Also known as Saint Barthélemy, the island is part of the overseas department and a little bit of France in the middle of the Lesser Antilles. The island of volcanic origin is considered an insider tip for relaxing holidays away from large crowds. It occupies an area of only about 21 square kilometers and is the smallest island in the French Antilles, but captivates with a great variety of landscapes. St. Barts has endless fine white sandy beaches, turquoise seas, dazzling coral reefs, winding inland hiking trails, exotic flowers and picturesque towns.
The most beautiful beaches on St. Barts
The tropical island paradise has numerous picture-book beaches that invite you to enjoy the pleasures of swimming. At Flamands Bay, the longest beach on the island, visitors can expect the unique contrast of snow-white beach and blue-green water. The secluded beach of Colombier can only be reached by boat or hiking trails and offers breathtaking views over the entire island. On the beach of Grand Cul de Sac, water sports enthusiasts get their money’s worth – whether diving, snorkeling, sailing or kayaking. The beach of Anse de Marigot, the only gray sand beach on St.Barts, offers shelter from the sun with its extensive coconut grove. While the bay of Cayes, lined with rubber trees with its high waves, is an Eldorado for windsurfers.
Gustavia – capital of St. Barts
The island’s capital, Gustavia, captivates with its mixture of charming French flair and sparkling Caribbean lifestyle. Colourful wooden houses with red roofs alternate with luxurious properties and visitors can shop duty-free in noble boutiques. Gustavia is also a foodie’s paradise, with a variety of select restaurants serving French and Caribbean cuisine, often a mix of both. A popular destination for hikers is the 61-metre-high, white-red lighthouse, which offers a perfect view of the harbour of Gustavia with its noble yachts. Around the lighthouse run the remains of the walls of Fort Gustav, built in 1787, and some cannons have also been preserved. The construction of the fortification dates back to the time when the Caribbean island was under Swedish rule.
Culture and museums
Holidaymakers interested in culture can embark on an exciting journey through time into the history of the Caribbean island at the Musée Municipal de Saint Barthélemy . Starting from the time as a colony to the present. The museum in Gustavia also has an exhibition of historical documents, clothes and tools that is well worth seeing.
The International Shell Museum in Corossol is worth a visit, whose collection includes over 9000 of the most beautiful specimens from different countries and offers valuable information. In the museum’s boutique, shells can be purchased as a souvenir of a dream island holiday.
Sights on St. Barts
In addition to French flair and fantastic Caribbean beaches, the small island also offers other sights.
Corossol
The original fishing village of Corossol, located northwest of Gustavia, captivates with its small houses that line a slope like pearls. Here, the inhabitants still wear traditional costumes and speak Norman. From the bay, visitors can enjoy fantastic views of Gustavia in addition to magnificent sunsets.
Morne de Vitet
With the 286-metre-high Morne de Vitet, the Caribbean island also offers a highlight for sporty active holidaymakers. On the way to the summit, hikers pass picturesque huts and experience a magnificent view of the island and the sea.
Ile Fourchu
Swim together with turtles in a natural environment – the unique diving spot Ile Fourchu off St. Barts makes it possible. The nature reserve also includes numerous species of fish and corals as well as other sea creatures.
Ilet de Coco
Located in the south of the island, the Ilet de Coco invites experienced divers to exciting dives with its caves and steep walls. A special experience is the variety of sea creatures, which include sharks and turtles as well as humpback whales.
Excursions by catamaran
One of the most beautiful holiday experiences in the holiday paradise of St. Barts is a trip on a catamaran around the island. The bays of the island offer space for anchoring, swimming and diving, and the catamaran can be rented with or without a crew.
Saint Barth Gourmet Festival
Visitors can experience culinary delights at the Saint Barth Gourmet Festival, which takes place every autumn. In addition to fine wines, delicious creations of Caribbean cuisine are offered here – enjoyment at its finest.
Climate on St. Barts
The weather on the Caribbean island is characterized by a tropical climate with lots of sun and pleasant trade winds. The period from December to May is the dry season on St. Barts, while rainfall can be expected in the months from July to November.
Tips for getting to St. Barts
There are no direct flights between Europe and St. Barts. Shuttle flights to St. Barts are offered from the surrounding islands of Saint Martin, Guadeloupe and Saint Thomas. In addition, fast ferries run regularly between St. Martin and St. Barts.
