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Gros Islet is a town at the far northern end of Saint Lucia. The town itself is the newest town in Saint Lucia, having only recently been promoted from being a village.

The view from the hill overlooking the outskirts of Gros Islet and Rodney Bay Marina.

There is a small beach at Gros Islet, but there are larger beaches and several large tourists resorts within walking distance to the north. Heading south, past the marina, the main beach on the west coast is Reduit Beach. The beaches on the east coast are exposed to the Atlantic wind, but are still largely untouched.

Rodney Bay Marina is located to the south and becomes a hub of activity when the Atlantic Ralley for Cruisers (ARC) finishes there in December.

Beausejour Cricket Stadium is situated just outside of Gros Islet and was a venue for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

[edit] Get in

The local bus service 1a runs regularly from Castries. A single should cost about 2.50 ECD.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

• Pidgeon Island National Park is just to the North of Gros Islet.

[edit] Beaches

There are a number of beaches within walking distance of Gros Islet.

• Reduit Beach - this is the most popular beach on the west coast, with the best amenities. It's only a few hundred metres from the beaches on the seafront at Gros Islet, but as the marina entrance is between the two, it's a good 30 minutes walk back along the main road and past the marina and then turn right at the shopping mall.
• Cas en Bas - on the east cost, this can be reached by following the (occasionally dirt) road that goes past the Cotton Bay Village resort. The beach has a couple of restaurants, but is still largely untouched. Its a popular spot for kite surfing and a kite surfing school operates from here.
• Anse Lavoutte - I'm not entirely sure if this is the correct name, but this is an almost completely secluded and untouched beach just around the headland to the south of Cas en Bas. It's popular with kite surfers and locals, who tend to drive there in the 4-wheel drive cars.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Every Friday evening, the streets of Gros Islet are closed off to cars and a vibrant street party ("The Jump-up") takes place. The bars stay open till late and numerous street vendors set up stalls selling local food.

• Rodney Bay Marina is the main yacht marina on Saint Lucia and has good amenities and a range of overpriced cafes selling European food.

• Kite surfing. The windier beaches to the east of Gros Islet are popular with kite surfers. If you don't have your own kite, you can hire one (or arrange lessons) at the Kite Surfing St.Lucia on the Cas en Bas beach.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Rodney Bay Mall, about 5-10 minutes walk south of the marinaa, has a good range of shops and a well-stocked supermarket.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Somewhere Special Restaurant and Bar, 18 Marie Therese St. (Follow the main road in Gros Islet, turn right at the second last street before sea. Grey concrete house with pillars on the left hand side), ☎ 758-4508481 or 758 5195787, [1]. 8 am to 10 pm. This is certainly the best Restaurant in town open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Local and international cuisine available. Internet Wifi and reasonable Laundry Service also available. From $ 6.00.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Glencastle Resort, Massade, Gros Islet, ☎ 758 450 0833 (glencastle@candw.ic, fax: 758 450 0837), [2]. From $75 single/$97 double.  edit

• Hotel Chez Marie Alish, Massade-Gros-Islet (On the right of the main road through Gros Islet, just before the Police station), ☎ 758 450 0482/758 450 8332 (chezmarielish@hotmail.com, fax: 758 450 8279). Self catering appartments. $60 single/$65 double.  edit

• Nelson's Furnished Apartments, Cas En Bas Road, Gros Islet (5 minutes up the hill on the road that is the first right, just after the junction with the road to Gros Islet), ☎ 758 450 8275 (nelsonapartment@hotmail.com, fax: 758 450 9108), [3]. checkout: 12.00. A very clean, well-equipped and friendly establishment, with views overlooking the marina. One of the cheapest options and with good wireless. From $45.  edit

• Stephanie's Hotel, Massade, Gros Islet (Just opposite the turning to Gros Islet on the road that goes past Rodney Bay Marina), ☎ 758 450 8689/758 450 8850 (stephaniehotel@hotmail.com), [4]. From $53 without kitchen/$65 with.  edit

[edit] Contact

[edit] Get out