Stunning natural surroundings and a thriving culture scene make the Caribbean island of St Lucia a little bit of paradise on earth. Its warm sandy palm tree-lined beaches offer the chance to slow-bake yourself in the hazy sunlight whilst its crystalline seas team with tropical fish. And for those who fancy something a little out of the ordinary, there's always the chance to go jungle biking through the rainforest.

St Lucia still bears witness to its colonial past when the French and British fought for control during the 18th and 19th centuries. The ruins of sugar plantations and forts are scattered round the island whilst the locals still speak a French-based patois and live in villages with French names.

But the island's traditional West Indian culture acquires a contemporary edge in the capital town of Castries – partly because many of its historical buildings were wiped out by a raging fire in 1948 and partly because of the thriving tourist trade. The city is a mecca for duty-free shopping with a constant influx of tourists swarming off the cruise ships docking in the port but has little in the way of museums. Instead, head up to the hills to wander round the remains of the island's colonial past.

The main tourist drag is up on the north of the island although Rodney Bay on the west coast pulls in the visitors with its harbour, marina complex and Reduit Beach. Head over the Gros Islet for a decent Creole meal or just join in the Friday night street party for a bit of hedonistic revelry. Otherwise you can immerse yourself in the cultural delights of the island’s literary and theatrical offerings as well as their music and dance.

Around Micoud, the Fregate Islands Nature Reserve protects the glossy black frigate birds who nest on the island. Although visitors cannot actually get into the island section, you can meander along a gentle walking trail on the mainland through a backdrop of changing scenery including a waterfall and a mangrove swamp. To get a bit more up close and personal with the island's wildlife, try going on a spring-time turtle watch where you'll see them head to land to lay their eggs.

La Soufrière Sulphur Springs is still home to an active volcano but nowadays it's more likely to spurt out egg-smelling gases and vapours than lava. You can see the bubbling pools and mucus-coloured rocks but it's only the suicidal goats who are now able to wander across the crater. But those who want to take a dip in slightly cooler volcanic waters can make for Malgretout which boasts a quiet beach and mineral waterfall in a setting you normally only dream of. There is also a more touristy waterfall at the Diamond Botanical Gardens.

The towering peaks of the Pitons on the south-west of the island offer a picture-perfect panoramic. And whilst some may stop at photographing them, it's possible for those with strong legs and a good pair of lungs to negotiate their way up Gros Piton under the watchful eye of a guide. Petit Piton is home to many a fragile ecosystem and so scrambling up its rocky face is not encouraged by the authorities. Adventurous souls looking to offload excess energy would do better to go jungle biking through an old sugar plantation complete with colonial ruins and swimming holes.

For a spot of relaxation, head to the Pigeon Island National Historic Park, once a base to raid passing Spanish ships but now turned into a recreation park with military ruins dating from the mid-18th century and views out to Martinique.

St Lucia is yet to reach the same heights of fame within the travel industry as some of its Caribbean counterparts but with hotels catering for flush millionaires as much as broke backpackers and world class restaurants jostling for business with street cafes then you certainly don't have to bankrupt yourself to get your hands on a little bit of paradise.