Indians lived there before it became a hideout for pirates, then a British military base. Anse des Pitons, lies in a dramatic location between the Pitons. Anse Couchon, a striking black-sand beach, must be reached by boat, and is therefore a famous retreat for romantic couples. Bas is the best beach for windsurfing, and divers find schools of colorful fish near Anse Chastanet. Shortly after sunset, the streets are closed to traffic, bands set up their equipment on makeshift stages, and cooks fire up the barbecue grills on their front lawns.
Locals show up to do some serious partying, and visitors soon feel right at home.
Shoppers will find plenty of attractive buys at stores, galleries and boutiques around Castries. Local arts and crafts, as well as a tempting selection of fresh herbs and spices, draw browsers into the Castries Market. Saint Lucia has a broad selection of exciting activities for every type of vacationer. Watersports are popular, and the large hotels have equipment for windsurfing, waterskiing and boating. Quick-drop coastlines and lovely reefs offer excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.