Gros Piton and Petit Piton rise 770 and 743 metres above the sea, respectively. The Piton Mitan Ridge connects the two volcanic peaks. In southwestern Saint Lucia lies the Pitons Management Area, a multi-use area for conservation and management. Together, these landscape features give nature enthusiasts several specific starting points for getting to know the island beyond a single scenic viewpoint.
Coasts, views and green landscapes
The coasts also have distinct characteristics. Anse Cochon is a quiet bay on the west coast between Soufrière and Canaries. Grand Anse Beach stretches along the east coast and is an important nesting site for leatherback turtles in the Caribbean. The two locations therefore represent different sides of the coastal landscape: a bay in the west and an east coast beach of particular importance to turtles.
Those wishing to include gardens and trails as well as the coast will find other distinct landscape features. Mamiku Gardens is a botanical garden in the hills of eastern Saint Lucia. Latille Falls is surrounded by tropical gardens and rainforest vegetation. The Tet Paul Nature Trail offers views of the Pitons, the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding area. Gardens, the waterfall setting and expansive views can thus be considered as separate interests when planning a trip.
Indigenous history and historic sites
In the Pitons Management Area, petroglyphs and various artefacts bear witness to the history of the Indigenous Caribs, who inhabited the area that is now part of Saint Lucia.
Fort Rodney is an 18th-century British fort on a hilltop. Pigeon Island National Landmark preserves historic ruins associated with the conflicts between the French and the British. Both examples offer a way to explore military history, while the petroglyphs and artefacts provide a different historical focus. In Castries, the market adds to the cultural experience: Castries Market was established in 1891. Visitors can discover fresh produce, spices, handcrafted arts and crafts, and local specialities there.
Activities for different interests
At Anse Cochon, visitors can snorkel and dive among marine life and coral reefs. On Sea Trek Helmet Diving excursions, participants walk along the seabed wearing a specially designed helmet that allows them to breathe naturally. If you plan this activity, confirm availability with a local operator before travelling. This way, your plans remain tied to the activity actually being offered.
The floating Splash Island Water Park is an inflatable water park with climbing walls, slides, trampolines, swings and obstacle courses. As the facilities may change, check current operations and offerings before travelling. At Morne Coubaril, activities include zip-lining, horseback rides on the estate and historic estate tours; you should also confirm their current availability in advance.
First decide which of these experiences you want to shape your stay, then compare hotels according to your personal requirements.
Discover more destinations: Castries, Gros Islet, Soufrière, Vieux Fort, Colombia, Montserrat, New Caledonia, Anguilla.
