15 Interesting Facts About St. Lucia

Introduction:

St Lucia is a Caribbean island in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, located in the Lesser Antilles. It is a popular tourist destination with its beautiful beaches and landscapes, diverse culture, and cuisine. There are also some interesting things to learn about St Lucia that make it an even more intriguing vacation destination. Let’s dive into 15 interesting facts about St Lucia that make this island nation so special.

Fact 1: St Lucia is the only country in the world named after a woman

St Lucia was named after St Lucy of Syracuse, an Italian martyr from the 3rd Century. It is the only country in the world named after a woman. St Lucia also has special links to the Catholic Church, with many Catholic Churches and shrines located in the country.

Fact 2: St Lucia is the only island with drive-in volcano in the world

The Soufriere Volcano in St Lucia is the only drive-in volcano in the world, and one of the only in the Lesser Antilles. You can actually drive right up to the crater and admire the spectacular views from the summit. There is also a natural pool filled with mineral-rich hot springs, a popular site for swimming and relaxing.

Fact 3: St Lucia has the second-largest Caribbean rainforest

The east coast of St Lucia is home to the second-largest rainforest in the Caribbean, the Fond Doux Estate Rainforest Reserve. There are over 140 species of birds, 35 species of mammals, and countless wildlife species to observe under the lush canopy. Hiking and trekking are popular activities in this incredible rainforest.

Fact 4: St Lucia is home to Pigeon Island National Park

The Pigeon Island National Park is an island just off of St Lucia’s northwest coast. It is home to historical buildings and ruins, including 19th-century fortifications. There is also an expansive beach, and the surrounding coral reefs provide amazing snorkeling sites with plenty of colorful fish and coral.

Fact 5: St Lucia has the longest running cricket derby in the world

The Piton Derby is the world’s longest running cricket rivalry, taking place between St Lucia’s two main cricket clubs: the St Lucia Select XI and the North West XI. Dating back to 1885, this intense competition is rooted in sincere rivalry, with fans packing the stadium for every match.

Fact 6: St Lucia is home to the second-largest botanical garden in the Caribbean

The Diamond Botanical Garden is the second-largest botanical garden in the Caribbean, located in Soufriere. Spread over 16 acres of land, the garden is home to a variety of tropical plants, medicinal herbs, and fruit trees. You can also visit the majestic Diamond Waterfalls, located next to the park.

Fact 7: St Lucia is home to the only ‘drive-in’ volcano in the world

The Soufriere Volcano in St Lucia is the world’s only ‘drive-in’ volcano. It features a majestic crater, a natural pool filled with mineral water, and a stunning landscape offering remarkable views of the surrounding cities and surroundings.

Fact 8: St Lucia has a reputation for producing delicious chocolate

St Lucia is known for producing some of the best chocolate in the Caribbean, thanks to the unique combination of fertile volcanic soil and warm climate. Some companies even offer chocolate-making tours, where you can learn all about the process of creating this delicious treat.

Fact 9: St Lucia is home to the oldest National Park in the Caribbean

The Pigeon Island National Park is St Lucia’s oldest National Park, established in 1979. As well as historical fortifications and incredible beaches, there are also vast opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Fact 10: St Lucia is one of the best destinations for whale-watching in the Caribbean

St Lucia is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the Caribbean, with sightings year-round. Visitors can take boat tours to find these majestic creatures, with Minke, Humpback, and Sperm whales all showing up during the season.

Fact 11: St Lucia is home to the oldest Anglican Church in the Caribbean

The Anglican Church of St Lucia is the oldest in the Caribbean and dates back to the 18th Century. You can visit this historical site and admire its elegant architecture, taking in its incredible history.

Fact 12: St Lucia is home to some of the most colorful coral reefs in the Caribbean

Not only does St Lucia have incredible rainforests and beaches, but it is also home to some of the most colorful coral reefs in the Caribbean. These reefs form the beautiful reefs of Soufriere, Maria Islands, and Vieux Fort, providing great opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

Fact 13: St Lucia is the birthplace of the famous Reggae artist, Bananarama

Bananarama, one of the world’s most famous female reggae bands, was born in St Lucia. Although they are now based in the United Kingdom, the band has many songs that pay tribute to their Caribbean roots, including “Going Home to St Lucia.”

Fact 14: St Lucia is one of the few remaining monarchies in the Caribbean

St Lucia is one of the few remaining monarchies in the Caribbean, with HRH Princess Margarita Elizabeth of St Lucia being the constitutional monarch. Although not an absolute monarchy, she has played a major role in the country’s development and the promotion of its culture.

Fact 15: St Lucia is home to the world’s tallest volcano

At almost 10000 feet, St Lucia is home to the world’s tallest volcano. The Gros Piton Volcano is a popular tourist destination, with visitors taking guided hikes to the summit and admiring the incredible views from the top.

Conclusion

From the world’s only drive-in volcano to chocolate-making tours, St Lucia offers a variety of experiences for all travelers. These 15 facts provide a glimpse into what makes St Lucia an amazing Caribbean destination. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable Caribbean vacation, St Lucia is the perfect place!