St Lucia

Basically British, though 25 miles south of Martinique and flavored with French Creole influence, a vacation to St. Lucia is simply beautiful. The island's mountainous terrain offers dazzling views from land and sea. In the area near Hewanorra, the main airport, the profile of St. Lucia's distinctive twin mountain peaks Les Pitons is a favorite subject for travel photographers. There are luxury resorts and hotels snuggled in their foothills. Seas in the surrounding area are frequented by divers, all of whom appreciate the carefully maintained marine park environment.

A few hours by car and far less by boat, Castries, the capital (with a smaller airport, Vigie) is commercial by nature. But minutes from town in every direction, travel and tourism takes on a vibrant life in a long chain of resorts, restaurants and marinas that wind the length of white sand beaches. Sports of all kinds can be enjoyed here in volume. Crafts and duty free shopping get lots of attention, too.

Visit Mt. Soufriere, dormant crater of a volcano with naturally heated sulfur baths. It's the world's only drive-in volcano. Or opt to travel to something cooler in the refreshing mineral springs at Diamond Falls. There's charm in the colonial towns and quaint fishing villages and the rain forests are rich with massive ferns and abundant with orchids.

Fort Rodney at Pigeon Point offers an interesting walk through British history. And a Friday night visit to the weekly street fair at Gros Islet where St. Lucians and tourists go to party is high on the agenda for food, drink, music and general revelry. Booking your St Lucia vacation package using our user friendly travel planning tool will provide you with the best value for your vacation dollar.