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8highlightsnot to be missed
The island’s highlights
Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the island of St. Martin is a unique place with both French and Dutch nationality, providing two destinations rolled into one. The island is a thriving travel hub as it is very easy to get to from the main international airports. St. Martin boasts an unspoilt natural environment, 37 idyllic beaches and a warm and sunny climate which means you can enjoy outdoor and water sports, nature and heritage activities all year round. St. Martin is such a joyful, multicultural place that it has been nicknamed The Friendly Island. Different languages are spoken on the island, including French, English and Spanish, providing some great opportunities to chat and mingle. The dollar and euro are accepted everywhere. This is also a popular destination for its buzzing nightlife and wide-ranging facilities for tourists, much to the delight of couples, families, groups and companies. The world-renowned local cuisine, a vibrant blend of French and Creole flavors, is a whole way of life. St. Martin is also a great base camp for getting to and exploring the nearby islands, either by plane or boat. Sailing is a popular pastime here, either on a catamaran or motor boat, for a day trip or longer.
The Friendly Island has many facets. Its bi-national character appeals to chameleon-like tourists who love the calm and wild paradises as much as the profusion and hectic bustle. As for Philipsburg, the island has a few trump cards up its sleeve: duty-free shops, casinos, bars and dance halls bring the town to life amidst an abundance of illuminations. By day and by night, the Dutch side of the city is alive with a contagious frenzy and energy.
By day, the giants of the seas dock. Cruisers flock to the free zone, where the euro is close to the US dollar. Watching the most legendary liners is a unique sight from the boardwalk. The temples of gaming and entertainment are many and varied. Going to the casino is part of our lifestyle. It’s easy to enter in the middle of the day, wearing casual clothes.
Along Front Street, the street dedicated to shopping fever, one boutique follows another. Luxury rubs shoulders with cheap trinkets. There’s something for every taste and budget.
For thrill-seekers, the famous Maho beach is a real treat. Its location at the end of the runway at the international airport makes it the spot for Saint-Martin! Aircraft take-offs and landings are a real attraction. All around Maho beach, numerous establishments offer lunch with a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea and Princess Juliana airport. At night, the area also comes alive with nightclubs, bars and casinos.
Did you know ?
The sheer beauty of the island of St. Martin makes it the ideal destination. The natural scenery serves as the perfect backdrop for all the most important events in life combined with the very best in culinary expertise. St. Martin is a land of freedom, happiness and curiosity. The senses are heightened at every turn, as you explore the most beautiful beaches, as you celebrate the happiest day of your life, hand in hand with your loved one, as you are whisked away on a culinary adventure in a fine-dining establishment. The 37 idyllic beaches, with fine sand and crystal-clear waters, are the most perfect setting to say “I do” before treating yourselves to the island’s culinary delights. On St. Martin, life is for savoring!
Our island identity
St. Martin is a Caribbean island with two nationalities and a surface area of less than 100 km². It is a volcanic and mountainous island. The coastline varies between steep, craggy cliffs and stunning white sand beaches. The island also boasts mangroves, lakes and vegetation that varies from coastal heathland (undergrowth and cacti), to vast stretches of lush greenery (tropical forest). St. Martin has a warm and humid tropical climate. The year is split into two seasons, one dry and one rainy season. The temperature range remains narrow and constant. There are only slight variations in the temperature all year round, kept moderate thanks to the trade winds.
A bit of history
The first settlements of indigenous people on St. Martin came from Venezuela and Mexico. After that, great explorers looking for new conquests came across the island and coveted it for its salt reserves. St. Martin became known as Soualiga: the land of salt. From then on, major European countries were constantly at war with one another in an effort to annex the island. In 1648, a treaty was signed between France and Holland, putting an end to centuries of quarrels and paving the way for the island’s development. But it wasn’t until the 1960s that St. Martin became a booming destination. The ’80s and ’90s secured the island’s future. It became known as The Friendly Island, the chic and trendy destination we know so well today.
The main districts
There are several districts that make up St. Martin, each with its own charm and something special for visitors to enjoy. The life and soul of St. Martin can be found in the main districts, blending tradition and modernity. They are all worth a visit, to really get the feel of the island. They are all must-see destinations. Marigot: the Creole capital, Grand Case: the authentic fishing village, Orient Bay: the Saint Tropez of the Caribbean, Terres Basses: the land of luxury villas.
The key events
St. Martin is a festive island. The locals never miss an opportunity to have fun and just celebrate life in general. All year round, the island is brought to life with a wide range of musical, performing arts, culinary, traditional and cultural events. Some of them have become highlights of the year, such as the SXM Festival that takes place in March. Electro music echoes across the most beautiful landscapes of the island, and fans of the underground music scene flock to take part in this unique event. For several days, around a hundred international artists take it in turns on the decks, for a show-stopping performance.
The Carnival has become a much-awaited event and the festivities go on for weeks between February and March, from the seafront to the streets of the town center. It showcases the sheer wealth and diversity of the island. There is dancing, music, feathers, glitter and streamers at this bustling social event, showcasing cultures and identities. All generations are united, in a fantastic atmosphere. In November, the Gastronomy festival takes over the island, to celebrate the culinary heritage of St. Martin. The island affirms its appeal and reputation as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Chefs and restaurants take part in a competition where traditions and creations go head-to-head, resulting in the best flavors.
Getting here
There are two airports on the island of St. Martin: one on the Dutch side, and another on the French side. There are lots of regional and international flights to and from the destination, with the biggest airlines really putting the island on the map, and making it easy to get here. There are also two ports on St. Martin: Galisbay port on the French side and the St-Maarten Port Authority on the Dutch side. Cruise enthusiasts can choose from a wide range of routes with all the biggest cruise lines offering a stopover on St. Martin.
Stop at Saint-Martin
Every year, St. Martin welcomes up to 2 million cruise passengers. St. Martin is one of the top choice destinations on an exotic cruise in the Caribbean. The biggest cruise lines include our destination in their Caribbean cruises. These cruise liners can dock in both French and Dutch waters because there are two ports on St. Martin. There are also numerous marinas open to recreational boating. They welcome yachts, sailing boats and catamarans for day cruises as a family or with friends. The two airports provide direct flights to and from Europe, the American continent and the whole of the Caribbean, making St. Martin a destination of choice for tourists.