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Saint Martin

Saint Martin, located in the Caribbean, is a stunning island known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. This unique destination is divided between two countries, with the northern part be…

#Caribbean island#Tropical destination#French and Dutch culture#Beaches#Tourist hotspot

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Saint Martin.

Top Hotels in Saint Martin

Top Flights to Saint Martin

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Saint Martin.

Tours

Cultural Tour of Marigot

Explore the French capital of Saint Martin with its colonial architecture and museums.

Shopping

Philipsburg Shopping Spree

Indulge in a variety of duty-free shops and local markets offering jewelry, electronics, and souvenirs.

Outdoor

Explore the Pristine Beaches of Saint Martin

Enjoy the serene beaches with golden sands and clear waters perfect for relaxation and water activities.

Hiking Pic Paradis

Trek to the highest point of Saint Martin for panoramic views.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Saint Martin.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

As of the latest available estimates, the total population of Saint Martin is approximately 39,000.

Average weather

Saint Martin

Jan

28°23°

Feb

28°23°

Mar

28°23°

Apr

29°24°

May

30°25°

Jun

31°26°

Jul

31°26°

Aug

32°26°

Sep

31°26°

Oct

31°25°

Nov

30°25°

Dec

29°24°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Saint Martin.

What people love

Traveling to Saint Martin, located in the Caribbean, has several pros:

Beautiful Beaches: Saint Martin is known for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in the tropical paradise.
Cultural Diversity: Saint Martin is a unique destination with a blend of French and Dutch cultures. Visitors can experience a mix of cuisines, languages, and traditions that make the island vibrant and diverse.
Water Activities: The island offers a wide range of water activities such as sailing, diving, and jet-skiing. Adventurous travelers can explore the underwater world of Saint Martin's marine life and coral reefs.
Duty-Free Shopping: Saint Martin is a duty-free shopping destination, making it a great place to shop for luxury goods, jewelry, and souvenirs at competitive prices.
Gastronomy: The island boasts a diverse culinary scene with a mix of French, Dutch, and Caribbean influences. Visitors can enjoy delicious seafood, tropical fruits, and local specialties at various restaurants and food markets.
Scenic Views: Saint Martin is known for its breathtaking views, from lush green hills to panoramic vistas of the Caribbean Sea. Travelers can explore the island's natural beauty through hiking trails, scenic drives, and boat tours.

Overall, Saint Martin offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a tropical getaway.

What to know

Traveling to Saint Martin, located in the Caribbean, does have some cons to consider:

Hurricane Season: Saint Martin is located in a region prone to hurricanes, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November. This can disrupt travel plans and result in severe weather conditions.
Expensive: Saint Martin is known to be an expensive destination, with high costs for accommodation, dining, and activities. Travelers may find that their budget does not stretch as far as in other destinations.
Crowded: Saint Martin is a popular tourist destination, particularly during peak seasons. This can lead to crowded beaches, restaurants, and attractions, making it difficult to find peace and quiet.
Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, the official languages of Saint Martin are French and Dutch. Travelers who do not speak these languages may encounter communication challenges.
Environmental Issues: Like many popular tourist destinations, Saint Martin faces environmental challenges such as waste management, coral reef degradation, and overdevelopment. Visitors should be mindful of their environmental impact while traveling.
Health Concerns: As with any tropical destination, travelers to Saint Martin should take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, dengue fever, and chikungunya. It is essential to be aware of health risks and take necessary measures to protect oneself.

Overall, while Saint Martin is a beautiful destination with much to offer, travelers should be aware of these cons and plan accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Saint Martin is an island in the northeast Caribbean Sea, approximately 300 km (190 mi) east of Puerto Rico. The island is unique in that it is divided between two countries: the northern part, Saint-Martin, is a French overseas collectivity, and the southern part, Sint Maarten, is one of four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This division makes Saint Martin the smallest inhabited island divided between two nations.

Early History

Pre-Colonial Period: The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and later by the Carib peoples. The Arawaks called the island "Sualouiga," meaning "Land of Salt," due to the salt pans found on the island.

European Colonization

1493: Christopher Columbus sighted the island on his second voyage to the Americas and named it San Martín after Saint Martin of Tours, as he spotted it on November 11, the feast day of the saint.
1631: The Dutch became the first Europeans to establish a permanent settlement on the island for its salt deposits. They built Fort Amsterdam on the Great Bay of Sint Maarten, but the Spanish soon captured it in 1633.
1648: The Spaniards abandoned the island, and it was divided between the Dutch and the French by the Treaty of Concordia. The French settled in the north, and the Dutch in the south, establishing the unique dual governance that continues today.

Colonial Developments

17th-18th Centuries: Both sides of the island were involved in the sugarcane industry, which relied heavily on enslaved African labor. This period was marked by frequent conflicts between the European powers.
1848: Slavery was abolished on the French side of the island, and in 1863 on the Dutch side, leading to significant demographic and economic changes.

Modern History

1940s: After World War II, both parts of the island saw significant economic development and modernization.
1954: Sint Maarten became part of the Netherlands Antilles, a group of Caribbean islands that were part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
2007: Saint-Martin became a separate overseas collectivity of France, distinct from Guadeloupe.
2010: Sint Maarten became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands when the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved.

Significant Events

2017: Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm, caused catastrophic damage to the island, affecting infrastructure, homes, and the local economy.

Important Landmarks

Fort Louis: Located in Marigot on the French side, Fort Louis was built in 1789 to protect the harbor warehouses from foreign invaders.
Fort Amsterdam: The ruins of the early 17th-century Dutch fortification are located in Philipsburg on the Dutch side.
Pic Paradis: The highest point on the island, offering panoramic views over Saint Martin.
Loterie Farm: A nature reserve on the French side that offers hiking trails and zip-lining.
Maho Beach: Famous for its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport, where planes fly unusually low over the beach.

Saint Martin's blend of French and Dutch cultures, combined with its Caribbean heritage, makes it a unique and vibrant destination. The island’s history of division and cooperation between two nations is reflected in its cultural and social fabric.