- Direct flights from Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester land at Hewanorra in the south
- Transfers to the northern resorts take about 75-90 minutes
- Stay near Soufrière for the Pitons, Rodney Bay for nightlife and choice
- UK-style three-pin plugs and driving on the left
- Airports
- Hewanorra International (UVF); George F. L. Charles, Castries (SLU) for regional flights
- Flight time
- about 9h from London to St Lucia, direct
- Best time to go
- December-April for dry, sunny weather; May for the Jazz and Arts Festival
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$); US dollars widely accepted
St Lucia is the Caribbean at its most dramatic. The twin spires of the Pitons rise straight out of the sea on the south-west coast, the interior is a mountainous tangle of rainforest, and the coastline is a string of sheltered bays, several with resorts tucked into the hillsides. It's a hugely popular honeymoon destination, but also has plenty for active travellers, from hiking and zip-lining to diving, and a lively side in Rodney Bay and the Friday night street party at Gros Islet.
For British travellers it's straightforward: direct flights, English spoken (alongside the French-based Kwéyòl), driving on the left and UK-style three-pin plugs at 230V. St Lucia is 4 hours behind the UK in winter and 5 hours behind during British Summer Time.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can usually visit St Lucia as tourists without a visa, normally for up to six weeks, with extensions possible. You'll need a passport valid for your whole stay and a return or onward ticket, and you may be asked to complete an online arrival form before travel. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in St Lucia
Soufrière and the Pitons
The old French capital sits beneath the Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Sulphur Springs, billed as the world's only drive-in volcano, and wallow in its mud baths, then cool off at Diamond Falls or Toraille waterfall. Gros Piton can be climbed with a guide in about four to five hours round trip. Anse Chastanet and Sugar Beach are the best beaches nearby.
Rodney Bay and Gros Islet
The north is the busiest area, with Reduit Beach, the marina, many restaurants and bars, and the best-value hotels. Pigeon Island National Park has fort ruins and views, and the Gros Islet Friday Night Jump-Up is a big street party with music and street food.
Marigot Bay
A small, sheltered bay surrounded by palms and steep green hills, Marigot Bay is one of the island's prettiest spots, popular with yachts and couples. It's handy for both the north and Soufrière.
Castries
The capital is a working port town with a bustling central market, the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and views from Morne Fortune. Cruise ships dock here, so it can be crowded.
The east coast and interior
The Atlantic coast is rugged and little developed, with the Fond d'Or nature reserve and the Mamiku Gardens. Inland, the rainforest reserves have hiking trails, zip lines and an aerial tram through the canopy.
Best time to visit St Lucia
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Dry season (December-April) | Sunny and breezy, around 28-30 °C; peak season and prices |
| May | Hotter, quieter, and the St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival |
| June-August | Showers and humidity increase; Carnival in July |
| September-November | Wettest months, with the main hurricane risk August-October |
Getting to St Lucia from the UK
British Airways flies direct from London Gatwick and Heathrow, Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow and Manchester, and TUI from Gatwick and Manchester, some seasonally. Flights take about nine hours and land at Hewanorra (UVF) near Vieux Fort in the south. Regional flights use the smaller George F. L. Charles airport in Castries, convenient for the north. St Lucia also links well to Barbados, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Getting around
The roads are winding and hilly, so journeys take longer than the map suggests: Hewanorra to Rodney Bay takes about 75-90 minutes, and Soufrière to Rodney Bay around 90 minutes. Taxis have government-set fares, but agree the price first. Minibuses link Castries with Gros Islet and Vieux Fort cheaply, but are less practical for Soufrière. Car hire needs a temporary local driving permit. Water taxis are a scenic way to get between Soufrière, Marigot Bay and Rodney Bay.
Money and costs
The Eastern Caribbean dollar is pegged at about EC$2.70 to US$1, and US dollars are widely accepted. St Lucia ranges from affordable guesthouses to some of the Caribbean's most expensive resorts. Allow around £150-250 per person per day for a mid-range trip including accommodation. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge plus VAT. All-inclusive packages are popular and can be good value given the island's long transfers.
If you're staying in the north, book a boat day trip to Soufrière rather than driving; you'll see the Pitons from the water and avoid the winding roads.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of St Lucia is best to stay in?
Soufrière for the Pitons, scenery and romantic resorts; Rodney Bay for beaches, restaurants and nightlife; Marigot Bay for a picturesque middle ground.
How long is the transfer from Hewanorra airport?
About 75-90 minutes to Rodney Bay and around an hour to Soufrière. Helicopter transfers are a pricey but quick alternative.
Is St Lucia good for a honeymoon?
Yes. It's one of the Caribbean's top honeymoon destinations, with secluded resorts, Piton views and sunset cruises.
Can you climb the Pitons?
Gros Piton can be climbed with a local guide, taking about four to five hours return. Petit Piton is steeper and not officially recommended.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
More from EmmaWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
