Saint Lucia's iconic Pitons -- a pair of volcanic spires that vault upward from the Caribbean Sea -- define one of the region's most romantic destinations. Though the trademark vistas that surround the Pitons are perhaps the most memorable, Saint Lucia delivers robust, varied scenery from head to toe. Simply put, the island looks the way the Caribbean is supposed to look.
Castries, the island's capital, is a busy hub of island commerce and culture. An active cruise-ship port, visitors can invest a few hours at one f two duty-free shopping pavilions along the waterfront. Artists showcase paintings and sculptures in several galleries. Just a few steps from the harbor is the market, where vendors have gathered for more than 100 years to sell a bounty of fresh produce alongside fishermen hawking king mackerel, mahi-mahi and wahoo.
AIRPORTS/GATEWAYS/FLIGHT TIMES: Airports: Hewanorra International airport (UVF), 37 miles drive from the capital, Castries; George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU), 3 miles from Castries. Gateways/Flying Times: Houston-5.5 hours. London-8 hours. Miami-4 hours. New York-4 hours. San Francisco-8 hours. San Juan-2.5 hours. Toronto-6.5 hours.
CLIMATE: Average temperature High/Low. Summer 95/75 degrees F. Winter 85/65 degrees F. Humidity ranges from 66-94%. Average rainfall 3 to 5.7mm. Approximate sunrise 0535. Approximate sunset 1829.
DINING: Restaurants available-Local, Fast food. Gourmet. International. Dress code-casual is accepted almost everywhere except for the odd restaurant where a jacket and tie may be required.
LANGUAGE: English is the official language but most locals speak a French Creole commonly called patois.
NIGHTLIFE: Entertainment available includes -- Nightclubs. Cabarets, Dances. Most Hotels offer Dining, Live Music or Steelband and folk music. Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party. Anse La Raye Seafood Friday evening. Dennery Fish Fry Saturday.
SIGHTSEEING: Pigeon Island National Park. Derek Walcott Square, Ruins and Barracks at Morne Fortune, Marigot Bay. Mamiku Gardens. Diamond Waterfall and Botanical Gardens. Fregate Island. Maria Island Nature Reserve. The Pitons. The Sulphur Springs. Plantation Tours-Marquis and Errard Estate. La Sikwe Sugar Mill and Plantation, Tropical Gardens. Nature Heritage Tours.