Castries

Travel Guide
Castries
Dive head first into St. Lucia’s vibrant capital city to experience Creole-inspired cuisine, funky nightclubs, historic buildings and bustling markets.

Castries is a wonderful feast for the senses. In this bustling city, home to 40 percent of St. Lucia’s population, music wafts along the streets, colorful fruit and vegetables grown on the island’s fertile soils decorate market stalls and women sport brightly colored traditional dress. Set off on a walking tour of this enigmatic city to experience the heart of St. Lucian life.

Start your explorations in Derek Walcott Square, named in honor of one of the country’s two Nobel laureates. Colonial buildings line the edges of the square, which features carefully tended gardens, as well as a memorial to fallen soldiers.

From there head to the nearby Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Admire the stone exterior of one of the city’s most important cultural centers before heading inside, where bright colors adorn the walls and high ceilings.

Haggle for souvenirs and trinkets at the Castries Central Market. Buy plump fresh fruit and vegetables and sample some local cuisine from the food stalls. Food is an important part of St. Lucian life and Castries is home to excellent haute cuisine restaurants as well as local eateries. Enjoy dishes with ingredients such as coconut, papaya, mango, fish and green figs.

Make your way to the top of Morne Fortune, which looms 852 feet (260 meters) above the city. Visit the fortress there and learn about Castries’ military history at the small museum. It also boasts some excellent views so don’t forget your camera.

When your feet are tired from walking, head to the beach for a well-deserved rest. Lay on the warm golden sands of Vigie Beach, La Toc Beach or Choc Beach, where turquoise-colored waters lap against the sand. Find shade under swaying palm trees.

There are two arrival points into Castries: George F.L Charles Airport, located a short distance from downtown, and Pointe Seraphine Port for cruise ships. It is a small city and easily navigable. Hail a cab to get out to the beaches in just a few minutes or hop on a catamaran to explore the beautiful west coast including famous Marigot Bay.

Where to stay in Castries

Villa Beach Cottages
Villa Beach Cottages
3 out of 5
Choc Bay, P.O. Box 129, Castries
The price is $285 per night from Jun 4 to Jun 5
$285
per night
Jun 4 - Jun 5
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Castries. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (221 reviews)
"Very nice location with few steps from the beach, very welcoming and helpful staff, quit and charming environment, near to most of the attractions in the north of the island"

Reviewed on May 16, 2023

Villa Beach Cottages
Bel Jou Hotel – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Bel Jou Hotel – Adults Only – All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
La Pansee, Castries, 00124
The price is $286 per night from Jun 11 to Jun 12
$286
per night
Jun 11 - Jun 12
Stay at this 3.5-star all-inclusive property in Castries. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (177 reviews)
"Needs towels and new beds. Also the tv was a 22 inch. Never seen such a small tv. Food was ok. Staff are friendly"

Reviewed on May 27, 2023

Bel Jou Hotel – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Sandals Halcyon - ALL INCLUSIVE Couples Only
Sandals Halcyon - ALL INCLUSIVE Couples Only
4.5 out of 5
Castries - Gros Islet Highway, Castries
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Castries. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the comfy rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (153 reviews)
"We got married and wedding planner was awesome once we got there. Before hand was confusing and communication was difficult. Staff was wonderful room was clean and quiet beach venders where pushy and bothersome. Excursion were not worth money or time especially shopping spree. Maintenance was an ..."

Reviewed on May 24, 2023

Sandals Halcyon - ALL INCLUSIVE Couples Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Blu Vista Cottages
Blu Vista Cottages
5 out of 5
Forestierre, Castries
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Castries. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions St. Omer Artmagic and Castries Waterworks ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"It's nestled in the forest with a really nice view of Forestière"

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2023

Blu Vista Cottages
Ocean View Villas just a short walk from La Toc Beach!
Ocean View Villas just a short walk from La Toc Beach!
Castries, Castries
Stay at this villa in Castries. Enjoy private pools, WiFi, and a terrace. Popular attractions La Toc Battery and Fort Charlotte are located nearby. Discover ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Excellent
"This place does not disappoint! The pictures are spot on and the view is even more stunning in real life. Should we ever return to St. Lucia we would absolutely stay at this location again. Here are the pros and cons of this property. Pros: View - Stunning! It is so fun to watch the ships coming ..."

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2023

Ocean View Villas just a short walk from La Toc Beach!
Secret Cove Villa - amazing pool and views!  Experiences to last a lifetime .
Secret Cove Villa - amazing pool and views! Experiences to last a lifetime .
Castries
Stay at this beach villa in Castries. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Saint Lucia National Archives and The Embassy of ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Amazing Views
"Beautiful property with amazing views. Great set up for multiple families. Easy access to the beach."

Reviewed on May 24, 2023

Secret Cove Villa - amazing pool and views! Experiences to last a lifetime .
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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