The Pitons

The Pitons, two towering volcanic plugs rising abruptly and dramatically straight out of the sea on Saint Lucia's southwest coast, are the island's iconic emblem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gros Piton and Petit Piton, cloaked in green forest and joined by a ridge, form one of the most beautiful and instantly recognisable natural scenes in the Caribbean, breathtaking whether viewed from the charming town of Soufrière, from a boat on the turquoise sea, or from the luxury resorts nestled between them. The larger, Gros Piton, can be climbed on a strenuous guided hike for spectacular views, while the surrounding waters offer superb diving.

What you actually see

• The twin peaks - the dramatic volcanic spires rising from the sea.
• Climbing Gros Piton - the strenuous guided hike up the larger peak.
• The sea views - the Pitons from a boat on the turquoise water.
• The diving - the reefs and drop-offs beneath the peaks.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the sunniest, driest weather and clearest views, and the best conditions for climbing Gros Piton or exploring by boat; the summer is hotter and wetter with a hurricane risk. The peaks are stunning in the soft light of morning and at sunset, and a boat trip offers the classic photo.

Honest expectations

Simply viewing the Pitons is free and unforgettable, but climbing Gros Piton is a genuinely strenuous, steep several-hour hike requiring reasonable fitness and a mandatory guide, and the area's best vantage points are often within luxury resorts. As one of the most beautiful and iconic natural sights in the Caribbean, a UNESCO World Heritage scene of twin peaks soaring from the sea, though, the Pitons are magnificent and the unmissable heart of Saint Lucia.

Nearby

Soufrière, the Sulphur Springs and the Diamond Falls are close by.