How to Spend a Romantic 48 Hours in Castries, Saint Lucia
Discover the perfect two-day itinerary for when you are looking for romantic things to do in Castries with your loved one.
Did you know that St Lucia is the most romantic island in the Caribbean? So it stands to reason that its capital is going to be a hib of love, right? Well, that’s completely true because there are so many awesome and romantic things to do in Castries.
A beautiful and historical part of St Lucia, It boasts a bustling seaport, incredible architecture and lively markets. Plus, you’re gonna love the cafes, bars and restaurants too.
Couples in the city can enjoy delicious food, amazing experiences and fantastic scenery. In fact, many Caribbean cruise itineraries include the city as a super popular stop. So, if you’re looking for something to do during your time here, keep reading!
Best Things to Do In Castries: A 48-Hour Itinerary
As with any capital city, there are hundreds of awesome things to do in Castries. So how can you fit them all into your time?
The truth is, you can’t. But you can prioritise some of the top excursions in St Lucia and portion those out over your weekend or two-day stay. We promise, if you follow this plan, you’ll have the best time ever in Castries.
Day One
- Morning: Grab some breakfast at the markets
- Afternoon: Relax at Vigie beach or visit rainforest adventures
- Evening: Enjoy a meal at The Coal Pot Restaurant
Day Two
- Morning: Check out the Pink Plantation House and grab a bite to eat
- Afternoon: Walk around Derek Walcott Square
- Evening: Spend the evening on a romantic sunset cruise
Day 1 Morning
If you managed to secure your St Lucia trip outside of peak times and bagged a cheap Caribbean getaway then you definitely need to use that spare cash at one of the most popular things to do in Castries – the Central Markets.
This huge open-air space was built in 1891 and is now a hotspot for locals and tourists. It sits in the heart of the capital, so it’s super easy to find. Plus, it’s under a bright orange roofed building, which also helps!
With vibrant fruits and vegetables, arts and crafts and even clothing on offer. It’s open Monday to Saturday from around 7 am – 1 pm. Perfect for an early start to the day where you can take in all the sights, sounds and smells. Of course, not forgetting the tastes.
You and your partner can explore the markets before sitting down to indulge in a delicious breakfast. Try traditional breakfast tea such as local cocoa and bakes.
Once you’ve had your fill of breakfast foods, take your time to do some souvenir shopping. Stroll alongside the wood carvings and handwoven baskets, trinkets and handmade goods. You’re sure to receive a one-in-a-kind gift if you buy something from this market.
Day 1 Afternoon
Once your bellies are full and you’ve scoured the colourful stalls, how does a relaxing afternoon on the beach sound? The beaches in St Lucia are so captivating, they all look postcard-worthy.
Vigie Beach in Castries is a protected white-sand stretch with calm waters. Grab your towel and get ready to soak up the sunshine with your loved one in an incredibly tranquil atmosphere.
Alongside the beach are some local bars and restaurants so if you do happen to get peckish again, you won’t go hungry. Plus, because Vigie is a favourite of the locals and relatively unknown to tourists, you’ll rarely find crowds. Most people there are also looking for a calming afternoon under the sun.
Alternative Afternoon on Day 1
On the other hand, you may be looking for some afternoon adventures? Just 20 minutes from the main city of Castries is Rainforest Adventures. Hidden amongst the trees you can glide, soar and make your way through the rainforest like Tarzan on the ziplines.
Or, head over to the Aerial Tram that takes you high into the sky as you look down on the greenery below you. Take in the fantastic views and look out for the different wildlife that surround the rainforest.
Day 1 Evening
After working up an appetite either chilling at the beach or soaring through the trees, it’s time to get something to eat. Enjoy dinner with a view at the Coal Pot Restaurant. It’s a local favourite and offers incredible seafood dishes.
Named after the coal stoves which have been used to cook in the Caribbean for generations, it’s also known for preparing fish in a variety of different ways.
Sit down with your partner and gaze out over the Vigie Marina as you feast upon the restaurant specialities. Start with callaloo soup or fish chowder. Then move on to trying some fresh local seafood like snappers or St Lucian crab. Your taste buds will be overwhelmed by the exciting flavours of each dish.
Day 2 Morning
Get ready to start your next day with another morning of sumptuous delicacies from the Pink Plantation House. From the pink exterior to the lush tropical gardens, without even eating a trip to this former colonial mansion is an experience in itself. It’s the best way to fuel your day of exploring the capital.
From fresh fruit such as mangos, watermelon and passion fruit to a traditional St Lucian breakfast, your tummy will be feeling very happy.
You can sit out on the veranda as you enjoy your breakfast and watch the sun slowly rise, ready for another day of seeing incredible sights and taking in all of St Lucia’s beauty.
Day 2 Afternoon
Before leaving Castries, a walk around the capital will allow you to learn more about the history and the culture of the city. Derek Walcott Square is a public square and park located in the centre of Castries.
The square is dedicated to Sir Derek Walcott, a Saint Lucian poet and playwright who was a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992.
Here you and your partner can take a romantic walk around the park. It has a lovely tranquil atmosphere away from the bustling streets. There’s a bandstand and also a statue of Sir Walcott. If you go at the best time to visit Saint Lucia, then your exploration stands the best chance of being bathed in sunshine too.
The square also pays respect to the residents who lost their lives in battle during the war, so it’s important to be respectful as you take a look around the square.
Day 2 Evening
Finally, it’s time to end your day with a romantic sunset cruise. Set off from the port in Castries and enjoy watching the sun fade over the horizon as you spend time with that important person in your life.
Toast to your future with the onboard drinks and enjoy a little bite to eat. The catamaran offers comfort but also an unforgettable evening as you sail across the Caribbean seas.
Most cruises wait for the ‘green flash’ before returning back to the port. This phenomenon is when the upper rim of the sun appears to be green as it sets.
The perfect 48 hours
This two-day itinerary is great for those wanting to explore a new place with their partner.
Castries is just the start of beautiful locations to explore in St Lucia. You could create a whole month’s worth of plans if you really wanted to! But what if you want to get out of the city?
With nature surrounding St Lucia, it’s easy to see why there are so many fun excursions and day trips to make. And that doesn’t stop when you want to get closer to the earth. Click the button below to find out more about the top excursions for nature lovers in St Lucia.
