Flights to Vieux Fort

Arriving at Hewanorra

Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) sits on the flat land at the southern end of Saint Lucia, a few minutes from Vieux Fort town. The south coast resorts are close by, Soufrière is about 45 minutes to an hour away along the west coast road, and Rodney Bay in the north takes around an hour and a half. Taxis have set fares, and many hotels include transfers. Saint Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar, and US dollars are widely accepted. The island is four hours behind the UK in winter, and driving is on the left.

Vieux Fort and the south coast

Vieux Fort is Saint Lucia's second town, a working place with a fish market, small shops and a harbour rather than a resort. Above it, the Moule à Chique headland has a lighthouse and views across to St Vincent on a clear day. To the east, Anse de Sables is popular with kitesurfers thanks to the steady trade winds, and the Maria Islands Nature Reserve just offshore protects rare reptiles and nesting seabirds. Guided visits are run by the Saint Lucia National Trust.

Soufrière and the Pitons

The road north-west passes the villages of Laborie and Choiseul, known for fishing and crafts, before dropping into Soufrière, the island's capital under French rule. Gros Piton and Petit Piton, two volcanic spires rising from the sea, form the Pitons Management Area, listed by UNESCO. Nearby are the Sulphur Springs, where you can bathe in warm mud pools, the Diamond Falls gardens and the beaches of Anse Chastanet and Sugar Beach. Guided hikes climb Gros Piton in around four hours there and back.

Weather and seasons

Highs are around 29 to 31°C all year. December to April is the dry season and the busiest time, while June to November brings more rain and the hurricane season. Short showers keep the rainforest in the interior green. The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival and the summer Carnival draw visitors from across the Caribbean, and street parties are held on Friday nights at Gros Islet in the north.

Want to split your stay between the south and Rodney Bay? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll plan the transfers.