Visitors to St. Lucia will find a Caribbean island that is attractive for its lush landscape, exotic rainforests and beautiful beaches.

The semi-mountainous island is a popular stop for both cruise visitors and vacationers coming for a long-term stay at nearly 100 hotels, resorts and inns. It is located in the Eastern Caribbean, just south of Martinique and northwest of Barbados.

When visitors aren't spending time on the beach, they will find St. Lucia has the usual variety of Caribbean things to do, mainly water sports but also hiking, ATV rides and horseback rides. But it also has unique attractions that emphasize history, culture and the island's natural environment.

Major sightseeing attractions that focus on the island's history and culture include Pigeon Island National Landmark, Fond d'Or Nature Historic Park and Fond Doux Estate.

Nature activities include rainforest hikes such as the moderately difficult hike through the Des Cartiers Rainforest over a two-kilometer trail. Another hike can be found in a strenuous 3.5-hour trek through Edmund Forest Reserve. For the more adventurous hikers, there is Enbas Saut. This 4-kilometer trail can be found in the Central Rainforest Reserve, a 19,000 acre park at the foot of St. Lucia's highest mountain.

Shopping, nightlife and restaurants are available in the capitol city of Castries. Although the nation's currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, U.S. dollars are widely accepted on the island.

The best times to visit because of warmth and sunshine are December through June. The least attractive months to visit because of rainfall from the annual Caribbean hurricane season are September and October.

Like most Caribbean destinations, St. Lucia generally requires visitors to have a passport and proof of return visit before being allowed to visit the island. Visitors coming from cruise ships usually have to show their shipboard ID card to leave and return to the ship.

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