Saint Helena - Useful information for your trip

Saint Helena is a volcanic island and British Overseas Territory in the Atlantic Ocean. Its territory also comprises the islands of Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The capital city is Jamestown. This island, still largely unknown to mass tourism, was first discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, when it was uninhabited, and is famous because it was the last place of exile of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The island extends for a length of approximately 16 km and is made up of the emerged portion of a submarine volcano. Its highest point is Diana's Peak (824 m) forming steep and deep valleys plunging into the sea. Far off the coasts several islands and islets can be found.

The climate of the island is complex, being affected by cold Benguela current, Benguela Niño and trade winds. The coasts are generally less rainy and warmer. The inland is covered by forests where most of the wildlife is to be found, while the coasts feature a more arid and drier landscape. When it was discovered, the island of Saint Helena was full of cabbage trees and many plants were unique. Today's landscape is very different and inland vegetation is mainly imported. Flora changed after the introduction of the goat and new types of plants. Acalypha rubrinervis and Saint Helena olive tree are extinct.

Fauna is particularly scarce, but a peculiar bird, called Saint Helena plover, is typical of the island. 

Economy is based on agriculture, where the volcanic soil allows it. The main crop is potato. Livestock and fishing are also quite developed. Means of transport are also scarce and no airports are present on the island, which can be reached only by sea.

A holiday in Saint Helena is an experience in pristine nature, but the cities of the island are also interesting. In Jamestown you can visit Saint Helena Museum, the castle and fortifications; in Longwood you can visit the house where Napoleon lived and died.