Car Hire St Lucia - Mini guide to St Lucia

Located bang in the middle of the Windward Islands, little St Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s favourite islands. A good tourist infrastructure, fantastic beaches, friendly locals and some remarkable scenery all combine to make this a popular and easy destination.

Castries is one of the prettiest and more developed Caribbean capitals, nestled around a fine harbour and squashed up against a backdrop of low hills. A series of fires destroyed most its colonial legacy but the modern town is pleasant. Derek Walcott Square and the nearby Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception sits in the town center. For good shopping head for the new handicraft market near the harbour.

Rodney Bay is the tourist heartbeat of the island. It consists of a mariner inside a good protected harbour, with the charming fishing village of Gros Islet to its north. From here to can follow the beach - lined with fishing shacks and simple rasta bars - to Pigeon Island. This spit is covered with the fortifications of Fort Rodney, dating from the 1550s. Variously it has been under French, Spanish, English and American control and is worth exploring.

At the other end of the sweeping bay is Reduit beach, lined with good resorts and offering a number of water activities. Several other resorts enjoy private beaches along the coast between Rodney Bay and Castries.

Soufrière is a curious little town in the extreme south, famous for its two remarkable pitons - cones that rise straight out of the water. Either you can climb them or photograph them, depending on your energy levels, but both are popular and rewarding. A number of hot springs are also found in the area, as well as the lush Morne Couberil estate.

Divers and snorkellers should head for the nearby Anse Chastenet, one of the Caribbean’s best underwater spots. The marine reserve at this lovely, uncrowded, beach is teeming with colourful fish and accessible to all.

Marigot Bay is hidden along the coast as your drive south and is absolutely delightful. Liberally featured on postcards, it is a secluded bay lined with palms and has a private resort and modest beach. Stopping here to swim and relax is one of the highlights of this island.

West Indians love any excuse for a party and ‘Jump Ups’ (street parties) occur frequent with lively reggae music and copious amounts of rum punch.

Hewanorra International Airport, in the south west of the island, receiving daily flights from the US and London, with less frequent European services. Conveniently, the Vigie aiport is near Castries and services regional flights all over the Caribbean. Taxis are numerous though it’s worth haggling over price. A ferry runs daily to Martinique (2 hours).