While Barbados may be the go-to destination in the West Indies, it doesn’t hold a candle to the picturesque island of Saint Lucia. This sovereign island nation is one of the Windward Islands located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea. Saint Lucia was first called Iyonola by the indigenous people of the Americas, and then took the name Hewanorra, given to it by the native Caribs. It has a long political history, having spent many decades jumping between the control of the British and the French, which led to it being called the “Helen of the West Indies”, after Helen of Troy, the Greek Mythological figure.
Saint Lucia finally gained its independence in 1979. It is now a prime destination for tourism, containing gorgeous botanical gardens, numerous cruise options, nature reserves, and the world’s only drive-in volcano! This location is also one of the first few set to open for travelers following the wake of the COVID-19 global lockdowns. These are just a few of the many stunning sights this island of nature and heritage has to offer.
(Flickr)
(Pixabay)
(By Liii, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Charles J Sharpi, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Mjr74i, Wikimedia Commons)
You would expect an island to be home to many gorgeous sandy shores and views like the ones above. However, Saint Lucia is unique in its geological make-up. It is one of the most mountainous islands in the Caribbean. This tropical treasure is home to gorgeous inactive volcanoes and lush mountain rainforests.
(By Aneil Lutchmani, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Aneil Lutchmani, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Jayen466i, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Mjr74i, Wikipedia)
(By Gordon Leggetti, Wikimedia Commons)
Not only does this island house the gorgeous twin peaks pictured above, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also filled with truly scenic landscapes, national parks, nature reserves, and architectural heritage spread across the many districts of this island, the most famous of which are Soufrière, Dauphin, Dennery, Vieux Fort and Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia. These towns are also the destinations for various annual Arts and Culture programs like carnivals and music festivals, not to mention a great place for interesting and spicy food!
(By Aneil Lutchmani, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Gzdavidwongi, Wikimedia Commons)
(By XeresNelro, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Chensiyuani, Wikimedia Commons)
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(By SEGMi, Wikimedia Commons)
(By TerryOtti, Wikipedia)
(By Moon rabbit 365, Wikimedia Commons)
Alongside the beautiful bays and lustrous landscapes on this incredible island, there is also a wide distribution of different types of flora and fauna. With such a diverse geological composition, the lush rainforests, mountains, and crystal clear waters have over 2.000 different species residing in them, over 200 of which are endemic to Saint Lucia. Here are two such species found only on the island.
(By opopododoi, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Ross Tsai, Wikimedia Commons)
