If you're looking for amazing St Lucia holidays or have already booked and want to know top activities and must-visit places, look no further than our destination guide to this paradise island. Want to know where St Lucia's top beaches are? Fancy heading to the all inclusive resort with the best pools and sea views? We have it all covered. Whether you're honeymooning, in need of some winter sun or want to lounge on glittering sands and relax in the lap of luxury, the hotels, beaches and bars are not to be missed! 

• Flight time: 8hrs 45 mins
• Time zone: GMT -4
• Currency: East Caribbean dollar and US dollars accepted. 

WHERE TO STAY

Gros Islet

The white sandy beaches here are backed by green rainforest, soaring mountains and picturesque nature reserves, with colourful towns and resorts dotted along the beautiful coastline. In the north of the island, Gros Islet battles with southern Soufriere for position as St Lucia’s top tourist spot. There are plenty of beaches to choose from with watersports and boat tours operating along the coast. All inclusive hotels rule on St Lucia, and there are a huge range to choose from for perfect luxury beach holidays. Rodney Bay is one of the liveliest areas, with its pretty marina, shopping mall and excellent bars and restaurants. Whether you’ve got kids or not, the Splash Island Water Park (an inflatable obstacle course just off the coast of Reduit Beach) is great fun for all ages.

You'll find more beautiful beach holidays with our round-up of the 8 best Caribbean Islands - so go on, treat yourself to a fabulous far-flung escape!

Soufriere

If the Pitons are number one on your must-see list then you can’t position yourself much better than in the resorts near Soufriere. This bustling town has been described as the heart and soul of St Lucia, and with its rainbow of colourful colonial buildings, honey-coloured sandy beaches, lush green surroundings and those landmark twin volcanoes, it’s easy to see why.

Marigot Bay

With its white sailboats bobbing on the water and a clutch of stylish restaurants and hotels, laidback Marigot Bay is one of the most picturesque spots on the island. The slither of sand is a great place to relax or visitors can explore the nearby beaches around the cove. There’s also the benefit of being just a few miles from Castries, putting the island’s capital within really easy reach.

WHAT TO SEE

The Mighty Pitons

This pretty pair of volcanic mountains are one of St Lucia’s most well recognised landmarks, and a must see during any holiday on the island (admittedly, they’re hard to miss!). One of the best viewpoints on the ground is from Jalousie Beach, or you could strap on those hiking boots and go for a climb for incredible views over the bay.

Castries

St Lucia’s capital city, Castries is a charming old-Caribbean riot of colour and bustling activity right by the beach. Let yourself be swept away in the hustle bustle of the vast, vibrant market and enjoy the colourful colonial architecture that surrounds central Derek Walcott Square.

St Lucia Botanical Gardens

St Lucia is gloriously lush, so it’s no surprise its botanical gardens are something extra special. Sitting at the foot of the grand Pitons, these beautiful gardens are full of flora and fauna, plus they boast a rushing waterfall and therapeutic mineral baths. If you’re looking to spend an hour or so away from the beach, this is a refreshing place to do so.

Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island is one of St Lucia’s must see attractions. This national park boasts two beaches, important military ruins and a fantastic fort-top look out affording jaw-dropping views of the north-west coastline of St Lucia. It’s connected to Gros Islet by causeway so you can visit by road or by boat.

THINGS TO DO in st Lucia

Sway To The Calypso Beat

They certainly know how to party in St Lucia and the island’s main resorts near Rodney Bay and Soufriere have a host of bars and restaurants that keep swinging till the early hours. Head to the tiny fishing village of Gros Islet on a Friday for the famous ‘Jump Up’ street party, where the crowds dance in-between stalls selling barbecued fish, chicken and crab and copious amounts of rum punch!

Cliff at the Cap

Give Creole Cuisine A Try

Creole-style cooking is big in St Lucia, so take your chance to sample this sweet and spicy cuisine – if you’re staying in Rodney Bay then the Creole Grill is a popular place to try. Meaty ‘pepperpot’ stew, Creole fish stew and green fig and salt fish are local favourites to look out for on restaurant menus. Many hotels do cookery courses on the beach, so you can learn to cook some mouthwatering dishes.