Soufriere (St Lucia Island)

Soufriere is a port town on Saint Lucia Island's southwestern coast. Along with the surrounding district, it has population around 8,000. The town was founded in the 18th century by the French as island's capital.

Following the French Revolution (1789-99), the British invaded the island and soon it became a British colony, with Castries established as capital city. Over the years, Soufriere sustained major damages caused by hurricanes (1780, 1817, 1831, 1898, 1980), as well as a major fire (1955) and an earthquake (1991). As result, the town was rebuilt several times. Soufriere is located within the caldera of a dormant volcano, so the entire region is geothermally active, having numerous hot springs and fumaroles (crust openings emitting steam and gases).

Best-known tourist attractions include the two Pitons (Petit and Gros / giant volcanic plugs to the south), Fond Doux Estate (cacao plantation / still operational), Soufriere Estate (colonial estate with sulphur baths, botanical garden, Diamond Falls), St Lucia's Rainforest (large nature park with waterfalls), Anse Chastanet (beach resort), Sulphur Springs.

Soufriere cruise terminal