Saint Lucia is a lively sovereign Caribbean island nation that celebrated 40 years of independence in February 2019. It boasts beautiful crescent-shaped beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, and lush mountains, among other natural attractions. Beyond all the watersports on its lovely beaches, the island also offers recreational activities such as zip-lining, diving, horseback riding, and hiking along marked nature trails. Below are five reasons to visit Saint Lucia.

 

The Pitons

Created as a result of volcanic activity more than 200,000 years ago, the Pitons are a pair of towering peaks that have become synonymous with Saint Lucia. The country’s defining topographic features are 771 and 743 meters high and are best viewed from the nearby fishing village of Soufrière. Additionally, hotels like Jade Mountain Resort and Anse Chastanet offer breathtaking views of the mountains.

Awarded World Heritage Site distinction in 2004, the Pitons were thought to have mystical powers among Amerindians, while early European explorers remarked on their beauty and uniqueness. While the smaller mountain, Petit Piton, can be scaled only by advanced-level climbers, the larger peak, Gros Piton, is the site of one of the country’s most popular tours and its peak can be reached by anyone in relatively good shape. The tour begins in the rural village of Fond Gen Libres.

 

Sandy Beaches

Saint Lucia boasts an abundance of golden sandy beaches, all of which are open to the public, although few match Anse Piton. Its sand is imported from Guyana and it is even considered one of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean. Other must-visit beaches include Anse Cochon and Anse Chastanet, the latter of which shares its name with a nearby hotel. Reduit Beach, meanwhile, is the largest and most popular beach on the island. It’s regarded for its cleanliness, clear water, and proximity to the many restaurants and shops in the tourist town of Rodney Bay. However, because of the frequent cruise ship stops, it’s best to visit the beach in the morning or early evening to avoid large crowds.

The beaches at Marigot Bay are also popular among tourists, particularly those who are visiting the island on their honeymoon, as these stretches of sand are generally quieter and more relaxing than Reduit Beach. The area, which features swaying palm trees and numerous anchored boats, served as the setting in a pair of films: Doctor Doolittle (1967) and Firepower (1979).

 

Nature Trails and Rainforest Exploration

While there are several beaches to visit on Saint Lucia, there’s also no shortage of wooded hiking trails along which visitors can explore the island’s natural wonders. In fact, roughly 77 percent of the island is covered in forest, compared to only 22 and 19 percent, respectively, of neighboring islands Antigua and Barbados. One of the most popular trails is the Tet Paul Nature Trail in the Pitons Management Area. Rated as an easy to moderate hike, the trail offers views of nearby Martinique and St. Vincent on clear days and is highlighted by its “stairway to heaven,” which takes hikers to a peak that presents a 360-degree panoramic view of the island.

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, located just outside of Soufrière, also presents an opportunity for tourists to bask in the natural wonders of the island. In addition to the sparkling waterfall and mineral hot spring baths, the park features local fruits and vegetables planted among cocoa, coconut, red cedar, and mahogany trees, as well as tropical flowers from various countries. Those feeling more adventurous can sign up for guided hikes beginning at the Edmund Forest Reserve and Millet Bird Sanctuary. A zip-line tour deep into the jungle is also available from Rainforest Adventure, which is just outside of Castries, Saint Lucia’s capital.

 

Sulphur Springs Park Scenic Drive

For those who think drive-in movie theaters aren’t entertaining, Saint Lucia aims to win them over with what it claims is the world’s only “drive-in volcano.” This attraction is at Sulphur Springs Park, where guests can admire the steaming crater from the comfort of their own vehicle or observation platforms and, if they desire, step out to soak in a nearby mud bath. There hasn’t been a major volcanic eruption in Saint Lucia for more than 40,000 years, but the volcanic pit at Mount Soufrière vents sulphur and heats these therapeutic springs. Be prepared for a pungent smell, however.

 

Pigeon Island National Park

History buffs will enjoy Pigeon Island National Park. Located across from Rodney Bay and accessible via a causeway connected to the mainland, the island once served as a strategic lookout for British soldiers that allowed them to monitor and protect Saint Lucia from French troops in Martinique. Moreover, the island features the ruins of several military buildings used during conflicts between the English and French, as well as an interpretation center that outlines the island’s history. Beyond its historical relevance, Pigeon Island National Park offers 360-degree views of Saint Lucia’s northwest coast and includes two white-sand beaches and a small restaurant. The island also hosts the annual Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.