The island capital is about as close to a heaving metropolis as it gets on Saint Lucia. The majority of islanders live and work in the city and it’s also the main cruise port, shopping centre and home to the all-important post office: Saint Lucia doesn’t really go in for street addresses so most people pick up the mail at their PO Box in Castries.

• Castries morning markets are interesting and plenty lively.
• Most of island’s businesses are based here along with restaurants, bars, cafés and stores.
• The city’s close to quite a few family resorts and within easy reach of fabulous beaches like Vigie, Malabar and La Toc.

Home to most of the island’s family resort hotels, good restaurants and a very pretty marina, which prides itself on tales of past piracy, Rodney Bay Village is the holiday heart of Saint Lucia.

• Best for kids’ activities, beaches and safe swimming in the manmade lagoon.
• Easy going, beachy atmosphere, good for bars, music and local food.
• Bay Walk is one of Saint Lucia’s prettiest shopping malls.

Flawless and particularly peaceful sands on the island’s north east coast are a favoured nesting site for Leatherback Turtles from early spring to late summer. You can arrange to camp overnight on the beach between March and August and, possibly, witness the miracle under the watchful gaze of friendly, local turtle experts.

No landmarks identify Saint Lucia more clearly than the twin pitons, Gros and Petit. Sitting the island’s south west at Soufrière, they can be admired all along the coast. Or you and the kids can strap on your boots and climb the larger of the two cones. Gros Piton trail takes about 4 hours and the view from the top is worth every minute.

Pigeon Island is small by comparison to most national parks and loved immediately by anyone who sets foot here. It’s utterly tranquil, green and enchanting making it hard to believe it was once military stronghold when the French and English were tussling over ownership of Saint Lucia in the 18^th century. Visit the little museum and have a look at the forts and bunkers if you need proof. Alternatively you could just bring a picnic and admire the ocean or come along in May when Pigeon hosts the annual Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.

The south coast town of Soufrière is where you’ll find the start of the Gros Piton trail. It’s sleepy and quaint, completely dwarfed by extravagant natural grandeur but interesting to explore for the 18^th century French plantations and associations with Joséphine de Beauharnais, future first Empress of France, who lived here as a child.