St. Lucia’s Best Beaches

St. Lucia’s known for its dramatic and mountainous topography but it’s not just about the vertical views here. From south to north, caramel sands to white, check out these four shore things. (Sorry, but the photos I could find on the web REALLY don't do them justice. You'll just have to go and see for yourself!)

SOUTH Just five minutes drive from Hewanorra airport, the breezy mile-long white-sand swath at Anse Des Sables curves into a half-moon bay that embraces the Maria Islands, a pair of protected islets. Park in the shade of a sea grape tree and you’re only steps away from the island’s best windsurfing and kitesurfing. (From December to March, a steady windward breeze makes this a great location for beginners.)

CENTRAL A 30-minute drive along the west coast from Anse Des Sables, the Pitons’ lush valley gives way to Forbidden Beach, the sandy standout at the Viceroy Sugar Beach. The volcanic peaks soar majestically over the small cove (transformed to white-sand from its original black with a shipment imported from Trinidad), and its sheltered waters make it perfect for little swimmers.

NORTHERN In the capital of Castries, Reduit Beach is St. Lucia’s longest. Lined with hotels, the lively white-sand strand is the go-to for cruise-ship day-trippers and guests in the hotels at adjacent Rodney Bay village. Early-morning seas are calm and flat, but the scene on the sand heats up as the day wears on.

EASTERN Beaches on St. Lucia’s craggy Atlantic-facing coast are generally quieter and see less tourist traffic. Donkey Beach, Secret Beach and Anse Lavoutte are popular with locals but you’ll need a four-wheel drive to reach them. Depending road conditions a short downhill hike also might be required, making your reward of white sand and relative quiet all the sweeter.