Saint Lucia

Cost of living

What a month costs

Almost everything is imported, so groceries, cars and electronics run well above US prices. Local produce, fish, rum and rent away from the smart northern bays stay affordable.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Castries

1. Derek Walcott SquareThe central green named for the Nobel poet, shaded by a huge samaan tree and ringed by old colonial buildings.
2. Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate ConceptionThe largest church in the Caribbean, with a richly painted interior, standing on the square.
3. Castries Central MarketAn 1894 cast-iron market hall packed with produce, spices, crafts and Creole cooking.
4. Vendor's ArcadeRows of craft and souvenir stalls across the street from the main market.
5. Morne FortuneThe historic hill above town with military ruins and sweeping views over the harbour.
6. Government HouseThe Victorian residence of the Governor General on Morne Fortune, with a small heritage museum.
7. La Toc BatteryA restored 19th century gun battery with tunnels on the headland above La Toc bay.
8. Vigie BeachA long, calm beach beside the domestic airport runway, minutes from downtown.
9. Vigie LighthouseA hilltop lighthouse on the Vigie peninsula with views across Castries harbour.
10. Pointe SeraphineThe duty-free shopping complex on the harbour where cruise ships dock.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Soufriere and the PitonsGros Piton and Petit Piton, the drive-in Sulphur Springs volcano and the Diamond Falls gardens, about ninety minutes south.
2. Marigot BayA deep, yacht-filled hurricane-hole bay ringed by steep green hills, half an hour south of town.
3. Rodney Bay and Gros IsletThe island's dining and nightlife strip, home to the famous Friday night street party, fifteen minutes north.
4. Pigeon Island National LandmarkA causeway-linked islet with Fort Rodney ruins, two beaches and wide harbour views at the north tip.
5. Anse Chastanet and Sugar BeachDark-sand and white-sand beaches beneath the Pitons, the island's best snorkelling and diving.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. The Coal PotA tiny waterside institution at Vigie Marina serving French-Creole seafood since the 1960s.
2. Pink Plantation HouseA restaurant, gallery and pottery studio in a historic wooden house on Morne Fortune with harbour views.
3. Auberge SeraphineA waterfront hotel dining room at Vigie looking out over the marina.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Auberge SeraphineA reliable sit-down breakfast on the Vigie waterfront.
2. Castries Central MarketLocal vendors serve Creole morning food like saltfish and green fig, bakes and cocoa tea.