The beaches on St Lucia are a mix of the typical Caribbean white sands and the more unusual volcanic black sands. These black sand beaches are often more peaceful than the others, simply because they don't look as photogenic! Every beach on the island is open to the public, even those which appear to “belong” to resorts. Don't be put off by the presence of fences and security guards; just tell them you're there to visit the beach and you'll be welcomed in. Anse Chastanet, near the town of Soufriere, is a little off the beaten track, if you're looking for some seclusion and are not too bothered about the lack of amenities, while La Toc beach is much busier, but is close to both the large Sandals resort and the main town of Castries. For true privacy, head to the west coast, where there are several beaches near the Marigot Bay area that can only be reached by boat. Daily boat trips take small groups of tourists there or you could charter your own yacht and head out to sea for a day of complete relaxation.
Castries is the main town on St Lucia, where most visitors will arrive on the island, whether they arrive by aeroplane, ferry or cruise ship. Most head straight to their resort or one of the nearby beaches, but the pleasant town and port is worth exploring for a few hours. There are still many historical buildings, now private houses, as well as a large cathedral and a square named after the island's Nobel Prize-winning poet, Derek Walcott. The town of Soufriere is another popular destination for tourists thanks to its proximity to the Pitons, two giant volcanic plugs that sit just off the coast of St Lucia. There are also sulphuric springs near the town, and the exclusive Soufriere estate even has its own sulphur baths!
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in St. Lucia? Then below is a selection of apartments in St. Lucia and villas in St. Lucia that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.