Saint-Barthélemy - Useful information for your trip

Saint-Barthélemy, often called Saint Barths, is a volcanic island belonging to the Antilles and surrounded by the amazing Caribbean Sea.

The island is very small, it only covers 21 km² and it is possible to visit it in less than half a day. Its vegetation is characterized by fat plants and cactus, because the ground is almost dry. But during the rainy season the island is covered by lush and verdant vegetation. On the contrary, the sea hosts several animal species. Here it is simple to admire colourful fish and amazing coral reefs surrounding the island. In addition, during the migration period, from December to May, it is also possible to admire dolphins and whales. Turtles are common residents of the white uncontaminated sandy beaches.

Saint Barths boasts fourteen wonderful beaches, each one characterized by fine white sand and lapped by crystal-clear sea, where it is possible to practice every kind of water sports, rent a sailing boat or a motorboat to discover the wildest and authentic surrounding corners. Some of the most popular beaches are Colombier, also called “Rockfeller’s Beach”, as David Rockfeller owned the nearby property for many years; Corrossol, a beautiful bay framed by a picturesque fishing village, which is a typical example of the local traditional life also today; Gouverneur, a breath-taking and private beach; Grand Cul de Sac, where the water is quite calm and warm, and Grand Fond, not the perfect place for swimming, but the best spot for practicing surf, and the beach is also rich in coral and shells.

Saint-Barthélemy also offers cultural activities. The capital city, Gustavia, is rich in historic monuments and beautiful architectures. Its streets are studded by typical small houses with red roofs and neat gardens. The Anglican Church, built in 1885 with stones bought from St Eustatius; the Catholic Church, built in 1822 and the Musée Territorial de St.-Barthélemy, which is located in an old stone house, are all unmissable spots.

Finally, the island still maintains the ancient habits and was the cradle of some Caribbean traditions. For example, Saint-Barthélemy music is part of the Caribbean cultural heritage; here some genres such as calypso, méringue, soca, zouk and reggae were born. The inhabitants are so devoted to music that every year they organize the St. Barthélemy Music Festival. Also the culinary art plays an important role on the island, in fact it boasts over 70 restaurants.