The ultimate road trip in St. Lucia: join us on a tour around the island

A full day driving around the stunning island of St. Lucia offers a deep dive into its natural wonders, with plenty of chances to savor delicious local cuisine and experience island life firsthand.

In West Indian slang, a “lime” goes beyond just a fruit. It represents the laid-back, social vibe integral to Caribbean life. In St. Lucia, the best way to lime is on a “round de island” tour—an all-day adventure following the coast with multiple stops for food, drinks, and a refreshing swim in the river.

St. Lucian roads weave through a captivating landscape of twists and turns, offering breathtaking views. The true highlight of this all-day journey is visiting renowned sites like the Pitons and Sulphur Springs, all while immersing yourself in local culture.

So pack your sunscreen, a swimsuit, and some comfy shoes as you explore hidden gems on this fantastic day-long road trip across St. Lucia.

A St. Lucia “round de island” tour

Begin and conclude in CastriesAbout 70 miles; 6–8 hours

This “round de island” journey kicks off in Castries, traveling west along the Millennium Highway. Prepare for a winding road that sometimes feels like a slow-motion roller coaster ride.

Overall, the roads are fairly smooth (with the occasional pothole). Over the years, tropical storms have led to landslides and erosion, resulting in continuous roadwork aimed at restoring and enhancing safety.

While drivers should always exercise caution, any discomfort from the journey is outweighed by the stunning scenery. Be sure to look out for Marigot Bay, the breathtaking blue inlet featured in the original 1967 film Dr Doolittle. Also along the way is Canaries, a picturesque and colorful coastal fishing village.

You'll find supermarkets, grocery stores, and gas stations in nearly every village and town along the route, perfect for quick pit stops. Vendors situated close to the roadside are also a great option for a quick snack. Expect a smoother journey—though just as scenic—on the return trip to Castries via the eastern coast.

First stop: Plas Kassav

Nestled between the charming fishing villages of Anse-La-Raye and Canaries in Anse La Verdure, Plas Kassav is a small, family-operated roadside bakery that perfectly fits the definition of a hidden gem. It’s a delightful stop along the long and winding west coast road.

The bakery is renowned for its dense and chewy cakes made from cassava flour, available in both sweet and savory varieties. With over a dozen flavors to choose from, including chocolate, cherry, banana, cinnamon, coconut, and saltfish, there’s something for everyone. Depending on when you visit, you might witness the entire cake-making process, from peeling and grating the cassava tubers to baking the cakes on banana leaves over hot coals, all while catching glimpses of the rainforest below.

Second stop: Tet Paul Nature Trail

You don’t need to spend hours to enjoy the Tet Paul Nature Trail, as it perfectly complements this day-long road trip. Anticipate an easy to moderate hike that can be completed in just 45 minutes—ideal for a group adventure.

As you walk along the trail, you’ll discover St Lucia’s agricultural history, learn about cassava production, horticulture, and organic farming. The views from Tet Paul are absolutely breathtaking; in one glance, you can spot the majestic Pitons, Jalousie Bay, Fond Gens Libre, Choiseul, Maria Island, and Vieux Fort. You can even see the neighboring islands of St Vincent and Martinique. There’s a cozy picnic area where you can enjoy a meal and relax while taking in the stunning scenery.

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Third stop: Piton Falls

While Diamond and Latille Waterfalls are popular attractions in St Lucia, Piton Falls offers a peaceful retreat that’s less frequented by tourists. Just off the road to the Jalousie Resort, a steep and winding drive leads you to a short walk down a paved path towards the falls.

At the base of the steps, you’ll encounter three small warm-water pools, nourished by thermal springs cascading over smooth rocks. The area is hidden away in a lush rainforest, creating a serene getaway. This intimate, grotto-like atmosphere also provides excellent photo opportunities, making the small entrance fee well worth it.

Fourth stop: Coastline Beach Bar

Located just off the Micoud Highway, Vieux-Fort’s Sandy Beach is the perfect spot for both relaxation and mingling with locals. The beach features a stretch of soft white sand that meets sparkling turquoise waters, offering stunning views of Maria Island. You’ll also find the Coastline Beach Bar, a locally owned gem with a Heineken-branded wooden deck and a straw canopy, serving up delicious freshly made dishes and cold local beers at great prices.

The bar has such a relaxed atmosphere that you might just decide to linger with the locals until sunset. It’s only a short drive from Hewanorra International Airport, so why not stop by one last time before you head home?

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Fifth stop: Tomazo Bread

You can't leave St Lucia without trying some local creole bread, and Tomazo Bakery is a must-visit. This roadside bakery, part of a family home, is always bustling with locals and visitors alike. The wait is definitely worthwhile for what they offer.

Their wood-fired outdoor oven produces large, warm, crusty loaves that are best enjoyed with generous slices of local cheese or butter. Don’t forget to pick up some homemade coconut turnovers and refreshing Lucian lime squash for later.

As you near Dennery Village, Tomazo Bakery will appear on the side of the road. If you’re unsure, just follow the irresistible aroma of fresh bread to find it.

Final destination: Mandele Lookout Point

Mandele Lookout Point is an essential stop on any island tour. Perched on a bluff high above Dennery Village on the eastern coast, it offers stunning and unobstructed views of the town below. Before you head out, grab a final drink at one of the three nearby bars. It’s the perfect way to conclude a long day and celebrate a successful road trip.