Castries, St. Lucia

St. Lucia’s capital, Castries is a busy working port on the island’s northwest coast. City sights include the vibrant murals of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the lively Castries Market, a source for crafts as well as the fruits and produce that feature prominently in the island’s celebrated Creole cuisine. Just north of Castries, Pigeon Island National Park is home to two beautiful beaches and the ruins of the British-built Fort Rodney, whose hilltop lookout offers incredible views over the northern part of the island and the surrounding seas. Outside the capital lies St. Lucia’s striking natural beauty of volcanic mountains, luxuriant forests, waterfalls and hidden coves. A drive along a winding coastal road leads to the Pitons, the towering volcanic plugs that are St. Lucia’s most recognizable landmarks, and the original colonial capital of Soufrière, founded by the French.