What is Castries, St. Lucia known for?
Castries is the capital and largest city in Saint Lucia and is also the seat of government for the island. The city has a population of about 70,000 people if you include the greater surrounding areas.
Castries is located on the west coast of Saint Lucia, at the mouth of the Castries Harbour. The city is built on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea.
The city is a popular tourist destination, due to its tropical climate and beautiful scenery. It is also home to many historic buildings and landmarks.
What is there to do in Castries?
There are plenty of things to do in Castries St. Lucia, whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or want to explore the city’s historic landmarks.
Some of the most memorable things to do in Castries include:
- Visiting the Saint Lucia National Museum: It’s located in the city center and houses a collection of artifacts that tell the story of the island’s unique history and culture.
- Taking a walk through Derek Walcott Square: It’s a popular gathering place in Castries named after the Nobel Prize-winning Saint Lucian poet and playwright.
- Exploring Fort Charlotte: It’s an 18th-century fort located on a hilltop overlooking the city. It is now a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of Castries and the surrounding area.
- Going on a nature hike: There are several nature trails located near Castries that are perfect for a leisurely hike or walk. These include the Botanical Gardens Nature Trail and the La Toc Beach Trail.
- Visiting the Castries Market: The Castries Market is the largest market in Saint Lucia and offers a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other goods.
Is Castries worth visiting?
Castries is definitely worth visiting for anyone traveling to Saint Lucia because the city has a lot to offer, from its beautiful scenery and beaches to its rich history and culture. There are also plenty of things to do, whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or want to explore the city’s landmarks.
If you’re planning a trip to Saint Lucia, be sure to add Castries to your itinerary.
Is Castries, St. Lucia safe?
Castries St Lucia is a safe place to visit. There is a low crime rate and the city is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any place, it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
When in doubt, consult with your hotel or accommodation about the best areas to go and avoid. They will be able to give you specific advice based on your interests and their knowledge of the city.
How did Castries get its name?
The city of Castries was founded in 1650 when it was purchased by a group of Frenchmen from the French West India Company. At the time it was named Carénage, which translates to housing or enclosure in reference to the city’s deep water port for anchored ships.
About 100 years later, in the mid 1700s, the city was renamed to Castries after Charles Eugène Gabriel de La Croix, who was the Marquis de Castries and Commander of a fleet of French ships.
Where in Saint Lucia is Castries located?
Castries is located on the west coast of Saint Lucia, at the mouth of the Castries Harbour. The city is built on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea.
What is the population of Castries, St. Lucia?
The current population of Castries St Lucia is estimated to be about 20,000 in the city center. However, the population of the greater Castries area, which includes the suburbs, is estimated to be around 70,000.
This represents about 38% of the total 185,000 population of Saint Lucia as a whole.
How far is Castries from the airport?
George F. L. Charles Airport is located just outside of Castries and is only an 8-minute drive to the city center. But the Hewanorra International Airport is located on the southern tip of Saint Lucia and takes approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes to drive to Castries.
What is the best time to visit Castries, St. Lucia?
The best time to visit Castries is from December to May when the island experiences its lowest average rainfall and is sunny and warm. This is also when there tends to be the most bustling activity, which is what many tourists desire.
With that being said, the city can be busy during this time as it is a popular tourist destination and a major hub for much of the island’s population during this time of year.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the shoulder months of November and June are a good time to visit. The weather is still pleasant during these months and there are fewer tourists.
