If you’re looking for a tropical paradise that offers a little bit of everything then St Lucia should definitely be on your radar. This Caribbean island offers stunning natural beauty, picturesque beaches, and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to relax on a pristine beach, hike through the rainforests or explore historic sites, St Lucia definitely has something for everyone. In this article, I’ll be sharing 9 reasons why St Lucia should be your next vacation destination. From its world-famous Piton mountains to its vibrant local culture, there are so many reasons to fall in love with this beautiful island.
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#1 THING TO DO
Take a Full Day Sailing Tour of St Lucia
Sail along the west coast of Saint Lucia on this full-day catamaran tour. See Castries, visit Soufrière and Marigot Bay, explore the natural volcanoes, and waterfalls, and visit Morne Coubaril Estate for a Creole buffet lunch.
1. St Lucia’s Natural Beauty
St Lucia boasts a stunning landscape that includes gorgeous white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and majestic mountains. Here are some of the reasons why I think St Lucia’s natural beauty is worth experiencing for yourself:
St Lucia’s Tropical Beaches
St Lucia’s beaches are often considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world. With crystal-clear waters and soft sand, they are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Some of the most popular beaches on the island include Reduit Beach, Anse Chastanet, and Sugar Beach. You could easily spend your days relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the stunning views of mountains, rolling hills, and luscious rainforests.
Just be sure to secure your valuables while you do so. Take a portable safe to attach to a tree, or something else solid while you swim, snorkel or snooze away. Our guide to the best portable travel safes is here.
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The Lush Rainforests of St Lucia
St Lucia’s rainforests are a sight to behold. The lush greenery is home to a wide variety of wildlife including exotic birds, monkeys, and other wildlife too. You can easily explore the rainforest on foot by hiking through the trails with a guide or you could see them on a zipline adventure> (these are super popular with kids of all ages!).
One of the best hiking trails through the rainforest is the Tet Paul Nature Trail where you’ll get to experience out-of-this-world views of the island and the famous Piton mountains.
The Glorious St Lucia Piton Mountains
Nothing says St Lucia more than the impressive Piton mountains – they’ve basically become an icon of St Lucia. The Pitons are two volcanic spires located in the southwestern part of the island by the Caribbean Sea.
Gros Piton, the taller of the two, stands at 2,619 feet (798 meters) and Petit Piton is 2,438 feet (743 meters) tall. The mountains themselves are surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea if you choose to climb them.
Although Gros Piton is taller, it’s actually the easiest one to climb out of the two but hiking Gros Piton is still no easy feat. You’ll be rewarded if you do with incredible views of the island and a feeling of accomplishment.
One thing to note is that it’s actually mandatory to hike the Pitons with a guide, unfortunately, you’re not allowed to do it alone. You can book a hiking tour like this one. – or check out the best Pitons Tours that you can take in St Lucia. You’ll want to make sure you follow the guidance of your trail leader and take the right clothes and equipment, and this is one hike that we recommend hiking poles for.
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2. St Lucia’s Rich Culture and History
St Lucia has a rich cultural heritage that dates back hundreds of years. Over time, the island has been a melting pot of cultures which has given it a unique identity that is celebrated by the locals to this day.
Local Festivals and Traditions of St Lucia
One of the top reasons to visit St Lucia is to take in the vibrant culture of the island. No matter what time of the year you visit, there is bound to be a festival or an event going on.
Some of the most popular festivals include:
- Jounen Kwéyòl – A celebration of Creole culture that includes music, dance, and food.
- Carnival – A colorful and lively celebration that takes place in July.
- La Rose and La Marguerite – Two rival flower societies that hold annual processions and dances.
These festivals are a great way to experience the local culture and meet the friendly people of St Lucia.
Historical Landmarks of St Lucia
St Lucia is also home to several historical landmarks that are totally worth a visit if exploring the history on a trip is important to you.
Some of St Lucia’s best historical landmarks include:
- Morne Fortune: A hilltop fort that offers stunning views of the island.
- Pigeon Island National Landmark: A historic site that was once a military base and now features ruins, hiking trails, and a museum.
- Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens: A natural wonder that features a waterfall, mineral baths, and lush tropical gardens.
Visiting these landmarks is a great way to learn about the island’s history and appreciate its natural beauty at the same time.
3. Outdoor Activities on St Lucia
St Lucia is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers as there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy on the island. Here are some of the best outdoor activities to try on your next trip to St Lucia:
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving around St Lucia
If you love the underwater world then St Lucia is the perfect place for you. The crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the world.
In St Lucia, you can explore coral reefs, shipwrecks and come face to face with colorful marine life. In fact, you can even see turtles in St Lucia. Some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in St Lucia are Anse Chastanet, Anse Cochon, and the beaches at the base of the Pitons.
You can also book a snorkeling tour like this one where a guide will take you around the island to all the best snorkeling spots in one day.
St Lucia’s Hiking and Biking Trails
St Lucia is also a great place for both hikers and cyclists. The island has a variety of trails that cater to both beginners and experienced hikers and bikers. You’ll be able to explore the rainforests, mountains, and valleys whilst enjoying breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Some of the best hiking and biking trails in St Lucia are the Tet Paul Nature Trail, the Enbas Saut Waterfall Trail, and the Barre de l’Isle Trail.
This hiking tour is one of the best as it includes a guided hike along the Tet Paul Nature Trail and a stop at nearby Hummingbird Beach for a swim.
4. There’s Glorious Luxury Accommodation on St Lucia
St Lucia is known for its luxury hotels with a range of options for travelers seeking a lavish vacation experience. From private villas to all-inclusive resorts, there is no shortage of high-end accommodation options in St Lucia.
Jade Mountain Resort is a popular choice for those seeking a romantic getaway. Each of the resort’s 29 suites has its own infinity pool and stunning views of the Pitons and Caribbean Sea. The resort also has a spa, fitness center, and several on-site dining options. You can check availability here.
For those looking for a more secluded experience, the Ladera Resort is another great option. All of the resort’s rooms and suites are built into the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Pitons and the ocean.
Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort is another top choice if you’re looking for an upscale hotel in St Lucia. The resort features 96 rooms and villas, all with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities including water sports, tennis, and hiking. There are also several on-site restaurants to choose from as well.
Other luxury places to stay on the island include the Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel and Cap Maison Resort & Spa. No matter where you choose to stay, you can expect impeccable service, stunning views, and luxurious amenities.
5. St Lucia has Affordable Prices
Although St Lucia can be expensive if you stay at one of the fancy resorts, there’s actually a range of options at different price ranges. It’s actually extremely doable to visit St Lucia on a budget.
Depending on your travel style and preferences, you can easily find accommodation, food, and activities that fit your budget. For example, there are many affordable guesthouses and hostels in St Lucia that offer comfortable clean rooms at a fraction of the cost of the high-end hotels and you can also find budget-friendly restaurants that serve delicious Caribbean cuisine at reasonable prices.
When it comes to activities in St Lucia, there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank like hiking through the rainforest which is a popular and free activity providing you with stunning views of the island. You can also visit the local markets to experience the culture and spend time relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean.
St Lucia is actually a great destination for travelers looking for an affordable Caribbean vacation and, with a little research and planning, you can easily find plenty of budget-friendly options that will allow you to enjoy everything the island has to offer without spending a fortune.
6. Day Trips To Other Islands
Whilst St Lucia itself has plenty to offer, there are also several other Caribbean islands nearby that are also worth exploring.
Here are a few options for day trips from St Lucia to other islands:
- Martinique: This French-speaking island is just a short flight or boat ride from St Lucia and boasts stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and plenty of history and culture to explore. Want to explore more about Martinique? Here are the best things to do in Martinique, the best beaches in Martinique, and what to see in Fort de France, Martinique.
- Barbados: Known for its crystal clear waters and vibrant nightlife, Barbados is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Take a day trip to explore the island’s many beaches, shops, and restaurants.
Of course, there are plenty of other islands to explore in the region including Grenada, St Vincent & the Grenadines and Dominica so be sure to do your research and find the one that best suits your interests and budget.
A day trip to another island can be a great way to add some variety to your St Lucia vacation and experience even more of the Caribbean’s natural beauty and culture.
7. Delicious Cuisine
St Lucia is a food lover’s paradise with a huge range of delicious dishes to try. It’s guaranteed that you’ll never go hungry. The island’s cuisine is a mix of African, Caribbean, Indian, and European influences which has resulted in a truly unique and flavorful culinary experience.
One must-try dish is the national dish of St Lucia itself, green figs and saltfish. This dish features green bananas (known as figs on the island) boiled and served with salted codfish and a variety of seasonings. Another popular dish is callaloo soup which is made with leafy greens, okra, coconut milk, and various spices.
Seafood lovers will also be in heaven with the abundance of fresh fish and seafood available on the island. Grilled lobster, shrimp, and fish are popular choices, as are seafood stews and curries.
For those with a sweet tooth, St Lucia has plenty of desserts to satisfy any cravings. Be sure to try out the local favorite, banana bread, or indulge in a sweet potato pudding, coconut drops, or cassava pone.
The food in St Lucia is flavorful, and diverse and is sure to please any palate. There are also many options available for vegans and vegetarians. My advice is to try as many local dishes as possible during your stay.
8. Nightlife and Entertainment
St Lucia is not only a tropical paradise with stunning beaches and lush forests but it also has a vibrant nightlife scene that offers something for everyone. From beachside bars to live music venues and street parties, there is always something happening in St Lucia after the sun goes down.
One of the most famous nightlife hotspots in St Lucia is the Friday Night Street Party which is a weekly event that has been taking place for over 50 years and is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the local culture. The party takes place every single Friday night in Gros Islet, on St Dauphin Street and features live music, street food, and plenty of dancing. The atmosphere is simply electric and it’s a great way to meet locals and other travelers.
If you’re looking for a more upscale nightlife experience then head over to Rodney Bay Village. This area has a wide range of bars and nightclubs, many of which have live music and DJs.
For those who prefer a more laidback vibe, St Lucia has plenty of beach bars where you can relax with a cold drink and watch the sunset. One of the best is The Naked Fisherman, which is located in a cove near Cap Maison. This bar serves delicious cocktails and has a great selection of seafood dishes. Another popular beach bar is The Reef Beach Cafe, located on Anse Des Sables Beach, which has a relaxed atmosphere and serves tasty Caribbean cuisine which you can enjoy with a view of the ocean.
St Lucia’s nightlife scene is super exciting and a great way to experience the local culture and meet new people.
9. Friendly Locals
Another one of the many things that makes St Lucia a great vacation destination is the friendly locals. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be struck by how welcoming and hospitable everyone is. Whether you’re walking down the street, shopping in a market, or dining in a restaurant, you’ll be greeted with a warm smile and friendly conversation.
It’s clear that the people of St Lucia take pride in their island and are eager to share it with visitors. They are happy to offer recommendations for things to see and do and are always willing to help with directions or advice. You really do feel like you’re part of the community, rather than just a tourist passing through.
One of the best ways to experience the friendly locals is to attend one of the island’s many festivals and events. The Friday Night Street Party, which takes place every single Friday, is one of the best ones. The locals come out in full force, enjoying the music, and are more than happy to chat with anyone visiting. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and make lasting connections.
Safety on St Lucia
St Lucia is a pretty safe place to travel to. Follow all the usual precautions that you would when traveling.
- Keep valuables out of sight
- Always lock your valuables away when they’re not with you (read how we use a portable travel safe here)
- Use a VPN when utilizing public WiFi networks in hotels, hostels, and guesthouses (read about VPNs here)
- Tap water is considered safe to drink in St Lucia, however, it tends to be heavily chlorinated, which means it doesn’t taste great. Consider taking a refillable filter water bottle to remove the taste and to reduce the use of single-use plastic. We always travel with a filter water bottle, which I wrote about here.
Travel Insurance for St Lucia
St Lucia and the Caribbean are pretty safe locations to travel to, but accidents can happen. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip to St Lucia, then you can get a quote from World Nomads for your travel insurance for St Lucia
Final Words on the Top Reasons to Visit St Lucia
St Lucia really is a fantastic destination and one that’s worth considering for your next vacation. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and unique cultural experiences, there is something for everyone on this Caribbean island. One of the key standout features of St Lucia is definitely its natural beauty. The iconic Pitons are a must-see and the island’s many hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. Additionally, the beaches are some of the best in the whole Caribbean with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. But St Lucia is more than just a pretty face. The island’s rich history and vibrant culture make for a truly immersive experience. From exploring the historic forts and plantations to sampling the local cuisine and dancing to the beat of Caribbean music, there is no shortage of ways to engage with St Lucia’s unique heritage.
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