St. Lucia is a Caribbean island paradise that mixes rocky volcanic mountains, tropical rainforest, and sandy beaches. It is instantly identifiable for its towering Pitons. With a mix between being a developed, tourist-friendly island and a rustic destination full of local character and unspoiled natural beauty, it is the ideal place for honeymooners and divers alike, making it the perfect escape from all the stress out there.
The island's natural features can indeed be found everywhere, from its colorful and party-loving northern region to its tranquil and natural southern region. The Caribbean island is a haven for nature lovers with its waterfalls, sandy beaches, great seafood, and the list goes on. Here are ten interesting facts about the country that most people are unaware of when visiting St. Lucia.
10 This Was The Only Country To Be Named After A Woman
According to popular legend, the island of St. Lucia was named after Saint Lucia of Syracuse, who lived in the eighth century. One theory is that the island's name came from a group of French sailors who washed up on its shores on December 1, the Saint's feast day, and who were inspired to name the island after the patron saint of sailors.
9 A Unesco World Heritage Site, The Pitons Mountain Range Is Here In This Country
When the Gros and Petit Pitons were designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, they formed a natural, hidden harbor near the shore near the village of Soufrière. Linked by the Piton Mitan ridge, the two mountains form a complex containing some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs, unique bird species, and unusual vegetation. This is a lovely sight to witness the beauty of St. Lucia.
8 They Celebrate International Jazz & Arts Festival Annually
The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, which takes place every year with a variety of activities taking place all over the nation, has a long-standing reputation as one of the most outstanding events in the region like jazz concerts, fashion exhibitions, street parties, and dance performances provide a fantastic experience for those who are fortunate enough to visit taking place all over the country.
7 There Are So Many Iguanas Here!
St. Lucia is home to a large variety of indigenous fauna alongside various snakes, lizards, reptiles, and other animals. Their presence on the island is so evident that some of its initial occupants dubbed it "the island of the iguanas".
6 This Country Has The Only Drive-In Volcano
Natural hot springs may be found in Sulphur Springs, also known as "the only drive-in volcano in the world" in St. Lucia and "the only drive-in volcano in the Caribbean." As the name implies, visitors can drive to the edge of the springs for a breath-taking vista.
5 They Brew Their Own Pilsner Beer At Local Breweries
Tourists visiting St. Lucia may be surprised to learn that, besides the island's famous Caribbean rum, Piton, a locally produced and highly regarded pilsner beer, is a local favorite. Gros Piton and Petit Piton, two of the island's most prominent volcanoes, inspire the name of their own beers. Many tourists love their beers as it has this authentic taste that can only be tasted in St. Lucia.
4 Saint Lucia Parrot, Or Jacquot, Is The Island's National Bird And Cannot Be Found Anywhere Else In The World
The Jacquot or St. Lucia parrot, which serves as the country's national bird, is an indigenous species on the verge of extinction in the 1970s. Throughout history, the brightly colored bird has been prevalent among the people, inspiring several songs and plays, and even appearing on postage stamps.
3 Saint Lucia Holds An Annual "Festival Of The Language" In Honor Of This Regional Variety Of French
Annually, St. Lucia holds an annual Festival of Language to celebrate shared linguistic and cultural history as the country is one of the Francophonie countries among 88 nations worldwide. The French language will be promoted as part of the month-long celebration. Students and the general public encourage multilingualism and foreign language abilities through this joyous festival.
2 Roseau Valley Has More Than A Dozen Types Of Rum
Rum production is a significant industry in St Lucia, as it is in many other Caribbean places. A vast banana plantation may be found here, along with a bevy of distilleries that transform sweet sugar cane into delightful rums in the Roseau Valley. There are more than 12 types of rum in the country that its own locals and even tourists can taste various rums to find their favorite.
1 Visitors Can Create Their Own Chocolate Bar Here In St. Lucia
Tourists love Caribbean desserts, and while Central America may be considered the originator of chocolate, the Caribbean has also had a long tradition of chocolate manufacturing. Chocolate has been produced on the island of St Lucia since the 1700s, thanks to the island's ideal growing circumstances, which include volcanic soil, sunlight, and rain. For many years, the banana was the most critical crop in St Lucia. However, changes in trade agreements in the past had resulted in the collapse of the banana trade, prompting local farmers to return to the cacao farming industry in large numbers. Today, visitors and their locals can make their own chocolate bars through some of the famous chocolate factories and the touring industry in St. Lucia.