Lucia
How to Get Around Saint Lucia
Public Transportation
Buses are the most common transport option within cities and can be caught at marked stations or by hailing the driver. Tourists typically prefer the convenience of taxis, which are readily available on almost every street corner. Taxis don't have meters and the fares can be negotiated with the driver.
Bus
Local buses, which are effectively small vans, operate often yet irregularly between several destinations on the island, including Soufriere, Castries, and Vieux Fort. Stops are made at rural towns along the way and tickets cost approximately 4-10 XCD (1.50-3.70 USD).
Car
Picking up a rental car is a fantastic way of discovering the abundance of natural beauty, with a one-day driving permit costing roughly 32 XCD (12 USD) and a 3-month permit costing approximately 60 XCD (22 USD). You must drive on the left-hand side of Saint Lucian roads and be careful of potholes on the shoulders.
Plane
There are no domestic commercial flights between the two airports in Saint Lucia, however, chartered helicopter flights can be organized.
The Cost of Living in Saint Lucia
Food is relatively cheap and a loaf of bread costs roughly 2 XCD (0.70 USD), while beer can be bought for around 5 XCD (1.90 USD). An average meal costs about 13 XCD (4.80 USD). Credit cards are generally accepted at hotels and restaurants, with street stalls and markets being solely cash-based.