Lush, green and tropical, St. Lucia is one of the most picturesque Caribbean islands. From its sandy beaches on the north west coast, to the dramatic scenery in the south, St. Lucia has a lot more to offer than just sunbathing. Fought over for more than 150 years, St. Lucia was highly sought after, and was the scene of many bloody battles between the French and English. The French influence is still apparent today in the spicy Creole food, and the native patois which is widely spoken amongst the locals.

Visit Castries Market, a conglomeration of noise, colour and activity to hear this for yourself. Most of the hotels are scattered along the sheltered north west coast, where a wide range of watersports are available from the long sandy beaches. However, don't miss seeing the rest of this beautiful island. A trip to Soufriere, one of the oldest settlements in St. Lucia, is highly recommended. Go by boat, or bumpy road, and experience the island's abundant natural beauty, culminating in Les Pitons mountains -twin peaks towering majestically over the south.

The beauty of St. Lucia is not confined above ground. Scuba diving is particularly good in the south of the island, with visibility of up to 100 feet. There are some good dive schools and vast stretches of coral reef, a dazzling variety of marine life, and many wrecks are all waiting to be explored.

Evening activities and entertainment tend to be hotel based, although there are a number of good bars and restaurants in Castries and the Rodney Bay area. Everyone goes out on a Friday night. The most popular venue is at Gros Islet where a weekly "jump-up" or street party is held. Music and dancing in the streets goes on late into the night.

St. Lucia's mountains means that it has a higher rainfall than some other Caribbean islands. However, the showers are usually short, and often cooling after the heat of the tropical sun.

Getting About
The roads in St.Lucia are gradually being improved. Car hire is easily available, and if you can put up with the jolting and bumping, you really can get off the beaten track. A local licence is required which will be organised by the car hire company for a small charge. You will need to take a full British Driving Licence. Driving at night is not recommended. Public transport is unreliable, however taxis are in good supply. Agree the fare - in E.C. or U.S. dollars - before you get in.

Places to visit.
Castries is not particularly attractive in itself, but Castries Market is worth a visit. Morne Fortune, the hill dominating Castries, offers one of the most spectacular views in the Caribbean. On a clear day, it is possible to see Martinique, twenty miles away to the north, and Les Pitons mountains dominating the south.
Pigeon Point in the north of the island was once regularly used as a look-out point by pirates, and by the British. It is now a National Park and a pleasant picnic area. A museum is also situated here, filled with war memorabilia from past conflicts.

Picturesque Marigot Bay is a peaceful and scenic hideaway yacht harbour. Have lunch at Dolittle's, named after the famous film Dr. Dolittle that was shot here.
Soufriere and the surrounding area has a backdrop of the stunning Pitons mountains in the south. You can visit the Diamond falls, botanical gardens, mineral baths and Sulphur Springs. Nearby is the only drive-in volcano in the world, not expected to erupt as it constantly lets off steam.

Events:
St.Lucia Carnival
Takes place on 19th and 20th July 1999. Based mainly in Castries, it is an excuse to go 'wild'.
St.Lucia Jazz Festival
Takes place between 8th-16th May 1999, featuring a succession of concerts and performances by many well-known and respected names from the jazz world.