With her iconic Pitons, idyllic beaches, and mountainous interior blanketed with lush rainforest, there’s plenty to explore in St. Lucia. You can spend weeks here and not run out of things to do.
Given that most vacations tend to last a week, this St. Lucia itinerary can help you figure out how to make the best use of your limited time. You don’t need to spend too much or give up on any adventures either.
Anywhere from 5 to 7 days is more than enough to see the scenic waterfalls, snorkle in the most pristine beaches, and hike the gorgeous mountains. You can also just visit the historical places to learn about its history or try delicious cuisine if you’re looking for something more laid back.
We’ve compiled a few ideas for how to spend a week in St Lucia to enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of the island.
Day 1
Gros Isletis a great base from which to explore the northwest coast of the island. There’s plenty to do locally, but you’ll also find popular destinations just a short day trip away. After you’ve checked into your room, head for the beach. Rodney Bay and Cap Estate are two popular places in Gros Islet where many travelers stay in St. Lucia.
After all, that’s part of the reason most people chose to come to St. Lucia! Kick off your shoes, and take a walk or go for a swim at Reduit Beach. The beach is a long strand of soft sand that runs along the coast of Rodney Bay.
Keep an eye out for Chino and his floating bar, he’ll make you the best fresh fruit smoothie you’ve ever had. Consider adding a splash of locally distilled rum to help put you in vacation mode. Relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
There are plenty of dining options nearby, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money for a good meal in Gros Islet. Tastee Tinges serves delicious Caribbean eats made with love at an unbeatable value. If you can splurge a bit, we highly recommend Chef Robby’s for an original spin on island favorites. We recommend you try their lobster burger.
Day 2
For the second day of your St. Lucia vacation, visit the nearbyPigeon Island, a national landmark and historic site at the north end of the bay. You will find amazing views and learn fascinating history about the island.
If you are feeling more adventurous, take a hike upMount Pimardat the southernmost end of Reduit Beach. This short trail requires sturdy shoes and a bit of effort, but it’s worth it for the panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding lush landscape.
Make your way down toCastries,St. Lucia’s capital.You’ve likely never experienced anything like the Central Market. Open every day except Sunday, expect to find hundreds of vendors selling homegrown produce, meats, fish, and spices.
It’s one of the most unique places to go and has some of the top things to do in St. Lucia. Do some souvenir shopping and try traditional cuisine at bargain prices. If you’re into people-watching, the colorful array of Castries characters won’t disappoint.
Then head back to Gros Islet for happy hour. You’ll find friendly locals at Marie’s Fish Shack on the beach. If you have an appetite, Marie serves up delicious prepared fresh catch of the day. Vigie Beach is another nearby beach you can visit that’s only 5 minutes away.
If you are lucky enough to be in town on a Friday night, the Gros Islet Street Party is a must. The fish plate at Dukes Place and a glass of rum punch are about as good as it gets. And don’t be shy, the music will be pumping so grab a partner and hit the dance floor!
Day 3
Get an early start today and head about an hour south to picturesqueMarigot Bay.This idyllic bay was a favorite offamed author James Michener, who coined it “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean”.
The small beach there is only accessible via ferry. Doolittle’s Restaurant offers a free ride to anyone looking to patronize their bar or restaurant. But there is a second ferry that runs every few minutes and only costs $2 US for a round-trip crossing.
Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board. It’s fun just to paddle around the luxury yachts in the harbor and see how the rich and famous live. Or try your hand at sailing one of the small Hobie cats.
For a fun excursion, we recommend you take a guided kayak tour. You head out of the harbor and up the Roseau River. Your guide then takes you to St. Lucia Distillers, where you can see firsthand how island rum is made from sugar cane.
A tour of the facility and rum tasting is included in the price of the tour, making it a pretty good deal. This trip is best done early to avoid the winds that characteristically start blowing in the afternoon.
Marigot Bay is also a good place to see a beautiful sunset. Back at the beach, splurge on a Coco Loco. You will see firsthand how to open a coconut, get to taste fresh coconut water, and finally enjoy a rum-spiced cocktail right out of the shell. So delicious, but be careful they pack a punch! Grab a bite to eat at Roots Beach Bar and relax in a beach lounger while watching the sailboats slide by.
Day 4
Time to pack up and head south toSoufriere. But don’t rush, the journey is half the fun! Spurge on lunch at the Pink Plantation House. Tucked up in the hills southeast of Castries, this historic French colonial home boasts authentic Caribbean cuisine and a delightful atmosphere. Portions are huge, so make sure you bring an appetite to match. With opening hours limited between 12-3, it’s a good idea to make reservations.
If you are an intrepid traveler, walk off lunch with a hike to Canaries Waterfall. You won’t find any tours running here and in fact, it’s unlikely you’ll see anyone at all. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of drinking water.
The trail winds through exotic rainforest foliage to a lovely tiered waterfall where you can refresh yourself with a dip in the clear water. You can find directions and more detailed information on AllTrails.
After about an hour of navigating the hilly narrow road through the forest, you begin your descent into Soufriere and get a first glimpse of St. Lucia’s iconic Pitons (first image of the article). Rising majestically from the sea, they’re even more beautiful in person. Choosing accommodation in the hills will provide better views of the picture-perfect setting of the town.
The route then drops right into Soufriere Beach Park. A mix of locals and tourists alike enjoy hanging out at Hummingbird Beach. It’s a great spot to swim and of course, the views of the Pitons are an amazing backdrop for any happy hour.
Talk to any local and they’ll likely recommend you try Fedo’s for a fresh, flavorful Creole meal. The ambiance is no frills, but the food certainly isn’t. If you haven’t tried breadfruit before, this is the perfect chance.
Day 5
Many of St. Lucia’s popular attractions are located in the southern part of the island and are easily accessible from Soufriere. Most of the activities can easily be done on your own, but you can always sign up for yours to be led by experienced guides. Time your visits for either early morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the most crowded times of the day.
Begin the day with a visit toAnse Chastanet Beachfor some of the island’s best snorkeling. You get to see chartered boats dropping off their tour groups in the same areas you can access for free. Afterward, take the short trail that starts at the northern end of the beach and head to tranquil Anse Mamin. Enjoy lunch at the Jungle Beach Bar and Grill located right on the sand.
A good option to complete your afternoon would be a short hike on the Tet Paul Nature Trail. On a clear day, travelers get Instagram-worthy views of the Pitons but also sights of the faraway islands of Martinique and St. Vincent and the gorgeous southern side of St. Lucia. Your $10 entry fee includes a guide who shares information on the farms in the area and the native plant species.
The Container Bar N Grill is a fun local spot for a casual inexpensive dinner where the chicken wings are top-notch. Expect a warm welcome from the locals, music, and karaoke on Thursdays.
Day 6
We have to say that no trip to St. Lucia would be complete without a visit toJalousie Beach, also referred to as Sugar Beach due to the Sugar Beach resort. We included it on our list of best resorts on St. Lucia. It’s a must-add to your St. Lucia itinerary. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a resort guest to enjoy the breathtaking little white sand beach.
Just tell the man at the gate you are just there for the day, and he will direct you to free day-use parking. Relax on one of the floating loungers surrounded by spectacular scenery. Sugar beach also has a beautiful reef that offers you a last chance to snorkel the crystal clear waters.
Flanked on either end by Gros Piton and Petit Piton, this beach is undeniably special, and there’s no wrong way to spend your time here.
Whether you hit it on the way in or the way out, Martha’s Tables is a must for lunch if you are in this area. Seriously, we can’t recommend this stop highly enough. The restaurant treats visitors to generous portions of delicious home-cooked local cuisine, served with a variety of sides at a reasonable price. Open for lunch Monday through Friday.
You still have time this afternoon to explore some of St. Lucia’s popular attractions like the sulfur springs, mud baths, or chocolate tour. But for just $3, you can find your zen at the often-overlooked Piton Falls.
An easy 5-minute walk on a forest path leads to a picture-perfect grotto. The 30-foot cascade falls from a thermal spring down to warm water pools of varying temperatures. Breathe deep and let the healing mineral waters work their magic.
There’s no better way to end your island stay than with a fantastic dinner and sunset. A short walk from Soufriere Beach Park, just past the transportation center, there is a small restaurant located right at the water’s edge. Island Chef offers a limited selection of farm/sea-to-table meals with unobstructed sunset views for a truly special culinary experience.
Day 7
Is it time to pack up and head home already?! We know a week in St. Lucia is never enough, but hopefully, you will have collected many warm memories and maybe even a friend or two during your stay in St. Lucia.
However, if you are lucky enough to be able to have a few extra days on the island, we recommend finishing your southern travels down the coast with a night or two in quietLaborie. As a small fishing village, Laborie doesn’t see many tourists and there are but a few vacation rentals.
You can fill your time reading and relaxing on an uncrowded beach or take the opportunity to immerse yourself in village life, where the fishermen are happy to see you. Ask around to see if one of them can arrange a seafood bbq on the beach just for you.
Big Bamboo offers the best karaoke performers on the island on Saturday nights and should not be missed. By all means, do yourself a favor and try Mamma Tilly’s for a meal, she’s a gem. Just get there early, or you risk missing out on some of the house specials.
R. Cubba / Travel Journalist