Saint Lucia is an island nation in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the Lesser Antilles, it is located north of the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and south of Martinique. It is also known as the "Helen of the West".

The volcanic island of Saint Lucia is more mountainous than many other Caribbean islands, with the highest point being Mount Gimie, at 950 m above sea level. Two other mountains, the Pitons, form the island's most famous landmark. They are located near Soufrière, on the western side of the island. Saint Lucia is also one of the few islands in the world that flaunts a drive-in volcano.

The capital city of Saint Lucia is Castries, where about one third of the population lives. Major towns include Gros Islet, Soufrière and Vieux Fort. The local climate is tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds, with a dry season from January to April and a rainy season from May to November.

Second only to bananas, tourism is vital to St Lucia's economy - and it is hard to imagine that tourism will not become even more important in the future. Provided one visits during the dry season (January - April), St Lucia has all the ingredients necessary for a great holiday in the sun: warm temperatures, gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters and friendly natives.

But St Lucia also has character: there is more to see than just the beaches. The "World's only drive-in Volcano" is a great day out (the smell not with standing) as is the wonderful Botanical Gardens. The fact that the island is not over-developed is also a plus-point: there are lovely beaches without hotels, sweeping mountains and impenetrable rain forests.

The local helicopter company sells brief sojurns over the island - to get a good idea of what it actually looks like, this is a great way of spending half an hour. For a longer trip, consider visiting one of the neighbouring islands by plane - it only takes 45 minutes in a tiny plane to go to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Not only is the flight gorgeous, it also means you get to visit a second country during your holiday.

Source: Wikipedia