One of the Windward Islands, St Lucia is located in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands and is approximately 21 miles south of Martinique and 90 miles northwest of Barbados.
The island is 238 sq. miles (616 sq. km), 27 miles long, 14 miles wide with a combination of high mountains, forests, low lying lands and beaches. A central mountain range runs the length of the island, with peaks ranging between 1,000 and 3,145 feet. Forests dominate the mountains, while jasmine, scarlet chenille and wild orchids provide splashes of colour to the lush green slopes. The two towering volcanic cones on the southwest coast, Gros Piton (797m) and Petit Piton (750m) are one of the Caribbean’s most famous landmarks. The volcanic origin of the island provides visitors with an opportunity to visit a “drive-in volcano” and take a dip in the reputedly therapeutic Sulphur springs.
English is the official language of St Lucia however, a French-based patois is widely spoken.
If it looks familiar - that’s because it’s one of the islands (along with St Vincent and the Grenadines) used for filming Pirates of the Caribbean.
Information and photograph courtesy of the St Lucia Tourist Board. For more detail on the island, that’s a great place to start.
undiscovered, the adventure of the unfamiliar, the freshness of the unspoiled and the stimulation of the exotic. St Lucia looks forward to seeing you soon.