Cheap Holidays to Saint Lucia

One of the most picturesque islands in the Caribbean – St Lucia boasts glittering beaches, stunning resorts, jaw-dropping views and an almost endless array of fun activities and watersports. This Caribbean island is also one of the most romantic making St Lucia holidays a top pick for couples. Hit the white sweeping beaches for sublime snorkelling and scuba diving or take a trip to the lush interior where you can relax in the thermal springs, visit cocoa plantations or climb one of the towering Piton mountains. Holidays to St Lucia are a great choice for those who want to escape grey skies and relax on powder-soft sands. The island retains its authentic charm and has a mix of lively beach bars and traditional towns alive with culture, colour and cuisine. The fantastic all-inclusive resorts offer sensational dining, glittering infinity pools and private beaches and for families the list of watersports, entertainment and kid's club activities will keep everyone happy. With beautiful beaches and sparkling waters, it's little surprise families and couples snap up St Lucia holidays every year.

Places to Go and Things to Do

Hit the Beach

Wherever you stay in St Lucia, there is a tropical, sandy beach just footsteps away. The pretty island is paradise for watersports fans – especially within the hotel areas near Rodney Bay. Busy Reduit Beach is popular with tourists and locals alike and has great views of picturesque Pigeon Island. Further north, the beach near the Body Holiday hotel is open to the public and a great sun lounging spot. South along the coast, lounge near the twin Piton mountains at Jalousie Beach or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Anse Chastanet as you look up to the forested hillsides. If you're after an adventure, take water-skiing lessons, ride in a banana boat, catch a kayak or sail from the beaches near Pigeon Island and Rodney Bay.

Visit Marigot Bay

For a relaxed day by the water take a day trip by car or boat to Marigot Bay. This pretty inlet boasts a luxury hotel, charming marina, a handful of laidback waterfront restaurants and slither of white beach. A nice change from the larger beaches in the north, Marigot Bay is a relaxed spot and once you've done a stint on the sand, take a ride to the top of the hillside for amazing views of the bay below.

Soak Up The Natural Beauty

The island's magnificent twin volcanic peaks, the Pitons, are one of the St Lucia's top tourist sights. Take a tour of the island by jeep or sail along the coast and take some snaps of the iconic sight from afar. Most Piton day excursions also include a trip to the island's sulphur springs and thermal mud pools in the lush island interior. A great fun day out! Immerse yourself in the mud pools and your skin will feel baby soft afterwards. For those staying near Rodney Bay in the north of the island, the 44-acre National Park of Pigeon Island is another natural wonder. Hiking to the top will take a leisurely 30 minutes and you'll be able to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and the isle of Martinique.

Chocolate Heaven

Choco-tourism is a real thing in the Caribbean, particularly in Saint Lucia, where there are still cocoa plantations! Sign up for a plantation tour of estates including the Anse Mamin Plantation and La Dauphine, where you can pick the perfect cocoa pod and join in on chocolate-making workshops. For those who want to push the boat out, sail on a luxury catamaran for a chocolate decadence tour where you learn to create sumptuous chocolates, ending with a gorgeously gooey gourmet-infused menu. At the Fond Doux estate, join the 'cocoa-rina' dance to polish the beans before they’re roasted.

Become A Swashbuckler!

Ahoy me hearties! If you're up for sailing the seven seas, join Captain Lio and his crew aboard the Black Magic for a day trip like no other. This pirate ship sails along the west coast, stopping off at botanical gardens and waterfalls en route. Children can dress up as pirates, have their faces painted and even fire the canons while everyone enjoys a buffet lunch on board. A sure-fire hit for the whole family!

Swim with Turtles

Head out on a day boat and if you're lucky you could see turtles, colourful fish, dolphins and beautiful corals. With stunning coves around every corner, the snorkelling is truly out of this world.

Join In The Carnival Vibe

The month of July sees the spectacular St Lucian Carnival come to town – the biggest event in the island’s calendar. Live music, street parties, fantastic food, steel band competitions and carnival Queen crowning – its all going on – and if you’re lucky enough to be on holiday during July you're in for an extra special slice of the vibrant, colourful, energetic and fun St Lucian experience. For a smaller, but no less lively, carnival atmosphere, head to the small fishing village of Gros Islet in the north of the island for 'Jump Up'. This street party runs every Friday evening and sees the small village alive with bands, sound systems and a street party atmosphere. Stalls sell BBQ food, potent rum cocktails and beer.

Visit The Capital Castries

The Capital City of St. Lucia is a colourful and vibrant stop on most tours of the island. You don't need long here and it's usually bustling with locals and cruise ship visitors, but its markets on the harbour are packed full of fresh produce, local arts and crafts and souvenirs. The grand stone Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is an imposing structure and is beautifully decorated inside.

Essential Information

Getting Around

Car hire is available if you want to explore at your own pace but we recommend you hire a 4WD as road conditions can vary, especially in the interior of the island. The bus service available consists of privately owned minivans – check with your hotel. Taxis are plentiful, with fixed fares and day-long hire available. Water taxis operate in Soufriere and boat trips are easy to find.

Travelling by bus or car

The bus network in St Lucia consists of privately owned minivans. Travel is very cheap. You can spot buses by the ‘H’ in the middle of the number plate and they can be hailed with ease.

Driving around St Lucia is a great way to explore but the roads can be rugged and pot-holed, so confidence is a must. Take extra caution if you venture inland as roads can be quite tricky. Coastal roads are mainly good. Remember to stick to the left-hand side, as in the UK.

Passports and Visas

A visa isn’t required for a holiday in St Lucia; upon arrival, you’ll be granted a specific period of stay. Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of departure. For more information and advice, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/st-lucia/entry-requirements or the Foreign Office at www.fco.gov.uk/en/

Health and Safety

Take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Make sure you have comprehensive travel and medical cover in place, as treatment can be expensive. For more info, see www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/st-lucia/health

Vaccinations

You shouldn’t need any specific jabs before you go to St Lucia, but make sure you check the latest guidelines with your doctor before you go. Routine jabs should be up to date. Always check the latest advice before you travel. For more info, see www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/st-lucia/health

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