Iconic Landmarks
Saint Lucia is no ordinary island. Her mountains, jungles, beaches, and historic sites whisper echoes of her history to all who visit. Every cliff or buttress tells a story about the island, adding to the personality and nature of St. Lucia and those who live here.
The Pitons
Start your exploration of Saint Lucia’s famous landmarks with the Pitons, two volcanic plugs on the southwestern coast of the island. Each Piton has its own name: Gros Piton (at 2,530 ft high) and Petit Piton (at 2,438 ft high). These landmarks actually inspired the creation of a local beer, Piton, a light, refreshing drink popular with locals and residents alike.
There are multiple ways for visitors to explore these landmarks. You can hike around them and see exotic plants and animals that call the area home, or you can sail around them to see the Pitons from the water. Many guests to Saint Lucia prefer to do both, as they are captivated by the beauty and shape of the dormant volcanoes along the coast.
Pigeon Island
If you want to combine history and nature in your visit, then Pigeon Island is one of the top Saint Lucia landmarks for you. Pigeon Island was a separate isle until 1972, when the government built a causeway between it and the main island for easy access. Pigeon Island is where the infamous pirate, Jamb de Bois, created a camp to ambush Spanish trade ships.
Visitors can also climb around the ruins of Fort Rodney, which was built by the English to fight the French. Hike around the ruins and pass cannons while you watch nature slowly reclaim the island. You can really feel what it was like guarding the island in the 1700s.
Pigeon Island is a National Park of Saint Lucia, and you can find visitors snorkeling, sailing, and diving just off the shores.
Soufriere
The diverse Saint Lucia history means it is a melting pot of various cultures. Carib culture still has a strong influence on the island, even though it is mixed with African cultures brought over during colonial times. English, French, and Dutch elements also blend with the others on the island, making Saint Lucia culture unique to those who visit.
Visitors who set foot on Saint Lucia can experience this culture, and learn about the various eras of the island’s history. Explore ancient archaeological sites from Arawak times or walk along the Old Town of Vieux Fort to feel what it would be like living in Saint Lucia during the 17th and 18th centuries. The history of the island lives on through Saint Lucia’s diverse culture.
