[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ot only is it one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands – from tropical beaches, gourmet food, and adventurous activities, there are loads of things to do in St Lucia.

Sam and I had some expiring air miles, and when we looked at BA’s qualifying destinations available during the time we needed (school holidays so the children could go to their grandparents), St Lucia stood out to us.

I’ll admit that we booked with trepidation, wondering if a relaxing beach holiday would seem way too alien to us – Would the days seem endless? Would we get restless and miss the children too much?

Luckily, we found ourselves totally spoilt for choice with things to do in St Lucia.

One of the greatest things about St Lucia is that it ticks both the beach relaxation box AND the action / adventure box. It is also a beautiful, beautiful island with stunning tropical beaches and breathtaking vistas. No wonder it captivated our hearts and is now our favourite Carribean island.

We split our time between the north and south of the island, both have differing vibes. Here are our favourite things to do in St Lucia:

Things to do in the north of St Lucia

FOOD AND DRINK

Cocktails / dinner at Calabash Cove. This luxury hotel has a bar and restaurant perfectly positioned to catch the most amazing sunsets.

The Cliff at Cap. If you are looking for a fancy dinner in the north of St Lucia, this is the place.

Gros Islet Jump Up Party. Jump Up at Gros Islet is St Lucia’s weekly street party If you are looking to snap some colourful Caribbean architecture, this is also a good place for a wonder in the day time, although the town doesn’t truly wake up until the evening.

Jambe de Bois. This restaurant on Pigeon Island with it’s teak furniture and shack-like feel is a lovely spot for lunch.

BEACHES

Reduit Beach is one of the longest stretches of beaches on St Lucia. A livelier beach with watersports and activities.

Windjammer Beach. A gentle, sweeping beach with palm trees galore.

Things to do in the South of St Lucia

FOOD AND DRINK

Dasheene at Ladera. Worth the trip for dinner or a drink at the bar to enjoy an unrivaled view of the Pitons. Top tip: Go before sunset to make the most of the incredible view.

Boucan. A restaurant run by the Hotel Chocolat brand. Sophisticated and trendy. I’ve heard the tour of the plantation is good, too.

Hurricane Hole. This colourful laid back restaurant in Marigot Bay has an extensive menu and is a great spot for a hearty lunch or a casual dinner.

Fedos in Soufriere. Head here for the best rotis in town. They sell out quickly so don’t rock up at 2pm like us!

BEACHES

Marigot Bay. Super pretty and laid back, with swaying palm trees and a crystal clear cove. Used as a James Bond film location, Marigot Bay is exactly what you envision when you think of the Caribbean.

Sugar Beach. Formerly known as Anse Des Pitons until ‘rebranded’ by 5 star resort The Viceroy, Sugar Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches on St Lucia. A great spot for snorkeling and an amazing view of the Pitons.

Be warned that if you are not guests of The Viceroy and are not willing to pay for a sun lounger, you will be encouraged into a far corner of the beach – but, as with all beaches on St Lucia, Sugar Beach is a public beach and you are allowed to lay your towel anywhere.

Anse Chastanet. One of the best snorkeling spots on St Lucia and a very striking beach with it’s dark volcanic sand.

Things to do in St Lucia – activities and excursions

Climb the Pitons. Gros Piton is the most accessible and takes around 4 hours to climb up and down. Petit Piton involves ropes and is for the more experience climber.

Snorkeling. St Lucia has some great beaches for snorkeling. Anse Des Chastanet and Sugar Beach are both notable for their snorkeling opportunities.

Visit a waterfall. St Lucia is a mountainous island, and as a result you are spoilt for choice when it comes to waterfalls. Visit Diamond Falls for it’s impressive height, or one of the warm, volcanic waterfalls that you can bathe in, like Piton Springs . Or explore an off-the-beaten track waterfall like Enbas.

Pigeon Island. A climb to the top of Pigeon Island will grant you great views of St Lucia and neighbouring island Martinique. A good trip for history fans, with colonial forts and decaying army barracks to explore.

Zip Line through the rainforest. Thrill seekers will love this daring St Lucia activity organised by Rainforest Adventure. For the less adventurous of us, there are gentle cable cars that glide up and down over the rainforest canopy.

Sulphur Springs National Park. Marketed as the Caribbeans only ‘drive in’ volcano, because the town of Soufriere sits in the caldera of the volcano. Guided tours are provided around the volcano where you can see bubbling pools and have a mud bath.

A boat tour around St Lucia. If you are staying in one spot for the duration of your St Lucia holiday, or you don’t have a car, a boat tour can be a great way to see the beaches mentioned above and gain a different perspective on one of the Caribbeans most beautiful islands.