Castries Holidays
Perfect for families and couples
Castries is perfect for families, romantic couples, water-sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. St Lucia’s capital is a natural harbour on the sheltered north-west of the island. There are many fabulous beaches within easy reach, including Castries’ own Vigie Beach, with soft golden sand gently washed by the warm Caribbean Sea. This bustling town has plenty to offer in its own right and is an ideal centre for visiting the island’s other attractions. Caribbean Cruise ships stop off here and visitors are well catered for. There is duty-free shopping at Pointe Seraphine and the colourful Central Market is good for buying local produce and crafts and absorbing the local culture.
Plenty of sun and fun in this idyllic Caribbean destination
Castries holidays feature a wide choice of hotels with excellent facilities. There are good and cheap eateries near the town centre and stylish restaurants in the hills offering superb views. Food varies from international cuisine to local delicacies such as breadfruit, callaloo soup, jackfish and lobster. St Lucians love music and know how to enjoy themselves. Most hotels feature live entertainment and the sound of soca, zouk or reggae can usually be heard somewhere. Carnival hits the streets in July and there is a famous Jazz Festival in May with superb music in delightful settings. Party lovers should look out for the weekly ‘jump up’ at nearby Gros Islets.
Explore beaches, mountains and rainforest
Castries has a number of sights worth exploring, including the magnificent Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the area around Morne Fortune with its views over the town and French and British fortifications. Activities on a Castries holiday could include golf, horse riding, jungle biking, all kinds of water-sports or just enjoying various spa treatments. Boats can be hired for whale and dolphin watching or game fishing. Hikers are well catered for and there are truly magnificent unspoilt areas to explore. St Lucia is not a large island and a relatively short drive will take you into lush, green rainforest, to the rugged Atlantic coast or to the volcanic sulphur springs and the Pitons, two spectacular volcanic peaks designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Weather in Castries
Castries offers typical Caribbean weather with virtually guaranteed sunshine and consistent temperatures all year round. Its position on the north-west coast of St Lucia means that it is sheltered from the prevailing winds and the sea is warm and calmer than the east coast. Average high temperatures stay within one or two degrees of 30°C at all times, the sea temperature stay between 26° and 29°C and there’s an average of at least eight hours of sunshine every day, making this an ideal location for anyone looking for a beach holiday in a romantic tropical destination.
