St Barths holidays: Gustavia, the beaches and the Swedish past
French food, white beaches in small coves and a harbour full of sailing boats. St Barths is the Caribbean's most exclusive island, and its capital, Gustavia, is named after a Swedish king.
Gustavia
Photo: Natasha / Unsplash
St Barths at a glance
The little plane banks over a hill and lands on one of the Caribbean's shortest runways, right by the beach at St-Jean. St Barths, or Saint-Barthélemy, is a small French island in the north eastern Caribbean, with green hills, around 20 beaches and a relaxed, elegant style.
The island was Swedish from 1784 to 1878, and the capital, Gustavia, is named after King Gustav III. The street signs are still in both French and Swedish. See more islands in our Caribbean guide and Anguilla, a short boat ride away.
What to see
Gustavia
The harbour is full of sailing boats and yachts, surrounded by restaurants, shops and the old Swedish fort. Walk up to the lighthouse for the view over the town.
The beaches
Saline and Gouverneur are wide and undeveloped. Flamands is long and family friendly, St-Jean has restaurants and water sports, and Shell Beach is right next to Gustavia.
Snorkelling and sailing
The clear water around the island is protected as a marine reserve in several places. Charter a boat for a day and anchor in a cove you can only reach from the sea.
St Barths
Photo: Simone Mascellari / Unsplash
When to go
December to April: high season, dry and warm. Christmas and New Year are the busiest and most expensive.
May and June: good weather, quieter and lower prices.
August to October: hurricane season, and many hotels and restaurants close for a while.
Good to know
You reach St Barths by small plane or boat from St Martin.
The currency is the euro and the language is French, but English is understood in most places.
Hire a small car. The roads are steep and narrow, but the island is small.
Where to stay
St Barths has many small luxury hotels by the beaches. A dedicated St Barths hotel guide is on the way.
Frequently asked questions about St Barths
How do I get to St Barths?
Fly to St Martin and take a small plane or a boat onwards. The flight takes about fifteen minutes, the boat just under an hour.
When is the best time to visit St Barths?
December to April brings dry, warm weather. May and June are quieter and cheaper.
Why is the capital called Gustavia?
The island was Swedish for almost a hundred years, and the town was named after the Swedish king Gustav III.
Is St Barths expensive?
Yes, St Barths is one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean, for both hotels and restaurants.