 |
|
|
|
Idealo.co.uk
>
Travel-Home
>
|
|
|
|
|
Travel Information on Saint Lucia
|
|
|
Saint Lucia (LC)
|
| Continent: |
North America |
|
| Area: |
619 km² |
| Population: |
167,640 |
| Capital city: |
Castries |
ISO code: |
LC |
| National language: |
English |
International dialling code: |
+1758 |
| Currency: |
East Caribbean Dollar |
Licence plate number: |
WL |
| Flight routes from Saint Lucia: |
88 |
Flight routes to Saint Lucia: |
172 |
| Popular airports: |
St. Lucia Hewanorra (UVF),
St. Lucia Castries (SLU)
|
| Large cities: |
Bisée,
Vieux Fort,
Micoud,
Soufrière,
Dennery,
Gros Islet,
Anse La Raye,
Laborie,
Canaries,
Cap Estate,
Choiseul,
Choc,
Caféière,
Cabiche,
Marquis
|
| Airlines based in Saint Lucia: |
|
|
|
|
Independent island state in the West Indies.
|
The volcanic island of St. Lucia is an independent island state belonging to the Commonwealth of Nations of Great Britain, located between St. Vincent and Martinique in the Caribbean.
Geography: the main geographical characteristic of the island is the forested mountain chain that extends in a north to south direction and is crossed by several river valleys. St. Lucia has a wealth of tropical flora and fauna and excellent beaches, ideal for a relaxing holiday all year round.
Mountains and rivers: the highest point on St. Lucia is Mount Gimie with 950 m (3,116 ft), which came about due to volcanic activity. There are also two more high mountains on the west coast: the Gros Piton and the Petit Piton. These rise up from the sea and are the main landmarks of the island. Located between these two mountains are the famous Sulphur Springs, a volcanic opening emitting sulphur and other gases that, due to the smoke and unpleasant smell, are easily perceptible from a distance. The exceptional waterfall near Petit Piton, which is fed by cold as well as hot mineral water, is also very impressive.
Climate and best time to visit: as on the other Lesser Antilles, the climate on St. Lucia is tropical with an average daily temperature of about 28° C, pleasantly cooled down by the northern Passat winds. The water temperature is at about 26° C all year round. There is no noticeable rainy season, but short warm daily rain showers can be expected and dangerous cyclones afflict the island between the months of June and October. These are rare, but can nevertheless cause severe devastation.
Language and communication: the official language is English; Patois is the national language.
Health and vaccinations: vaccination against hepatitis A, typhoid, diphtheria, polio and tetanus is recommended. Long clothing should be worn to provide protection against mosquitoes and other insects, and a locally purchased insect repellent should also be used. St. Lucia is free from malaria. Medical care is good in Castries, but medical costs are very high.
Visitors are advised to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance that covers repatriation costs. A first aid kit should be packed and fruit and vegetables peeled or boiled before being eaten
Entry requirements: British Passport holders do not require a visa to visit Saint Lucia for up to 42 days.
Arrival and onward journey: only British Airways provide a direct service from London to St. Lucia. There is however also the option of flying to Barbados and then taking a connecting flight for example with Caribbean Star Airline or LIAT to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF). The airport is 65 km south of the capital Castries. Flights going to the other Caribbean islands land and take off at the smaller airport George Fl. Charles (SLU), only 4 km from the capital city.
Capital city: Castries is the capital of St. Lucia and has about 11,000 inhabitants with a total of 80,000 inhabitants living in the greater city area, comprising about half of the islands entire population. The peninsula of Pointe Seraphine juts into the port and is docking point for cruise ships. This is also the location of most of the shops, which were constructed as a Mediterranean style shopping village with tax-free shopping facilities.
Places of interest and beaches: Soufrière on the south west coast is worth a visit. Soufrière was originally the capital of the island and is still the second largest town on St. Lucia. The harbour of the town is on the foothills of the two extinct 798 m (2,618 ft) high Piton volcanoes leaving a lasting impression on visitors. The town captivates the visitor above all with its colourful houses and the palm trees as well as the dark green tropical rainforests on the surrounding hills.
The islands true beauty is only really discovered by venturing inland. On an area of 75 km², the island boasts numerous bubbly sulphur springs and dense rainforests with hidden coves that are home to tropical fish. The Diamond Botanical Garden that belongs to the department of Soufrière is a gem well worth visiting. The waterfall of the same name is also located here as well as several mineral baths and the black beaches of Anse Chastanet.
Pigeon Island National Park, another of the islands attractions, is also in the interior of the island. Visitors to the national park may explore the remains of Indian as well as British settlements and the ruins of the waling station. The park resembles an open-air museum documenting more than 1000 years of the islands Indian history.
Religion: almost 100 % of the population of St. Lucia are descendents of African slaves, 93 % of these are members of the Christian community. Only 7% of the population consider themselves without confession or are members of the Jehovah’s witnesses.
Major Cities and accommodation: Castries, Bexon, Babononeau, Ciceron, Dennery, La Clery and Vieux Fort.
|
|
|
Favourite Flights and Cheap Flights from and to Saint Lucia / LC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
