St Lucia

 

 

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a popular stop for many cruise ships, and I was lucky enough to visit several times during 2005 and 2006.

Rising from the warm waters of the eastern Caribbean, St. Lucia is one of the volcanic islands of the Lesser Antilles, lying between Martinique to the north and St. Vincent to the south. It is the largest of the Windward Islands and, for me, one of the most naturally beautiful places we visited during those cruises.

The island seems to have everything: dense rainforest, steep green mountains, waterfalls, beautiful beaches and a landscape shaped by its volcanic past.

The Pitons

The first sight that really captures your attention is the Pitons.

These two dramatic volcanic peaks rise almost vertically from the southwestern coast near Soufrière. The Pitons are one of St. Lucia's most recognisable landmarks and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

I saw them from several different viewpoints, but seeing them from the sea was particularly memorable. Standing on the deck of the ship as we sailed near the Pitons, and watching these enormous volcanic peaks getting closer,  makes the moment feel much more dramatic, a view that photographs never quite capture.

Soufrière and La Soufrière

Nearby is La Soufrière, the island's dormant volcano. Its volcanic character is still very much part of the landscape, particularly around Sulphur Springs Park, where steam rises from the ground and bubbling pools of mud remind you that there is still plenty of activity beneath the surface.

The smell of sulphur is unmistakable. It is not exactly pleasant, but it certainly adds to the experience!

Another highlight in the area is Diamond Botanical Gardens and Waterfall. The gardens are filled with an abundance of tropical plants and colourful flowers, while the waterfall tumbles over rocks stained by mineral deposits in a striking array of colours.

Getting to Soufrière from the port of Castries is an experience in itself. The drive takes more than an hour, following some incredibly steep and winding roads. But the scenery makes the journey worthwhile, with green valleys, tropical vegetation and glimpses of the sea appearing along the way.

The Island

The island is blessed with beautiful beaches and wonderfully clear water, while luxury hotels and resorts are scattered along parts of the coastline.

There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, sailing and other water activities, but I always felt that St. Lucia was best appreciated by simply looking around and taking in the landscape. Everywhere you go there seems to be another shade of green, another mountain rising in the distance or another glimpse of the Caribbean.

Castries Market

One of the places I particularly enjoyed visiting was Castries Market. It’s not a polished touristic area, it’s where local people come to do their everyday shopping, and where farmers and producers from around the island bring their fruit, vegetables, and other produce to sell.

The market is colourful, busy and full of life. It feels much more like an authentic part of St. Lucia than somewhere created specifically for visitors.

I always enjoy places like this when travelling. They give you a chance to see something of how people actually live rather than simply seeing the version of a destination designed for tourists. The sights, sounds, colours and smells of Castries Market felt completely authentic. This is the real St. Lucia, lively, colourful and full of everyday island life.