Saint Martin or Sint Maarten is a Caribbean island divided between two territories: the southern half of the island is Dutch, while the northern part is French. Perhaps the French part is the more characteristic, with its seaside resorts and rich vegetation. On this beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea, you can spend truly unforgettable moments, including long walks on the beach, relaxing in secluded bays, hiking, typical markets, duty-free shopping, water sports and a lively nightlife.
So, find out with me all the useful information about St. Martin and what to see on this Caribbean island!
Informed travel: useful info
Inhabitants: 72,892
Capital: Saint Martin (France) the capital is Marigot, Saint Marteen (Netherlands) is Philipsburg
Languages: French and Dutch are the official languages, English is spoken
Local currency: Euro in the French part, Dutch Antilles florin in the Dutch part (€1.00=2.03 ANG-Dutch Antilles florin). US Dollar is accepted everywhere (€1.00=1.15 USD-US Dollar)
Climate: tropical climate / Average annual temperature is 27 °C (min 17 °C, max 35 °C)
Vaccinations: no vaccinations required. Medical insurance is recommended and precautions against mosquito-borne viruses (Chicungunya disease and 'dengue fever'), such as the use of repellents
Entry requirements: passport, return ticket. Visa not necessary for Italian citizens for stays of less than 90 days
Distance from Italy: 7,502.61 km (23 -29 flight hours)
Location
Saint Martin is part of the Northern Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. It is located about 240 km away from Puerto Rico and is the smallest inhabited island divided between two different states. The southern part, known as St. Maarten, is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the northern part is an autonomous overseas collectivity of the French Republic.
How to get there
From Milan or Rome: The reference airport is the Princess Juliana International Airport, located in the Dutch part of the island. To get there from Italy, you have to make at least one or two stopovers to get to Saint Martin. Generally, one flies from Rome or Milan to New York airport (10 hours) and from there one arrives in about 4 ½ hours, or one makes a stopover at Paris airport and the flight time to St. Martin is 9 hours. Flights from Rome from €539.00 - Flights from Milan from €544.00
From themain European capitals: from Paris the flight is direct and takes 9 hours with Air Caraibes or Air France. From London, one has to make a stopover in New York, Philadelphia or New Yersey and, from each of these, it is approximately a 4-4 hour, 30 minute flight to St. Martin. The companies operating are Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Lufthansa, American. From Berlin you have to stopover in Paris, and from there as above with Air France.
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 22 / 28° | 10 days / 75 mm |
February | 22 / 27° | 8 days / 50 mm |
March | 23 / 28° | 7 days / 45 mm |
April | 23 / 28° | 8 days / 80 mm |
May | 24 / 29° | 10 days / 100 mm |
June | 25 / 30° | 8 days / 70 mm |
July | 25 / 30° | 9 days / 85 mm |
August | 25 / 31° | 12 days / 115 mm |
September | 26 / 31° | 13 days / 120 mm |
October | 25 / 30° | 12 days / 100 mm |
November | 24 / 29° | 13 days / 115 mm |
December | 23 / 28° | 12 days / 90 mm |
Climate: tropical, warm and sunny all year round. The average daily temperature is 25 °C from January to March, 28 °C from June to October. During the hottest period there is some mugginess, but the breezes help withstand it. Rainfall is generally not very heavy, February and March being the driest months, peaks occurring from August to November. However, they are always irregular and in the form of showers. The sea is warm all year round, with average temperatures of 27-28 degrees.
Best period: December to April, being less sultry and outside the hurricane season (June-November). In particular, the period from February to March is the least rainy.
Period to avoid: June-November, hurricane season
Tips: throughout the year, pack light, breathable clothes, a light sweatshirt and a mackintosh for storms and evenings (December to March). Bring snorkelling equipment, rubber-soled shoes for the reef.
I remind you that the island enjoys a tax-free regime, so you can indulge in shopping! Dedicate at least a week to the trip.
10 things to see: beaches and places of interest
Maho Beach, is located in the Dutch part near the airport. Because of this, it is the strangest and perhaps most dangerous beach, but it will be particularly intriguing to see and photograph the planes landing near the beach and flying over your head... just a few metres above you!
Baie rouge, located on the French side, is a lovely, quiet beach where soft white sand and smooth rocks alternate. This makes for a truly beautiful landscape!
Happy Bay, is located in the French part and is reached via a walk through the pine forest. Here, the turquoise colour of the sea will hit you and you will feel like you are in a little paradise, considering that there are no sunbeds, umbrellas or refreshment points. It's just you and nature!
Orient beach (French part), is the ideal beach for those who enjoy water sports or running. The wind often blows here, perfect for surfing, kiting, windsurfing and renting jet skis. There are also several clubs and restaurants.
Marigot, the capital of the French zone, is a typical Caribbean town that is very lively and dynamic. In addition to a colourful weekly market full of gastronomic delicacies and handicrafts, you can visit the museum where there are creations made of shells, a small harbour and several beaches, such as the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
Grand Case (French part), is a pretty village overlooking the beach and crystal clear sea. You can dine at typical little kiosks(lolo), where you can enjoy Caribbean cuisine for a few dollars. One of the most interesting beaches is Creole Rock, where you can snorkel and dive.
Pinel Island, on the French side, is a small island off Cul de Sac Bay and can be reached by ferry. The sand is white and the beaches are equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. A short walk will take you to a spot where you can go snorkelling.
Little Bay Beach, is located on the Dutch side. The waters are calm and perfect for snorkelling and there are several water sports facilities, including jetskiing, pedal boats and paragliding. There are bars and restaurants on the beach.
Le Galion, on the French side, is a long, wide beach, generally frequented by families with children. On the shoreline there are several green areas and tall palm trees.
Cupecoy Beach (Dutch part) is a picturesque beach that creates a beautiful golden glow on its reddish-brown rocks at sunset. There are no bars, but hawkers selling cold drinks can be found.
What to do in St. Martin: excursions and tours
How much does a holiday in St. Martin cost? Prices, offers and tips
Yes, St. Martin is a paradise destination... but how much does a holiday cost?
You have to take into account flight prices, which are usually around €700.00 and more round trip. A taxi ride to your hotel will cost around €18.00-20.00, while a night in a hotel ranges from €80.00 upwards, reaching €150.00 in high season. Car rental, which is recommended for getting around, is around €26.00-30.00 per day.
Food costs are quite high: a fish dish can cost around €22.00-25.00, plus drinks and 15% service charge. For the rest, i.e. water, coffee etc., the prices are more or less the same as here in Italy. There are of course places and street food where you can spend a little less, look hard! For excursions the figure starts at €100.00 and up, then there are some 'less complicated' ones (such as a simple tour on a beach) which are priced at €80.00.
If you take advantage of the flight + hotel offers for two you could spend around €1,800.00. Thus, a one-week holiday in St. Martin, taking all expenses into account, costs between €3,500.00 and €4,000.00. If you want to save money, the rule is always one: book your flights and whatever else in good time, and choose a flat or holiday home, perhaps a shared one.
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €79.00 per room - see offers
Cheap flights: Flights from Rome from €539.00 - Flights from Milan from €544.00
