Why tourists are now flocking to this beautiful and small Caribbean island

White sandy beaches, turquoise seas and epic resorts: there are many different reasons why people Love on holiday in the Caribbean.

You’ve heard a lot about Cozumel and its luxury hotels, Punta Cana with its lively beach bars, and even Jamaica, highly sought after for its Carnival, but there’s also a fewer-famous island that is rarely mentioned, although it is now taking the region by storm.

Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Saint Lucia is growing rapidly as an adventurous destinationthat lures hundreds of thousands of travelers with its pristine coastline and majestic nature:

Why Saint Lucia will break tourism records by 2025

As reported by the St. Lucia TimesSaint Lucia has seen a noticeable increase in foreign arrivals since the COVID years, having surpassed pre-pandemic figures by 14%.

In 2024 it hosted 435,959 guests, which may not seem like much considering Cancun’s multi-million figures, but this is yet another small landmass in the middle of the ocean approximately 179,000 call home.

With airlift this year increase by 4%and connectivity with the US is ramped up – we expect 12,000 more seats to fly to Saint Lucia this winter – those numbers are sure to rise furtherand we can’t say we’re surprised:

An island nation about 27 miles long and 14 miles wide at its widest point, Saint Lucia may be one of the smallest sovereign states in the Caribbean, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on natural wonders.

From the iconic Piton Mountains, a duo of volcanic peaks high above the tropical landscape, to the white sandy beaches along the northeast coast, and every lush jungle reserve in between, it is a paradise on earth for holidaymakers and adventure seekers alike.

Miles of undisturbed sand

The Caribbean’s biggest draw for most Americans, which, by the way, remains Saint Lucia’s main source market, are its picture-postcard beaches. If you fly all the way here to sun-drenched coasts and blue-green seas, then you’re in luck:

Although Cas-en-Bas is not exactly surrounded by the Caribbean, as it is located on the northeast coast towards the Atlantic Ocean, Cas-en-Bas is one of the most beautiful coastal areas on the island: imagine white powdered sugar sand, palm trees and horseback riding with a volcanic peak as your backdrop.

On the east coast, Reduit Beach is probably Saint Lucia’s most iconic beach: close to the popular resort area of ​​Rodney Bay, it has a wide choice of beach bars and eateries, and the sand here is a beautiful pale gold color.

Meanwhile, the aptly named Sugar Beach (near Soufrière) is a stretch of fine white sand right at the foot of the towering Pitons. It also houses the monument Sugar Beach, a Viceroy resortknown for its ‘rainforest’ spa and bungalow-style stays.

Are there any adventurers out there?

Besides beaches, Saint Lucia is world class adventure destination – after all, it is dominated by a pair of sister volcanoes.

The Pitons (especially Gros Piton, the highest peak) are a popular hiking area and both offer breathtaking views of Saint Lucia’s mountain-crossed landscape. However, if you attempt to climb, we recommend using a guide to maximize safety.

On the outskirts of Soufrière you can drive to the edge of a volcanic crater and swim in natural mineral and mud pools, known for their healing properties. Pro tip? When you go through the mud, choose an old swimwear you won’t mind throwing it away later.

A true natural wonder, the Diamond Falls near Soufrière is another must-see for outdoorsmen: originating from mineral-rich volcanic springsthe water shows streaks of yellow, green, blue and occasionally, even purple as it falls into the basin below.

Finally, there is Pigeon Island National Park, on the northwest coast, near Gros Islet. With quiet beaches with hardly any crowds, scenic hiking trails and even colonial-era fortifications, it is one of Saint Lucia’s highlights.

If you go to Saint Lucia this winter, Make sure you use our 1 minute TOP Trip Check to verify that you are not leaving any essential items behind and that your documentation is in order.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.