When it comes to , there is no shortage of them on the planet. However, when it comes to choosing the one, that's a slightly harder task. Depending on what you're looking for, the answer might be different. But for some and visitors, one place stands out, and that's St Lucia.

Experts at recently named the the most beautiful in the world, placing it at the top of their ranking. They said the island has everything from to rainforest-covered mountains and picturesque beaches. The island's most famous feature is its Pitons - two massive that rise from the sea near the town of Soufrière.

According to , these peaks are one of the reasons St Lucia is "one of the most spectacular islands in the Caribbean".

But it's not just the mountains that attract visitors. The island is also known for its black sand beaches, which are the result of centuries of volcanic activity.

One of the most popular is Anse Chastanet, a peaceful cove backed by palm trees and forest.

Located near a protected marine reserve, the beach is a favourite with snorkellers and divers. The volcanic sand here is some of the darkest on the island.

Another spot is Sugar Beach, also known as Anse de Piton, which sits between the two Pitons.

The beach was originally black sand, but imported white sand has since been added around a resort.

However, you can still see patches of its original volcanic shoreline, especially where the waves break.

According to , this beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing or snorkelling in nearby reefs.

It's also one of the best places to see the Pitons up close.

St Lucia is also home to a very rare attraction. As a matter of fact it's the only one of its kind in the world - a drive-in volcano.

Just outside Soufrière, visitors can explore the crater of the Qualibou Volcano at Sulphur Springs Park.

It's thought to be the only volcano in the world where visitors can actually drive inside the crater.

According to , the area also includes boiling mud pools, sulphur vents and natural hot springs.

Temperatures in the springs can reach 90C, and guests can bathe in mineral-rich water said to be good for the skin.

The volcano is part of a wider geothermal zone thought to be more than 30,000 years old.

It's also one of the island's most visited tourist spots, drawing over 200,000 people each year.

Travellers have taken to to share their views, with one writing: "St Lucia is the most beautiful island I've ever visited. The Pitons, the black beaches, the hot springs - it's like nowhere else."

Another said: "You can spend hours on the beach just watching the mountains. It's stunning."