St Lucia

The twin Pitons, rainforest and volcanic springs, with some of the Caribbean's most romantic hotels.

Flight: About 9 to 10 hours from the UK
Time: UK - 5 hours (UK - 4 in winter)
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (US dollars widely accepted)
Language: English
Best time: Dec–Apr

St Lucia is one of the most scenic islands in the Caribbean, green and mountainous, with rainforest, waterfalls and beaches framed by the twin peaks of the Pitons. English is the official language and there are direct flights from the UK, which makes it an easy long-haul choice. Hotels gather in two main places: the gentler north around Rodney Bay, and the dramatic south-west near Soufrière.

The island is longer than it looks on a map, and the drive between north and south can take a couple of hours, so where you stay really matters. We help you decide between easy beaches and restaurants in the north, a romantic hillside retreat in the south or a family resort with plenty to do, whether you are planning a honeymoon, a milestone anniversary or a week the whole family will remember.

When to go

December to April is the dry season and the classic time to go. The hurricane season runs from June to November, with August to October the wettest and most unsettled months.

Best
Good
Quieter

Jan: Best
Feb: Best
Mar: Best
Apr: Best
May: Good
Jun: Good
Jul: Good
Aug: Quieter
Sep: Quieter
Oct: Quieter
Nov: Good
Dec: Best

Highlights

The Pitons

Two steep, green volcanic spires rising straight out of the sea near Soufrière, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island's great landmark.

Soufrière and the Sulphur Springs

The old French colonial capital sits beneath the Pitons, close to bubbling volcanic pools, hot springs and rainforest waterfalls.

Pigeon Island

A national landmark in the north, joined to the mainland by a causeway, with old fort ruins, sea views and quiet beaches.

Things to do in St Lucia

Adventure
Climb Gros Piton
A steep, guided hike through forest to the summit rewards you with sweeping views over the island and out to sea.
Relax
Soak in the Sulphur Springs
Wade into warm volcanic pools and smooth on a mud mask beside a steaming volcanic crater you can drive right up to.
Food & drink
Tour a cocoa estate
Hillside plantations near Soufrière show how cocoa is grown and made into chocolate, with tastings along the way.
Culture
Join the Friday street party
Gros Islet closes its streets on Friday nights for grilled fish, rum punch, music and dancing.
On the water
Sail the west coast
Catamaran trips glide below the Pitons, with stops to snorkel over reefs and swim from the boat.
Nature
Walk around the botanical gardens
Diamond Botanical Gardens near Soufrière has tropical flowers, mineral baths and a rainbow-streaked waterfall.

Where to stay

A few of the hotels we book in St Lucia. Tell us what matters to you and we'll find the right one, these or others.

Photo: XeresNelro, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons (Anse Chastanet); Photo: PaulaC27, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons (Windjammer Landing). Other hotel photos from Google.