St Lucia is a real Caribbean beauty, from the tips of her lush fertile plains to the soft, sandy beaches that ring her northwest coast.

Yet she is not simply a visual treat, but one of the friendliest islands you are ever likely to visit.

Among the most popular of the Windward Islands, St Lucia offers so much, from inland rainforests to secluded coves. Approached from the sea, the Pitons – twin volcanic peaks – seem to rise up from the depths to welcome you.  

Throughout the island the countryside is diverse as well as breathtaking, encouraging visitors to laze on beautiful beaches or hike through dense and mysterious rainforests. Add this to St Lucia’s rich cultural heritage and intriguing history and you have the perfect holiday destination.

This island’s lively pulse is centred on its capital, Castries – home of hectic streets, colourful markets and a continuous calypso beat. Here is where most people do their souvenir shopping, although the island’s busiest resort is Rodney Bay in the north, a popular yachting centre, where hotels line a sandy coral beach and restaurants and bars fringe the marina. From here you can walk to Fort Rodney in the Pigeon Island National Historic Park to enjoy great views across Rodney Bay – while a little to the north is Signal Peak and yet more stunning vistas.

Beaches around the island range from sparkling white to black volcanic sand and water sports are popular from many of them. Everywhere there are first class diving opportunities, and especially on the northwest coast. The secluded west coast beaches, to the south of Marigot Bay, face the calm Caribbean and can only be reached by boat. The east, on the other hand, is open to the sometimes rough Atlantic Ocean which, although not safe for swimming, provides spectacular views and attracts far fewer tourists.

St Lucia has much to explore, from a ‘drive-in’ volcano at La Soufrière to the Diamond Botanical Gardens Waterfall and Mineral Baths, and numerous villages set against an idyllic backdrop

St Lucia’s currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, which is linked to the US dollar. All major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available at banks. Traveller’s cheques are accepted but US dollars are preferred.

There are plenty of package tours to St Lucia and all-inclusive holidays are very popular. Self catering is available and for those wishing to get away from it all there are opportunities to stay in more remote areas off the tourist track.