St Lucia
The twin volcanic Pitons rise straight from the Caribbean like a dare, with rainforest draped over everything between them.
- Best forHoneymooners · Couples · Adventure seekers
- Ideal stay7–10 nights
- Approx. flying time~7h 55m from Los Angeles
- CurrencyXCDEast Caribbean dollar
- LanguageEnglish
- Local time06:115h behind the UK
- PlugsType GUK plugs fit
- Drive on theLeftSame as the UK
- Dialling code+1
Why go
Volcanic and steep, the island climbs fast from the sea into rainforest, with the two Pitons standing over Soufrière on the west coast. Beaches are mostly small, dark-sanded and tucked into coves, so the interior does much of the work: sulphur springs, waterfalls, cocoa estates and trails that climb hard. This is a Caribbean island for people who want to do things as well as lie down.
The south around Soufrière has the scenery, the north around Rodney Bay has the restaurants and calmer water, and the winding drive between them is slow enough to be worth doing once. Seven to ten nights suits it. December to May is the dry season; hurricane season runs June to November and is wettest in September. Roads are steep, so anyone prone to car sickness should sit in front.
- Ideal stay
- 7–10 nights
- The vibe
- Green, steep, quietly theatrical
From our guides
St Lucia is the Caribbean's drama queen, in the best sense: the twin Pitons rear straight out of the sea at Soufrière, resorts hide in the rainforest between them and couples' rituals write themselves — sunset sails, mud baths at Sulphur Springs, breakfast with a volcano view. It's also the rare honeymoon island with proper hiking. Stay near Soufrière rather than the north for the scenery. December to May is dry season; book Piton-view rooms months ahead.
Featured in Ten lush rainforest-and-reef escapes for nature lovers and Ten dreamy honeymoon islands worth the long flight
Things to do
-
Gros Piton hike
A guided climb of about four hours return, steep and stepped rather than technical, ending on a wooded summit with views along the coast. Start early to beat the heat.
-
Sulphur Springs mud baths
A collapsed volcanic crater near Soufrière where you can walk among steaming vents and then coat yourself in warm grey mud. Wear a swimsuit you do not love.
-
Anse Chastanet snorkelling
A dark-sand bay below the Petit Piton with reef starting a few metres from shore inside a marine reserve. Turtles and octopus are regular sightings.
-
Diamond Falls gardens
Botanical gardens in Soufrière built around a waterfall stained ochre and yellow by mineral deposits, plus mineral baths originally built for French troops.
-
Pigeon Island
A former island now joined to the northern mainland by a causeway, with ruined fortifications, a short climb to Fort Rodney and two calm beaches.
-
Friday night in Gros Islet
The northern village closes its streets for a weekly street party, with grilled fish, barbecue and loud soca. Long-running, informal and thoroughly local.
Getting there
-
Fly to
Vieux Fort (UVF)
Nearest airport to St Lucia, about 20km away as the crow flies.
-
Then
To Soufrière
Long-haul flights land at Hewanorra (UVF) in the south, about 45 minutes by road to Soufrière. Regional hops use Castries (SLU), which is an hour and a half away over a winding mountain road.
-
On the ground
Getting around
Taxis and hotel transfers handle most journeys, and water taxis run along the coast to Anse Chastanet and beneath the Pitons. The roads are steep, narrow and slow.
Public transport: Shared minibuses run the main routes very cheaply but stop early in the evening, so visitors mostly use taxis.
Flights
Los Angeles St Lucia
Fly from anywhere — search 4,000+ airports worldwide.
Roughly 7h 55m in the air from Los Angeles (LAX), estimated from the distance — check for a direct route. Pick a month to see every available flight with live prices.
Check dates and prices
Pick your departure date, then your return.
Search flightsNot sure when? Compare fares across a whole month.
Flight times are estimates; prices open on Google Flights.
Where to stay
Rainforest and cliff-edge boutique hotels in the south, all-inclusive resorts in the north, plus guesthouses and villas. Self-catering exists but a car is then essential.
-
Best base overall
Soufrière
Beneath the Pitons, close to the Sulphur Springs, the waterfalls and the reef at Anse Chastanet, with the island's most dramatic hotels above the bay. The roads in are steep and slow.
Find stays in Soufrière -
Best for nightlife
Rodney Bay and Gros Islet
The north's resort strip, with restaurants, a marina and the Friday street party at Gros Islet. Far flatter and busier than the south, and an hour and a half from the Pitons.
Find stays in Rodney Bay and Gros Islet -
Best for couples
Marigot Bay
A narrow, yacht-filled inlet halfway up the west coast, sheltered and green, with a handful of hotels around the water. Tiny, with little to do beyond the bay itself.
Find stays in Marigot Bay -
Best value
Vieux Fort
Near the international airport at the southern tip, with guesthouses at local prices, a long windswept beach and kitesurfing. Short on scenery and restaurants.
Find stays in Vieux Fort
Worth knowing before you book: Piton-view rooms are few and sell out months ahead for the December to May dry season, and transfers from the southern airport to the north take well over an hour.
Search everything else in Soufrière by budget. These are indicative budget bands in GBP per night for two people, not live quotes or guarantees of hotel type. Check your dates, guests, taxes and final price on Booking.com.
Good to know
- Getting there
- Long-haul flights land at Hewanorra in the south, roughly ninety minutes from the north by road. Water taxis and helicopter transfers cut the journey but cost.
- Driving
- Driving is on the left on steep, winding, poorly lit roads, and a temporary local permit is required. Many visitors use drivers instead.
- Timing
- December to May is dry and busy. The green season is cheaper with short heavy showers, but September and October carry real hurricane risk.
- Cash or card
- The East Caribbean dollar is the currency, though US dollars are widely accepted. Carry small notes for market stalls and roadside stops.
- Book ahead
- Rooms with Piton views are limited and sell out months in advance for the winter season and around Christmas.
Similar places
Nearby destinations
Related articles
Quick answers
How long should I spend in St Lucia?
Our suggestion: 7–10 nights.
How do I get to St Lucia?
Long-haul flights land at Hewanorra (UVF) in the south, about 45 minutes by road to Soufrière. Regional hops use Castries (SLU), which is an hour and a half away over a winding mountain road.
Do I need a car in St Lucia?
No. Shared minibuses run the main routes very cheaply but stop early in the evening, so visitors mostly use taxis.
What currency and language are used in St Lucia?
Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD). Language: English. Plugs: type G.
Who is St Lucia best for?
Best for honeymooners, couples and adventure seekers. In a phrase: green, steep, quietly theatrical.