As you drive through villages that appear to consist of little more than a few bounteous fruit stalls and a tiny, colorful rum shop, swerving disturbingly close to precipitous cliff-drops over breathtaking coastal vistas, you can't help but be enchanted by St. Lucia's dramatically mountainous landscape. But in addition to all the vertical scenery, the island has plenty to offer beach lovers.
Although long, sweeping strands are few and far between, St. Lucia has charming strings of intimate coves sprinkled with caramel, golden and black sand, plus a few noteworthy white-sand strands. Bring your mask and fins, because there is much superb snorkeling to be done. Most visitors flock to the west-coast beaches that front the calm Caribbean. The Atlantic side is rugged and sometimes tricky to reach, but it shelters secluded spots that reward the journey.
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Follow our Caribbean experts as they explore this cultural trip to St. Lucia
