Saint Lucia is a Island state in the Antilles. Located on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea, Saint Lucia is part of the Windward Islands; it is situated between the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the south, Barbados to the southeast, and Martinique to the north. Taking its name from Lucy of Syracuse, Saint Lucia is the only state in the world to carry a woman's name.
Saint Lucia is a volcanic island and culminates at 950 m altitude at Mount Gimie. The two peaks of Saint Lucia are part of the Qualibou volcanic chain, also called Soufrière, the island's main volcano. These peaks resemble two giant needles, emerging from the ocean depths, and providing the landscape of Saint Lucia, strength and character.
THE tourism constitutes the country's first source of income. The island's second source of income comes from agriculture. In the 1960s, the banana represented 80 % of the island's revenue, in the 1990s the government decided to diversify production by promoting Mango and avocado cultivation.
Castries, the capital, is a energetic city characterized by pulsating calypso rhythms, bursts of bright colors, the aroma of fresh food, crowded streets and charming people.
Area
Population
East Caribbean Dollar
Languages spoken
Chief town
The island of Saint Lucia was inhabited by the Arawaks around a thousand years BC. In the 9th century, the Kalinagos became the majority. Named "Iouanalao", a name that would mean "the land of iguanas", by the indigenous population, it was baptized "Saint Lucia", in honor of Lucy of Syracuse, by Spanish merchants who discovered it at the beginning of the 16th century. The Europeans then gradually tried to settle there but without success. It was France that began to establish a real colony and signed a treaty with the Caribbean in 1660.
However, throughout the 17th and 18th centuries the island was mainly disputed between France and the United Kingdom, which gained full control in 1814 with the Treaty of Paris. A local representative government was established in 1924. The country became independent on 22 February 1979, as a Commonwealth realm. It joined the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States in 1981.
You have chosen to travel to Saint Lucia but you would like to to inform on the transportation, there life on site and the budget to expect? Here's the basics of what you need to know.
The cheapest way to travel to Saint Lucia from Europe (France, Belgium) is to go via Martinique or Guadeloupe, and then take the ferry that lands directly in Castries, the capital. The average price of a round-trip plane ticket to Martinique and Guadeloupe, departing from France, is €684.
The return ferry ticket costs €119.
The average price of a night in Airbnb type accommodations, very comfortable and modern is 53€ per night (based on accommodation for 2-3 people). You can find all prices and all standards.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
A minibus system with regular rotations serves the island to very remote areas. Fares are affordable and start at ECD1.50. Just reach out to flag one down. Taxi services are also available from the port and can be arranged throughout the island.
CONDUCT
In Saint Lucia, you drive on the left side of the road (for convenience, choose an automatic car). To drive in Saint Lucia, you will need to buy a Saint Lucian driving license (ECD30 or about €10). It can be purchased at all car rental offices. Rental companies will also be present when you get off the boat.
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