Cruise ship docked at Port Careenage (to the right), and another across the bay at Pointe Seraphine. Castries, St Lucia.

Derek Walcott Square

Derek Walcott Square is named after the Nobel Laureate for Literature, well known for his emotive poetry. The grandest building on the square is the Cathedral. Its grey exterior hides a impressive interior with richly colored stained-glass windows. Whilst in the square appreciate the four hundred year old samaan tree. A short walk away you'll get to Morne Fortune, meaning lucky hill. At the top sits Fort Charlotte, from here you can enjoy a sweeping vista of Castries.

Vigie Beach

St Lucia is reputed for its stunning beaches. The easiest to get to from Point Seraphine is Vigie Beach, a beautiful curve of golden sand, backed by swaying palm trees. It's located about a mile to the north of the port. (Even nearer to the port is Malabar Beach, but this one's located directly across the airport runway, so it's actually a longer journey). If you get bored of the beach, a pleasant walk is the hike to Vigie lighthouse, which you'll find at the end of Beacon Road on the peninsula overlooking the harbor.

Rodney Bay

Rodney Bay is the island's largest resort, a lively town of shops, beach bars, restaurants, and hotels behind Reduit Beach, a gorgeous sweep of fine sand. The resort is 15 minutes by cab to the north of Castries.

Fond Doux Estate

Fond Doux, a nineteenth century West Indies style working plantation, gives visitors the opportunity to get a real feel, taste and smell for St Lucia. There are fields of cocoa bushes, banana trees and coconut palms along with nutmeg, coffee, cinnamon, and lots of citrus fruits. The orchards, sugar works and extensive herb plots are all open for visitors to see. The estate's restaurant offers mouth-watering Creole cuisine.

Jungle Adventures

St Lucia’s rugged terrain is ideal for jungle adventures. On offer are walking, biking and horse-riding. If you've a head for heights try out the zip-wire rides soaring above the jungle.