Holiday in Castries

About Castries

Castries, the capital of St. Lucia, is the vibrant gateway to one of the most dramatic islands in the Caribbean. The city, located by a natural harbor, offers Caribbean daily life, while the true treasures of the island lie in the surroundings — foremost the Pitons, two volcanic spires that are a UNESCO World Heritage site and the landmark of the Eastern Caribbean. The Castries Central Market (1894) is a lively place with tropical fruits, spices, hot sauce, and handicrafts. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, with its colorful Caribbean murals, and Derek Walcott Square (named after St. Lucia's Nobel Prize-winning author) are worth seeing in the city center. The Pitons — Gros Piton (770 m) and Petit Piton (743 m) — near Soufriere on the southwest coast are spectacular: steep volcanic cones rising from the sea, surrounded by rainforest and turquoise water. Climbing Gros Piton (3-4 hours, with a guide) offers breathtaking views. Soufriere also features the only drive-in volcano crater in the Caribbean (Sulphur Springs), mud baths, the Diamond Botanical Garden with a waterfall, and Anse Chastanet for snorkeling. St. Lucia produces excellent rum — St. Lucia Distillers are known for Chairman's Reserve.