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SAINT LUCIA -INTRODUCTION
SAINT LUCIA -INTRODUCTION

Highlights

St. Lucia Simply Beautiful

St. Lucia, the lovely small island nation, one of the Windward Islands of the West Indies, with a coastline of 158 km., lies 34 km south of Martinique, 42 km north of St. Vincent and 160 km southwest of Barbados. The lovely island of St. Lucia was formed by volcanic eruptions over millions of years. St. Lucia counts with exuberant tropical jungles, fertile lowlands and valleys, rainforest and beautiful beaches with the Atlantic Ocean on its east coastand the calm Caribbean Sea on the west coast. Their forested mountains from north to south complete the beautiful scenery. The mountains contain many streams and fertile valleys. The highest peak is Mount Gimie reaching 950 m. (3117 feet).  The Pitons, pair of sharp peaks that rise from the ocean on the southwest coast are Saint Lucia’s picturesque beauty. The Pitons are a symbol of St. Lucia and are the most recognizable landmarks in the Caribbean. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named St. Lucia's Pitons as a World Heritage Site. The Pitons Management Area extends over 11 square miles and includes the magnificent twin peaks of Gros Piton of 788 m. and Petit Piton of 739 m. St. Lucia's volcano is named "Qualibou” (last eruption was during the year 1766) is located outside the town of Soufriere where warm waterfalls, thermal waters and boiling pools of heavy sulphur are found in the crater of the volcano. The island has a multicolor culture mainly expressed in its cuisine, considered one of the best in the Caribbean area. To the three different civilizations other factors are added as the tropical climate, the ocean and its volcanic soil what allows easily to obtain the six types of banana, a wide tropical fruit variety and an excellent fishing.

Description

Castries is St. Lucia’s Capital City, a small city easily visited on foot. The population of St. Lucia is approximately 160,000, a third part of whom reside in the capital city. Port Castries is one of the rare deep-water ports in this area. The Vigie airport is very close, located 2 km in the north.

The island possesses a varied culture with a history steeped in traditions influenced by English and French heritages. The main language in Saint Lucia is English although many St. Lucians also speak French. Creole is St Lucia's second language, being widely spoken by the St. Lucian people. Wonderful climate, astounding beauty and friendly islanders makes St. Lucia Simply Beautiful!

CLIMATE

St. Lucia's climate is tropical, although moderated by northeast trade winds. The dry season extends from January to April, with a rainy season from May to August.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Tropical sunlight, heavy rainfall and fertile soil combine to produce an abundance of tropical flora, including a selection of orchids and jasmine. The central highlands provide nesting places for many birds, including the birds of Paradise and the Jacquot Parrot named as their national bird.

TOURISM

St. Lucia is the perfect island for tropical wedding or honeymoon destination.

SPORTS

Long walks and cycling are the best forms to explore the natural parks and the reserves in St. Lucia, as well as to discover the waterfalls and the hidden tropical forests. The sports in the water are very popular like being oar, kayaking, windsurfing and water skiing.

GASTRONOMY

St. Lucia’s cuisine has a wide selection of menus based on different influences. West Indian, French and Creole recipes can be found in the gastronomy of St. Lucia. The menus with fish and seafood are the traditional dishes. The desserts are accompanied frequently with bananas, coconuts, guavas, handles, papayas, fruits of the passion and pineapple. The local Piton Beer (Lager) is very good and local “St. Lucia Rum Distillery” produces a great selection of Rum.