Are you in the midst of winter? Now can be a good time to escape the grey of the season. A quick trip to Saint Lucia will brighten your season with sunshine, with daily temperatures hovering at 86ºF / 30ºC. You can avoid the crowds that flock to islands in the summer by going any time November through February and do so at a lower cost.
My main reason for visiting? Family. I stayed up in the mountains over-looking Rodney Bay in a house my Great-Uncle Gerry built from the ground up. After living most of their life in California, he figured it would be a good idea for him and my Great-Aunt Barbara to live their golden years in Saint Lucia. From the balcony of this home, I could see Pigeon Island, the Rodney Bay marina, and several mountains. Row
Choose to stay at a place in the mountains so you can wake up to expansive views of the island, mountains, water, and brightly colored roofs. This is the best option if you can drive. Otherwise, stay in the heart of Rodney Bay village as you will be closer to the beaches, shopping areas, and restaurants, and public transportation is available.
Rodney Bay has been growing over the years and is set to become the second-largest city in Saint Lucia yet, it still has more of an ease of pace compared to the capital, Castries. If you want to buy unique items and gifts, Castries has a broader range of open-air markets to check out.
If you can, take a jeep ride up the mountains for a fun and a slightly nerve-racking adventure. Although my cousin drove with ease up the mountains, I kept looking at how close to the edge the wheels were on the (slightly paved) road.
For a little history and moderate hiking, visit Pigeon Island, a 44-acre National Park where you can see amazing panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Along the hike, you will get to visit the ruins of Fort Rodney, built in 1778. One of the coolest things about Pigeon Island? In the 16th century, it was a hide-out for over 300 pirates as the area served as a great view of approaching ships.
Since the 1600s, France and Britain battled over control of the island. Britain eventually won out. Nevertheless, a considerable French influence remains on St. Lucia, which achieved independence in 1979. Along with colonial ruins, Amerinidian artifacts dating to around 1,000 A.D. have been found on the Island.
My own trip was primarily in Rodney Bay as it was a family visit. Yet, you can see most of Saint Lucia in 5-7 days. Seeing the Pitons, which are in the south of the island in Soufrière, should be on your list and of course going through a drive-in volcano. It is time to book your winter sunshine!
Know before you go: Check what the latest Covid-19 safety guidelines are. Confirm any possible curfews, quarantines, vaccinations, and testing once you plan to book a trip.
Fun facts:
- St Lucia was the first country to be named after a woman, Saint Lucy or Lucia of Syracuse.
- St Lucia is home to the Pitons Mountain range which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- St. Lucia’s landscape is 70% rainforest.
- Pirates! In the early 1700s the famous pirate Blackbeard visited St. Lucia. The shorelines of St. Lucia were particularly lucrative and it is believed he hid some of his stolen booty on this island.
- Volcanoes! St. Lucia is home to the world’s only drive-in volcano at Sulphur Springs.
If you want to see a little bit more of Saint Lucia. Enjoy this video/slideshow.
Explore Creatively 
Wow what a beautiful place to explore and photograph! I would love nothing more than to escape rainy Ireland for a chance to bask in the shimmering sunshine. Just have to wait until it’s safe to travel around the world 🤗 thanks for sharing and inspiring ☺️ Aiva
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