Explore St Lucia

Short History of Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia was originally inhabited by the Arawak and Kalinago Caribs. The island was first referred to as "Louanalao," which translates to "Island of the Iguanas," around 200 AD. In 800 AD, with the arrival of the Carib Indians, it became known as "Hewanorra." Today, descendants of these Carib residents can still be found on the island.

The British and French colonized the area in the 17th century, leading to multiple changes in possession until 1814, when France ceded it to Britain for the final time. In 1958, Saint Lucia became a member of the briefly established semi-autonomous West Indies Federation. From 1967 to 1979, Saint Lucia was an associated state of the United Kingdom and achieved full independence on February 22, 1979.

Famous Landmarks

The Pitons

Pitons are two volcanic plugs located on the island's southwest shore. Each Piton has a unique name: Petit Piton, which is 2,438 feet high, and Gros Piton, which is 2,530 feet high. In fact, these landmarks served as inspiration for the development of Piton, a light, refreshing beer that is well-liked by both locals and visitors.

Visitors can explore these landmarks in a variety of ways. You may sail around them to see the Pitons from the water, or you can walk around them to witness the unique plants and creatures that live there. Due to their fascination with the shape and beauty of the dormant volcanoes along the shore, many visitors to Saint Lucia choose to do both.

Pigeon Island

One of the best places to visit in Saint Lucia if you want to blend history with environment is Pigeon Island. Before the government constructed a causeway between Pigeon Island and the main island in 1972 for convenient access, Pigeon Island was a separate island. The notorious pirate Jamb de Bois established a camp on Pigeon Island in order to ambush Spanish trading ships.

The ruins of Fort Rodney, which the English erected to repel the French, are also open for visitors to climb around. As nature gradually reclaims the island, go past guns and around the ruins. You may actually experience what it was like to protect the island in the eighteenth century.

Diamond Botanical Gardens, Waterfall and Mineral Baths

The six-acre private park known as Diamond Botanical Gardens, Waterfall, and Mineral Baths provides a tranquil natural haven away from the outer world. With the park's wide variety of tropical plants, flowers, birds, and insects, you may experience the splendour and lushness of the tropics. For the ideal photo opportunity, visit the multicoloured waterfall.

Explore this historic home surrounded by tropical plants and flowers. The mineral baths were constructed on top of hot springs in 1784 so that King Louis XVI of France's army may benefit from its healing properties. You can swim in the less attractive enclosed private bathhouse or in the modest public pools surrounded by nature. The gardens are located one mile east of the city of Soufrière.

Rodney Bay Village

The de facto "nightlife central" of the north island is Rodney Bay Village, where you may eat and dance. There are several great restaurants serving dinner that cater to all tastes and price ranges. Authentic smoked barbecue, steakhouse, Mexican, Chinese, and Indian food are among the culinary selections, along with a variety of other informal and regional dining options.

Locals and tourists mingle in late-night taverns and clubs. Enjoy upbeat soca and cool reggae at one of the many venues that regularly host karaoke and live music nights as you stroll down the strip. The Rodney Bay vibe lasts till late on most nights of the week, so the party never ends.

Gros Islet Street Party

For almost 50 years, the Gros Islet street celebration, which is arguably the most well-known "jump-up" in Saint Lucia, has been held every week, rain or shine. In actuality, the town only skips one night of throwing the most well-known party in Saint Lucia on Good Friday.

Residents of Gros Islet prepare to welcome thousands of eager partygoers to the colourful fishing town's winding streets every Friday night at sundown by setting up table-top bars in the streets, lighting up their barbecues, and chilling down Piton beer. A massive music system turns on and keeps the street party going into the wee hours of Saturday morning, while artists and craftspeople set up their booths and the town centre transforms into DJ central.

Don't forget to pack your hunger! Gros Islet is lined with smouldering barbecues on Friday nights, cooking everything from pig and citrus chicken to the freshest seafood that the town's fisherman have just landed. Adventurers should seek out the waterfront's lambi or conch grills, as well as seasonal seafood favourites like spiny lobster and bwigo (whelks). Local cuisine is the way to go.

ST LUCIA JAZZ 2025