St Lucia, the Helen of the West Indies.
The Eastern Caribbean’s Most Treasured Isle.
With its dramatic mountains cloaked in lush virgin rainforest, white sandy beaches and crystalline seas, it’s easy to see why St Lucia has been dubbed “the Helen of the West Indies”: ever since settlers first stepped ashore, this eastern Caribbean island has always been as captivating to visitors as the mythical Helen was to Troy.
From hiking through a flourishing jungle with coastal vistas, swimming under a towering waterfall, and discovering volcanic hot springs, to experiencing the famous Soufriere ‘drive-in’ volcano and diving face to face with the abundant marine life of the Anse des Pitons national marine reserve, the island is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts – and an almost heavenly setting for those with romance in their hearts and adventure in their souls.
One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, St Lucia is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St Vincent, and north of Barbados.
St Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide (238 square miles), 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 color to the lush green slopes.
The two towering volcanic cones on the southwest coast, Gros Piton (797m) and Petit Piton (750m), are among 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. The Atlantic Ocean kisses St Lucia’s eastern shore, while the beaches of the west coast owe their beauty to the calm Caribbean Sea.
- Capital
- Castries
- Area
- 616 Sq Km; 238 Sq Miles
- Population
- 166,312
- Languages
- English, Creole
- Religions
- Protestant; Roman Catholic
- Currency
- Eastern Carribean Dollar
