St. Lucia is not your run-of-the-mill tropical island destination (which isn’t too bad, I’ll say!), as it does possess a few features that make it an iconic location. Much like the other Caribbean islands, you’ll find beaches galore. Still, in St. Lucia, you can find mountain ranges, plush forestry, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and colorful history.
It’s impossible to see everything and meaningfully experience all the island offers. However, we’ve identified some of the most widely recognized spots in St. Lucia!
Iconic Spot #1: The Pitons
The Pitons, pronounced (pee-ton), are two mountain-like volcanic plugs (essentially dormant volcanoes with cooled lava that blocks the vent of an active volcano) recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The physical features of each volcano earned them distinct recognition: Gros Piton and Petite Piton. Gros Piton is the wider of the two (scaling up to 2,461 ft) and is the primary target of active hikers. While a possible hiking destination, Petit Piton (2,619 ft) is immensely challenging due to the terrain and requires special permission (good luck!). If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still explore them via sailboat.
Iconic Spot #2: Pigeon Island Pigeon Island is a landmark destination and beautiful island reserve filled with a ton of historical context for St. Lucia. The island was occupied by several groups, including the Caribs (an Amerindian group), pirates – most famously Jambe de Bois, and back-and-forth between the British and French. Due to its location, Pigeon Island served as a critical military vantage point and resulted in the defeat of the French at the Battle of the Saints in 1872. Besides the historical artifacts that you’ll find on the island, the well-maintained grounds include tropical flora and fauna and the perfect representation of an idyllic afternoon.
Iconic Spot #3: Soufrière Soufrière (translated as sulfur mine) is one of the most well-known spots in St. Lucia, and it sits on the southern portion of the island’s West Coast. Feel free to visit the Sulphur Springs and have a “drive-through” volcano experience, visit the Rainforest (home to the well-known St. Lucia Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens – a can’t miss!), hit up the Volga Nature Trail, or even check out the Fond Doux Estate and witness how cacao is processed! Soufriere has a wide range of options for you to fill your vacation time with, and you can’t go wrong with any that you choose.
Experiencing the entire island when you visit St. Lucia is already difficult enough due to the many activities available to travelers. Yet, with this short and sweet list, you can cover your needs, from historical and classical sites to nature exploration. Once you’ve decided that you’re interested in visiting, feel free to set up a consultation, and we’ll get you on your way!