Escape to Gros Islet
Set on the northern tip of St Lucia, Gros Islet is a laidback fishing village loaded with Caribbean charm. As you wander along its historic streets you'll be spellbound by colorful rum shacks, breezy fishing huts and sizzling street food stalls. While nearby Rodney Bay is all about flashy resorts, Gros Islet champions a "barefoot luxury" approach. Nestled in the lush hillsides, Gros Islet vacation rentals fit the bill perfectly, with stunning views, sparkling pools and, most importantly, a secluded atmosphere.
Discover Gros Islet's underwater wonderland
Just a stone's throw from Gros Islet, Pigeon Island National Park is brimming with Caribbean history. It's dotted with sites that date back to the 1550s, when the island served as a base for French pirates commandeering Spanish trade ships. Gros Islet is also a fantastic base for exploring St Lucia. The Caribbean island is dominated by a pair of rainforest-clad mountains known as the Pitons. You can hike to the Toraille waterfalls, bask in the sun on volcanic beaches or make a splash at some of the Caribbean's best dive sites.
Dance the night away at the Gros Islet street party
Want sun, sand and saltwater at your fingertips? Gros Islet vacation rentals put you within walking distance of St Lucia's best stretches of sand, including Reduit Beach. Every Friday night, Gros Islet banishes cars in preparation for the weekly street party. Gear up for live reggae music, spicy jerk chicken and, of course, plenty of rum cocktails. If you prefer a quieter vibe, why not pull up a chair at a beachside bar? Coupled with good company, there's no better place to enjoy an ice-cold glass of Piton, St Lucia's local beer.
Enjoy Gros Islet's spring sweet spot
Thanks to year-round sunshine, there's no bad time to enjoy a vacation in St Lucia. Crowds peak from December to April, when flocks of sun seekers descend on Gros Islet. The island treats visitors to clear skies and sultry temperatures that hover around the 80s. May and June are sweet spots, with fewer crowds and laidback vibes. You could also catch May's annual St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, a lively celebration featuring artists from across the globe.
Palms and plantations on Gros Islet
While it was once a sleepy fishing village, today Gros Islet is known as Rodney Bay's laidback little sister. It offers the best of both worlds, with beaches to the west and lush hillsides to the east. Gros Islet vacation rentals make the most of the setting, with luxury villas complete with infinity pools, sun-drenched terraces and sweeping ocean views. Throw in hot pink bougainvillea vines and swaying coconut palms and they're a tropical dream come true. For a change of scene, head south to Soufriere, a colorful Caribbean town surrounded by historic plantations, secret beaches and tangled rainforests.
Transportation to and around Gros Islet
The nearest airport is in Hewanorra Intl. Airport (UVF), located 24 mi (38.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU), which is 5.5 mi (8.9 km) away.