Castries, Saint Lucia
The main city of St Lucia is worth a stop as you transit from one of the islands to the other. Its best feature is the soaring Morne Fortune (2795ft) as its backdrop. Most of the city’s historic buildings were destroyed by major fires between 1785 and 1948, but it makes for an interesting stroll.
The markets mostly sell tat to cruise-ship passengers, but you can find interest back in the recesses.
If possible, avoid the charmless area of town along Jeremie St and the main port area.
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Reduit Beach
This long stretch of white sand is the most popular beach on the island. The sea ranges from turquoise to azure, the waves are benign and there are plenty of beach activities and cafes at hand. The central part of the beach gets mobbed so head to the south end on the far side of the vast Rex Resort. It’s less crowded, and has shade and a good beach bar.
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Rodney Bay
About 10km north of Castries, the vast horseshoe of Rodney Bay boasts the island’s most diverse tourist facilities. Within the bay is a large, artificial lagoon and marina, flanked by Rodney Bay Village, a somewhat bland assemblage of bars, restaurants, shops and more.
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Gros Islet
Charming fishing village with historic streets lined with rum shops and fishing shacks draped with drying nets.

Pigeon Island
This former island was joined to the mainland in the 1970s when a sandy causeway was constructed; it’s one of Rodney Bay’s best sights.
Pigeon Island is a fun place to explore, with paths winding around the remains of barracks, batteries and garrisons whose partially intact stone buildings create a ghost-town effect. At the top of Fort Rodney Hill, you’ll find a small but well-preserved fortress, a few rusting cannons and cardiac-arresting views. (www.slunatrust.org)
On the south side, there are two small beaches with water sports. A much larger beach outside the grounds is often overrun with tour groups.
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Secret Beach
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Smugglers Cove Beach
Here you will find a small water-sports centre that rents out sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers and snorkelling gear.
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Cas en Bas Beach
Cas en Bas Beach have a small water-sports centre that rents out sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers and snorkelling gear.
Cas En Bas always has a stiff breeze, which makes it an excellent (yet largely undiscovered) kitesurfing spot.

Castries Central Market
To the north side of the central market, where you’ll find fresh produce from the rich countryside and other authentic items.
For good rotis and local dishes, try the stalls on the north side of Castries Central Market.

Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is an exquisite example of natural architecture. Sheltered by towering palms and the surrounding hills, the narrow inlet is said to have once hidden the entire British fleet from French pursuers.

Soufrière
If one town were to be the heart and soul of St Lucia, it would have to be Soufrière. Its attractions include a slew of colonial-era edifices scattered amid brightly painted wooden storefronts and a bustling seafront. The surrounding area boasts beauty above and below the water as well as historic and natural sights aplenty.
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Anse Chastanet Beach
Stretched out in front of the resort of the same name, Anse Chastanet is a fine curving beach and it’s an easy 1-mile walk from Soufrière. The sheltered bay is protected by high cliffs. The snorkelling just offshore is some of the best on the island; hassle-free access is through the resort.

Anse Mamin Beach
A dreamy, secluded enclave of golden sand edges a gently curved cove that’s about a 10-minute walk north of Anse Chastanet, or about 30 minutes from town.

Malgretoute Beach
South of Soufrière along the Vieux Fort Rd, take the small road toward the Viceroy Resort. The reward is this lovely light-sand beach with some good snorkelling just offshore. It’s just north of looming Petit Piton.

Gros Piton
If you have time for only one trek during your stay, choose the Gros Piton (2617ft) climb. Starting from the hamlet of Fond Gens Libres, you walk mostly through a thick jungle. The final section is very steep, but the reward is a tremendous view of southern St Lucia and the densely forested mountains of the interior. Allow roughly four hours there and back.
A guide is mandatory; contact Gros Piton Nature Trail Guides (286-0382; guide US$30).
Climbing Petit Piton is discouraged by local authorities because some sections involve clambering on near-vertical slabs of rock.
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Choiseul
A small village with an active handicraft industry, and a roadside arts-and-crafts centre.

Vieux Fort
At the very southern tip of the island, Vieux Fort, the island’s second-largest town, lies on a vast plain onshore from where the azure waters of the Caribbean blend with those of the rough Atlantic Ocean.

Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach is great for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
This 6-acre attraction is filled to the brim with vibrant foliage, including hibiscus, ixora and heliconia, to name a few. The Diamond Falls waterfall is also a feast for the eyes, changing colors throughout the year due to the mixture of rainwater and volcanic minerals that flows down the falls. Here, you can also take a dip in the on-site mineral baths, dine at the Old Mill & Waterwheel Restaurant, or explore the Soufrière Estate.
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Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs is billed as having the Caribbean's "only drive-in volcano," meaning that visitors are able to safely drive right by an active volcano. This belching mountain located in the western town of Soufrière emits sulfuric steam rather than lava, so remember to hold your nose to protect yourself from the overpowering rotten egg smell. The attraction also features warm sulfuric pools that visitors are allowed to bathe in.