Things to Do in St Lucia, Area by Area

Saint Lucia is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, but the roads are winding, so a drive from the north to the south can take close to two hours. The easiest way to plan your days is by area. Most visitors stay in the north around Rodney Bay and Cap Estate, and take one or two full-day trips south to Soufrière.

The north: Rodney Bay, Gros Islet and Cap Estate

Pigeon Island National Landmark. A small island joined to the mainland by a causeway, with the ruins of an 18th-century British fort and two short hikes. The climb to Fort Rodney takes about 15 minutes and gives you a clear view of Rodney Bay and, on a good day, Martinique. There is a small entry fee and a beach at the base where you can swim afterwards.

Reduit Beach. The main beach in Rodney Bay, with calm water, water sports rentals and restaurants along the sand. It is busy on weekends but easy to reach from most villas in the area.

Gros Islet Friday night street party. Every Friday evening the fishing village of Gros Islet closes its streets for grilled fish, chicken, music and dancing. It starts slowly around 8pm and fills up after 10pm. We cover it in more detail in our article on experiencing Saint Lucia like a local.

Cap Estate and Cas en Bas. The northern tip of the island is quieter, with a golf course, views over to Martinique and Cas en Bas beach on the Atlantic side, which is popular for kitesurfing and horseback rides.

Castries and the centre

Castries Market. The central market is open every day except Sunday, with Saturday morning as the busiest time. Go for fresh fruit, local spices, cocoa sticks, hot sauces and crafts. Prices are usually marked, and vendors are friendly if you ask what something is.

Marigot Bay. A sheltered bay about 20 minutes south of Castries, lined with yachts and palm trees. A small ferry crosses the bay for a few dollars, and there are restaurants on both sides. It is a good stop for lunch on the way south.

The south-west: Soufrière and the Pitons

This is where most of the island's well-known sights are, and it is worth a full day.

The Pitons. Gros Piton and Petit Piton are the two volcanic peaks on the island's postcards and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gros Piton can be hiked with a required local guide. The climb takes about four to five hours up and down, and it is steep. Start early to avoid the midday heat.

Sulphur Springs. Known locally as the drive-in volcano. You can see the steaming vents from a viewing platform and then sit in the warm mud baths below. Bring a dark swimsuit you do not mind staining.

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. A short walk through tropical gardens to a waterfall coloured by the minerals in the water. The old mineral baths here date back to the 1700s.

Tet Paul Nature Trail. An easy 45-minute walk run by the local community, with some of the best views of both Pitons. Good for families and for anyone who wants the view without the Gros Piton climb.

Snorkelling at Anse Chastanet. The reef starts a few metres from the shore, so you do not need a boat. It is one of the better snorkelling spots on the island.

On the water

A catamaran day trip from Rodney Bay or Castries to Soufrière is the most relaxed way to see the west coast. Most trips include a swim stop, lunch and a visit to Sulphur Springs. Whale and dolphin watching trips run most of the year, and sunset cruises leave from Rodney Bay in the early evening.

Inland

The rainforest in the centre of the island has zip lines, an aerial tram and marked hiking trails. ATV tours are another way to reach inland areas, farms and viewpoints that are hard to get to by car.

How to fit it in

For a one-week stay, a practical split is two or three beach and rest days in the north, one day in Soufrière by boat or car, one Pitons or rainforest day, and one evening at the Gros Islet street party. Taxis are the main way to get around if you do not rent a car. Agree the fare before you get in, and ask whether it is in Eastern Caribbean dollars (XCD) or US dollars.

Our concierge can book boat trips, guided hikes, taxis and transfers for guests staying at Paris Villas. See our experiences page for details.