5 of St Lucia's very best beaches
If you're heading to St Lucia and have picked a coastal resort in which to base yourself for a visit to this dreamy eastern Caribbean island, then chances are you'll already have a powder-soft beach to lounge on that will become an instant favourite.
However, the beaches on this island vary considerably from secluded, sheltered bays on the west coast, where the shores are lapped by the warm Caribbean Sea, to wild exposed stretches of sand on the east, where Atlantic waves crash.
Even the colours change, with golden sand in the north, snow-white sand in the south and pewter grey volcanic sand around Soufrière. All of the beaches on St Lucia* are public, even those in front of five-star hotels, and most also have free parking. Here are five of the best.
Getting to St Lucia: take your pick from three resorts on St Lucia when you book with Sandals. Check out the latest all-inclusive holiday offers* and book your escape today.
Best for atmosphere: Reduit Beach
Situated in Rodney Bay in the northwest of the island, this is St Lucia's liveliest and best-loved beach. Here, soft golden sand curves in a horseshoe around the bay and is backed by bars, restaurants and hotels, just north of the capital Castries.
At weekends, picnicking local families join the hordes of tourists and cruise-ship day-trippers while the sounds of reggae blast out of beach cafés.
At the northern end of the beach you can play on the inflatable obstacle course of Splash Island Water Park, which is loved as much by adults as by children. Expect good-natured beach touts selling handicrafts, bottles of water and Aloe Vera to douse on sunburnt skin.
Best for chilling: Pigeon Island Beach
Protected Pigeon Island promontory jutting out from Gros Islet on Saint Lucia's northwest coast is a vast national park and a great place for a day trip.
Hike up one of the twin peaks for views across Gros Islet and Rodney Bay, explore the historical remains of the 18th-century British naval base and then head to one of the bijou sandy beaches.
You can order an ice-cold bottle of local Piton beer from the beach shack to wash down a fresh fish pitta and find a shady spot under a tree to take an afternoon nap.
If siestas are not your style, then you can book a snuba tour, which is a cross between snorkelling and scuba diving where you are attached by a long line to a floating air supply. You might spot sea turtles, starfish, swordfish or parrotfish swimming above the coral reef that's just offshore.
Best for windsurfing: Anse des Sables Beach
At almost 2km long, Anse des Sables Beach on the southeastern tip of the island is one of St Lucia's longest stretches of sand and you can always find yourself a spot far away from any other beach towel or tantruming-toddler.
The Maria Islands are just visible on the horizon and you can enjoy watching the antics of the windsurfers and kite surfers who favour this beach.
If you are up for having a go yourself, then you can book windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons at the Reef Beach Café at the northern end of the beach, known locally as "Sandy Beach".
The café also has free wifi and is a good spot for a typical Creole lunch. Hewanorra International Airport is just a five-minute drive away, so this is the beach to head to if you get to the airport to find your flight is delayed.
Best for snorkelling: Anse Chastanet Beach
To arrive in style to this silver-sanded west-coast beach, hop on a water taxi from Soufrière to avoid the steep, pot-holed road. This is the best beach on the island for snorkelling and scuba diving with a reef just a few metres off the coast teeming with colourful fish.
You can book a session at Scuba St Lucia who will take you out on their boat. Backing the beach is the lush jungle of a former plantation, which is great for biking through. Hire a bike or take a guided trail with Bike St Lucia and you can choose between a gentle or more challenging path.
Order lunch and drinks from the beach café and you can eat with your toes in the sand. Remember to look back to shore when you are out for a swim as you'll get a great view of the Pitons, the volcanic plugs that are the island's icons.
Best for romantic picnics: Cas en Bas Beach
Hidden away on the Atlantic side of Gros Islet in the Cap Estate area, Cas en Bas Beach has a laid-back vibe with only a smattering of tourists at any time.
Marjorie's Beach Bar, considered a local institution, is a great spot for a bite and a drink (try the rum punch and the lobster). Alternatively, take a picnic to the far end of the beach where woodland meets the sand and you can find a secluded spot for a romantic tête-á-tête.
You may spot riders taking their horses for a swim in the sea at this spot. They'll have come from nearby Trims Riding School in Gros Islet, which offers a popular trail through the countryside down to the beach and back. The trade winds that blow onto shore here also make it a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
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