Highlights
Gustavia
The capital wraps around a deep harbour full of yachts, with red-roofed houses, boutiques and restaurants. Street signs in French and Swedish, the Swedish bell tower and the ruins of Fort Gustav recall nearly a century of Swedish rule.
Shell Beach (Anse de Grand Galet)
A short walk from the centre of Gustavia, this beach is covered in small shells rather than sand and is a good spot for swimming and watching the sunset.
Saline and Gouverneur beaches
Two undeveloped beaches on the south coast reached by short walks or rough tracks, with no buildings in sight. Both lack facilities, so bring water and shade.
Colombier
A secluded bay at the north-west tip of the island, reached only by boat or a walking trail of around half an hour over the headland. The bay is part of the island's nature reserve and good for snorkelling with turtles.
Saint-Jean
The busiest beach, next to the airport, where small planes descend steeply over a hill to land on a short runway, with beach bars and watersports along the bay.
Corossol and Lorient
Corossol is a fishing village with a tradition of weaving hats and baskets from latania palm. Lorient, on the north coast, has one of the island's oldest settlements, a quiet beach popular with surfers and a historic cemetery.
Réserve naturelle de Saint-Barthélemy
A marine reserve protecting reefs, seagrass and islets around the coast, with snorkelling and diving sites where turtles, rays and reef fish are common.
Interesting facts about Saint Barthélemy
- France ceded St Barth to Sweden in 1784, and Sweden returned it to France in 1878; Gustavia is named after King Gustav III of Sweden.
- The island separated from Guadeloupe in 2007 to become its own overseas collectivity of France.
- The airport's short runway and steep approach mean only small aircraft can land, and pilots need specific training to fly in.
- St Barth has no large hotels or casinos, and building height and development are tightly restricted.
- The island is around 25 square kilometres in area, and you can drive from one end to the other in about half an hour.
Best time to visit
December to April is the dry, sunny peak season, with the island at its busiest over Christmas and New Year, when yachts fill the harbour. May and June are quieter and still pleasant. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking from August to October, and many businesses close for part of September and October. Sea temperatures are warm year-round.
Practical information
| Capital | Gustavia |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (EUR); US dollars are widely accepted |
| Languages | French |
| Plugs | Type C, E |
| Voltage | 220–230 V, 60 Hz |
| Emergency | 112 (also 15 medical, 17 police, 18 fire) |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Service is generally included in restaurant prices, as in France. Leaving a little extra for good service is common. |
Getting around
There is no public bus network. Most visitors rent a small car, a mini-moke or a scooter; roads are narrow and steep, with tight bends, so a small automatic car is easiest. Taxis are available but limited, especially in the evening, so book ahead. Parking in Gustavia can be tight in high season. To reach the island, small planes fly from neighbouring islands, notably from Sint Maarten, and passenger ferries cross from Saint Martin.
Staying connected in Saint Barthélemy
Mobile coverage is generally good across the island, with 4G in most areas, though some beaches and coves below hills may have weaker signal. Wi-Fi is offered by most villas, hotels and cafés. St Barth is not covered by EU roaming rules, so even EU plans may charge extra; check with your provider. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you can find your villa and call a taxi.
See Saint Barthélemy eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Saint Barthélemy
- Google Maps: Directions on the island's small road network; download it offline as a back-up.
- Windy: Wind and sea forecasts for boat trips and choosing sheltered beaches.
- Google Translate: French translation for menus and signs.
- WhatsApp: Commonly used to contact villa managers, rental agencies and taxis.