Numerous beautiful towns and scenic villages dot the idyllic and unique landscape of Saint Lucia, each offering a different, yet equally soul-filling experience and its own local taste. Either located near the lively capital or tucked away from the bustling crowds and tourist attractions, Saint Lucia’s villages and towns give travellers the chance to get a glimpse into the authentic side of Saint Lucia and its culture while pampering with jaw-dropping natural scenery and stunning landscapes along the way.
Castries
The thriving capital of Saint Lucia, Castries is also home to the biggest local airport, George F.L. Charles Regional Airport (SLU). Don’t expect the craze that is usually seen and felt in other Caribbean island capitals, though, as Castries is a lovely small town staying loyal to the overall Saint Lucia (laid-back) vibe.
Some of the sights definitely worth a visit is Derek Walcott Square in the heart of Castries which was named after the homonymous Nobel laureate. The same area is also home to the stunning 19th-century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and a 400-year-old Samman tree. If you want to explore some more, outside the city centre, the red-roofed market will probably steal your attention with its charm and the abundance of things you can buy, from local vegetables and fruits to crafts and native food.
Anse La Raye
An absolutely adorable fishing village tucked on the western shores of Saint Lucia that becomes a huge pole of attraction every Friday due to its Friday Night Seafood Street Party! Besides its lively evening endeavours, though, Anse La Raye also bewilders with its architecture that has resisted change and turned its back on modern-day influences, retaining its original appeal.
As for those that feel intrigued by art in general, we strongly suggest a walk toward the Catholic Church. The wall bordering the church grounds is painted with a spectacular mural, signed by Dunstan St. Omer, a famous local artist, and illustrates the history of Saint Lucia.
What is also noteworthy about Anse La Raye is that the people living here are considered some of the friendliest and most smiling people in Saint Lucia!
Gros Islet Village
Situated in the Rodney Bay area, Gros Islet is a scenic village that has managed something remarkable – to combine Rodney Bay’s cosmopolitan atmosphere (it is a region particularly known for tourism and yachting) with local flavour. Again, Friday Night Street Parties draw locals and visitors alike to endless partying featuring delicious food and live music, enabling everybody there to become one big group of friends having a great time! Besides that, though, Gros Islet Village spoils its guests with something for everyone, from barbecue joints and rum shops to the fantastic Gros Islet Beach and Pigeon Island.
Canaries
A quieter option compared to its other Saint Lucia siblings, Canaries is a delightful fishing village that provides a relaxed ambience and opportunities for laid-back ventures. Feel free to wander through its scenic square that is home to a picture-perfect old chapel now turned into a soap-making factory. And, as you may have guessed already, Canaries pampers visitors and residents with a vibrant nightlife that becomes more lively every Saturday night thanks to the Creole Pot street party! Expect lots of people swarming the place for a chance of non-stop drinking and feasting!
Marigot Bay
Yet another breathtaking village in Saint Lucian with a spectacular harbour that greets visitors from across the globe. Marigot Bay feels truly magical, especially at night when the starry sky and the lights from the village reflect on the water, giving off a fairytale-like atmosphere. As for daytime Marigot Bay, expect to come across several highly photogenic spots as you stroll its streets, with the hill overlooking the harbour being the best location for heart-stopping seascapes and panoramas of Saint Lucia.
Soufriere
Although one might expect the island’s capital to be the most popular town in Saint Lucia, this is barely the case with Soufriere which has stolen the sceptres from Castries popularity-wise. It makes sense, though, considering how many iconic landmarks are in the surrounding area, including the Piton Mountains, Tet Paul Nature Trail, Sulphur Springs, Hummingbird Beach, Sugar Beach, and Diamond Falls. Indeed, Soufriere is a top tourist hub that also excites visitors with the strong pinches of local flavour it provides. From locally-owned businesses and charter boats to rum shops, immersing yourself in the local culture is made extremely easy here.
Vieux Fort
Vieux Fort is the second-largest town in the country and home to the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF). The quaint old centre with the beautiful church and lovely historic buildings is located near the harbour, while visitors can also entertain themselves with an exciting shopping experience by simply heading toward the north of Vieux Fort, where the heart of the town’s shopping scene beats the loudest. And, while exploring this side of town, you may want to visit the Piton Beer brewery that makes the iconic local beverage which got its name from the mountain tops in Soufriere!
Other Saint Lucia Towns and Villages That Will Fascinate You
- Choiseul – One of the most rural and, at the same time, largest quarters in Saint Lucia with untouched land, quiet beaches, amazing river valleys, lush rainforest, and waterfront beauties.
- Laborie – Perhaps the most idyllic village in Saint Lucia with a heart-stopping tree-lined waterfront and scenic narrow streets that are home to unique architecture and picturesque buildings, such as the Laborie Catholic Church.
- Micoud – This one is a rural village occupying a pristine spot on the east coast of Saint Lucia and is considered a major agricultural hub. Although one should not expect distinctive or interesting features in Micoud, being a village resided primarily by fishermen and farmers, they should certainly be prepared for an exciting dive into history, as this is the land once inhabited by the Amerindians, assumed to be the very first settlers of Saint Lucia!
- Praslin – Praslin epitomises the essence of Saint Lucia’s core lifestyle – the “take it slowly and take pleasure from the little, everyday things in life”. The tiny fishing village is nestled in a quiet bay offering incredible opportunities to knock photography lovers off their socks!
Numerous beautiful towns and scenic villages dot the idyllic and unique landscape of Saint Lucia, each offering a different, yet equally soul-filling experience and its own local taste. Either located near the lively capital or tucked away from the bustling crowds and tourist attractions, Saint Lucia’s villages and towns give travellers the chance to get a glimpse into the authentic side of Saint Lucia and its culture while pampering with jaw-dropping natural scenery and stunning landscapes along the way.
Castries
The thriving capital of Saint Lucia, Castries is also home to the biggest local airport, George F.L. Charles Regional Airport (SLU). Don’t expect the craze that is usually seen and felt in other Caribbean island capitals, though, as Castries is a lovely small town staying loyal to the overall Saint Lucia (laid-back) vibe.
Some of the sights definitely worth a visit is Derek Walcott Square in the heart of Castries which was named after the homonymous Nobel laureate. The same area is also home to the stunning 19th-century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and a 400-year-old Samman tree. If you want to explore some more, outside the city centre, the red-roofed market will probably steal your attention with its charm and the abundance of things you can buy, from local vegetables and fruits to crafts and native food.
Anse La Raye
An absolutely adorable fishing village tucked on the western shores of Saint Lucia that becomes a huge pole of attraction every Friday due to its Friday Night Seafood Street Party! Besides its lively evening endeavours, though, Anse La Raye also bewilders with its architecture that has resisted change and turned its back on modern-day influences, retaining its original appeal.
As for those that feel intrigued by art in general, we strongly suggest a walk toward the Catholic Church. The wall bordering the church grounds is painted with a spectacular mural, signed by Dunstan St. Omer, a famous local artist, and illustrates the history of Saint Lucia.
What is also noteworthy about Anse La Raye is that the people living here are considered some of the friendliest and most smiling people in Saint Lucia!
Gros Islet Village
Situated in the Rodney Bay area, Gros Islet is a scenic village that has managed something remarkable – to combine Rodney Bay’s cosmopolitan atmosphere (it is a region particularly known for tourism and yachting) with local flavour. Again, Friday Night Street Parties draw locals and visitors alike to endless partying featuring delicious food and live music, enabling everybody there to become one big group of friends having a great time! Besides that, though, Gros Islet Village spoils its guests with something for everyone, from barbecue joints and rum shops to the fantastic Gros Islet Beach and Pigeon Island.
Canaries
A quieter option compared to its other Saint Lucia siblings, Canaries is a delightful fishing village that provides a relaxed ambience and opportunities for laid-back ventures. Feel free to wander through its scenic square that is home to a picture-perfect old chapel now turned into a soap-making factory. And, as you may have guessed already, Canaries pampers visitors and residents with a vibrant nightlife that becomes more lively every Saturday night thanks to the Creole Pot street party! Expect lots of people swarming the place for a chance of non-stop drinking and feasting!
Marigot Bay
Yet another breathtaking village in Saint Lucian with a spectacular harbour that greets visitors from across the globe. Marigot Bay feels truly magical, especially at night when the starry sky and the lights from the village reflect on the water, giving off a fairytale-like atmosphere. As for daytime Marigot Bay, expect to come across several highly photogenic spots as you stroll its streets, with the hill overlooking the harbour being the best location for heart-stopping seascapes and panoramas of Saint Lucia.
Soufriere
Although one might expect the island’s capital to be the most popular town in Saint Lucia, this is barely the case with Soufriere which has stolen the sceptres from Castries popularity-wise. It makes sense, though, considering how many iconic landmarks are in the surrounding area, including the Piton Mountains, Tet Paul Nature Trail, Sulphur Springs, Hummingbird Beach, Sugar Beach, and Diamond Falls. Indeed, Soufriere is a top tourist hub that also excites visitors with the strong pinches of local flavour it provides. From locally-owned businesses and charter boats to rum shops, immersing yourself in the local culture is made extremely easy here.
Vieux Fort
Vieux Fort is the second-largest town in the country and home to the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF). The quaint old centre with the beautiful church and lovely historic buildings is located near the harbour, while visitors can also entertain themselves with an exciting shopping experience by simply heading toward the north of Vieux Fort, where the heart of the town’s shopping scene beats the loudest. And, while exploring this side of town, you may want to visit the Piton Beer brewery that makes the iconic local beverage which got its name from the mountain tops in Soufriere!
Other Saint Lucia Towns and Villages That Will Fascinate You
- Choiseul – One of the most rural and, at the same time, largest quarters in Saint Lucia with untouched land, quiet beaches, amazing river valleys, lush rainforest, and waterfront beauties.
- Laborie – Perhaps the most idyllic village in Saint Lucia with a heart-stopping tree-lined waterfront and scenic narrow streets that are home to unique architecture and picturesque buildings, such as the Laborie Catholic Church.
- Micoud – This one is a rural village occupying a pristine spot on the east coast of Saint Lucia and is considered a major agricultural hub. Although one should not expect distinctive or interesting features in Micoud, being a village resided primarily by fishermen and farmers, they should certainly be prepared for an exciting dive into history, as this is the land once inhabited by the Amerindians, assumed to be the very first settlers of Saint Lucia!
- Praslin – Praslin epitomises the essence of Saint Lucia’s core lifestyle – the “take it slowly and take pleasure from the little, everyday things in life”. The tiny fishing village is nestled in a quiet bay offering incredible opportunities to knock photography lovers off their socks!