Linda DeMark @ Galaxsea Cruises
Tele: 770-785-7304
Email: galaxecrew@aol.com
Castries, St. Lucia
Information by Rough GuidesHome to some 60,000 people (more than a third of the island's total population), St Lucia's capital of CASTRIES, on the northwest coast, is a metaphor for contemporary West Indian urban culture: at times busy and congested, at times somnolent and peaceful, the town feels somewhat stuck between a centuries-old West Indian lifestyle and a desperate push to modernize. Though Castries is easy to navigate on foot, the town is not particularly blessed with museums, theatres or historical sights, and you'll find that it's primarily a place where people go to conduct business or do some shopping rather than take sightseeing trips.
Despite its contemporary feel, Castries retains a certain unaffected charm, due more to its setting than anything else. The town is wrapped around the deep harbour of Port Castries, where hundreds of cruise ships dock each year to unload tourists for a day of duty-free shopping at the city's malls. Spreading back from the harbour is downtown Castries, a dozen or so blocks of noisy streets, shops, bus stands and general congestion. North of downtown and across the harbour is Vigie Peninsula, a flat spit of partially reclaimed land that hosts the island's largest duty-free complex, as well as the small George F.L. Charles Airport, several hotels and waterfront restaurants.
The country's capital is surrounded by hills to the east and south: the southern Morne Fortune range once provided a natural defence for the island's various occupiers, and the remains of several forts and batteries scattered throughout the area are worth a quick look.
The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
See the beautiful coastline of St. Lucia from the deck of a catamaran. You'll have an unbeatable view of the scenery and get an exhilarating ride, too.
Other Fun Things to Do
-Take a tour of St. Lucia's green mountains, banana valleys, rain forests, fishing villages and the town of Soufrière. Drive by bus through Castries, Cul de Sac, the Roseau banana plantations, and the fishing villages of Anse-La-Raye and Canaries. Then board a boat for a relaxing ride back down the scenic coastline to Anse Cochon for swimming in beautiful crystal-clear waters.
-Hike Soufrière, home of St. Lucia's most famous landmark, the towering Pitons, a set of primeval twin peaks topping 2,000 feet. Then take a relaxing dip in one of the warm sulfuric pools full of special nutrients.
Shopping for Bargains
The best duty-free shopping in this port is near the harbor in Castries at the Spanish-style complex of Pointe Seraphine. Fine china, crystal, perfume and leather goods are found there. Designer jewelry and watch brands are available at great savings, including Caribbean Hook, Honora, John Atencio, John Hardy, Kabana, Roberto Coin, Starnight, Alfex, Cartier, Concord, Gucci, Maurice LaCroix, Michele, Movado, Wenger and more. The outdoor market on Jeremie Street offers a wide array of straw goods. The best known products are the hand-silk-screened and hand-printed fabrics and fashions created by local craftsmen.
Local Currency
The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD). U.S. dollars, credit cards and traveler's checks are widely accepted.
More info on St. Lucia
Royal Caribbean Shore and Land Excursions
Yahoo Travel Guide
Trip Advisor
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