saint helena tourism

St Helena Government

For information regarding visas and travel documentation, please visit the Immigration page.

As a Tourist

St Helena’s natural beauty and historic heritage are in turn stunning and dramatic, offering all visitors an extraordinary lifetime experience. Despite its small size, the Island has a huge amount to offer in terms of outstanding scenery, pristine marine waters, sub-tropical conditions and warm and friendly people. For more information on St Helena, what it has to offer and how to get here, visit the official St Helena Tourism website . We also encourage you to browse the pages of this website for key information about visiting the Island.

Money and Banking

While either the British Pound or St Helena Pound can be used interchangeably on-Island, the St Helena Pound is not accepted elsewhere in the world, except on Ascension Island.

St Helena has limited international card acceptance services for cards such as VISA and Mastercard outside of cash advances at the local bank (fees apply). There aren’t any ATM’s on-island. Bank of St Helena’s Tourist Card is a Virtual Prepaid GBP Cash Card that allows users to use a virtual bank card available on mobile devices and make payments on-island. For more information, click here

Travel by Air

St Helena Airport has been open and operational since April 2016. Commercial flights commenced on Saturday, 14 October 2017. The isolation of the Island together with the potential for windshear has meant that St Helena Airport has been classed as a Category C airport. Category C airports have additional considerations for approach, landing and take-off. Difficult wind conditions, including turbulence and windshear, are encountered and safely managed at many airports around the world and St Helena Airport is no different.

Airlink flights operate from and to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Airlink Ascension Island charter is scheduled once every four weeks (HLE-ASI Saturdays & ASI-HLE Sundays which means that when an Ascension flight operates the return to Johannesburg is a Sunday).  Additional Ascension flights are also scheduled occasionally. Tickets are available online via the Airlink website at https://flyairlink.com/ and through all normal IATA global distribution systems. Passengers are advised to contact their IATA travel agent. For those passengers that are resident on St Helena, ticket bookings can also be made via Solomon & Company (St Helena) PLC’s ‘Shipping & Travel Agency’ at the Malabar in Jamestown. Passengers can visit the agency in person or can conta ct [email protected] o r telephone: +290 22523.

 In addition to the regular weekly weekend flight, mid-week (Tuesdays) weekly flights are also scheduled during peak flight demand season. This is ordinarily between November and February. Mid-week (Tuesdays) weekly flights are scheduled during peak season, the link below reflects the current schedule.

Flight to and from Cape Town will also be returning for the peak demand season 2024-25. Confirmed to Return for Summer 2024-2025. These will operate alternatively with the Johannesburg flights, with Cape Town flights taking place on weekends and Johannesburg flights operating on Tuesdays.

The link below reflects the current schedule:

• AIRLINK Flight Schedule Jun24-Apr25 Inc MidWkJNB SATCPT_27May24

Travel by Cruise Ship

Many people choose to visit St Helena by cruise ship.

St Helena is ideally located as a midway port on cruises between Cape Town or Walvis Bay, the Falkland Islands and South America and the Caribbean. Cruising via St Helena dates back to Union Castle days. Cruise ship season is from October and ends in April. For more information please contact Solomon’s Shipping Office, St Helena, at: [email protected] .

Travel by Yacht

St Helena welcomes visiting yachts. St Helena is conveniently positioned for passing sea traffic as it sits in the middle of West Africa and South America. For more Information please visit the following link: https://www.sthelenatourism.com/arriving-by-sea/

Travel on St Helena 

For visitors and residents wishing to utilitise the public transport system, a full bus timetable including airport service  is provided.

Working on St Helena 

Current job vacancies within St Helena Government can be found on the Vacancies page .

Persons who do not hold St Helenian status but wish to work on St Helena for a short time, are allowed to stay here and work for up to six months. More information on Entry Permits, Work Permits, Points Based Assessment and Permission to work can be found on the Immigration page .

SHG’s Sustainable Development team is the lead body responsible for promoting and enabling private sector development on the Island and if you are interested in developing a business, please contact [email protected] or +290 22470.

Investors and entrepreneurs who want to make a substantial financial investment in St Helena can apply to enter or stay in St Helena without needing a job offer. For more information please contact [email protected]  or +290 22470.

What is the currency on St Helena?

The St Helena Pound is the Island’s official currency, equivalent to the British Pound (Sterling). While either the British Pound or St Helena Pound can be used interchangeably on-Island, the St Helena Pound is not accepted elsewhere in the world, except on Ascension Island.

What is the time zone on St Helena?

St Helena is  always  on GMT. Unlike other territories, such as some of those in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere, St Helena does not adopt any daylight saving time.

What is the climate on St Helena?

St Helena boasts a sub-tropical climate kept calm and equable by the south east trade winds.

The hottest months are between January and March and the coldest are between June and September. For much of the year the temperature remains between 20-27 °C. The rainy season is usually from late March to early May and then again from July to September.

How do I travel around the Island?

St Helena has a public bus system . Taxis and hire cars are also available from private sector organisations.

Is Accommodation available?

A range of accommodation is available, from private self-catering, to guest houses and hotels. Visit the St Helena Tourism website for more information.

What facilities are available on the Island?

All the normal amenities are available. The Island offers Cafes, Restaurants, Shops, Bars, Community Centres, Public Swimming Pool, the Museum, and more.

St Helena’s environment  is truly remarkable, from dramatic cliff tops to a sub-tropical interior – All of it surrounded by pristine seas. St Helena offers world class opportunities for activities such as walking/hiking, ornithology, marine trips and fishing. Incredibly clear skies also attract astronomers.

Thinking of visiting St Helena view our Travel Checklist to ensure you are prepared before you travel.

Saint Helena

• 1.1 Orientation
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By boat
• 3.3 By foot
• 5.1 Jamestown
• 5.2 Longwood
• 5.3 Central Island
• 5.4 Southern Island
• 7.2 Shopping
• 12 Stay safe
• 13 Stay healthy

<a href=\"https://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poi2gpx.php?print=gpx&amp;lang=en&amp;name=Saint_Helena_(island)\" title=\"Download GPX file for this article\" data-parsoid=\"{}\"><img alt=\"Download GPX file for this article\" resource=\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" src=\"//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" decoding=\"async\" data-file-width=\"20\" data-file-height=\"20\" data-file-type=\"bitmap\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" class=\"mw-file-element\" data-parsoid='{\"a\":{\"resource\":\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\",\"height\":\"20\",\"width\":\"20\"},\"sa\":{\"resource\":\"File:GPX Document rev3-20x20.png\"}}'/></a></span>"}'/> Saint Helena Island (pron. huh-LEE-nuh ) is in the eastern part of the South Atlantic Ocean and is one of the world's most isolated islands. If you start crossing the Atlantic due west from the border between Namibia and Angola , Saint Helena Island will appear about one-third of the way across to Brazil.

Because of this extreme isolation, Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled here from October 1815 until his death on 5 May 1821.

It is the most populous of the United Kingdom 's territories in the South Atlantic with a population of 4,255 at the last census in 2006.

Main Street of Jamestown is described as one of the best examples of unspoilt Georgian architecture anywhere in the world and the whole island has been proposed to the UK government as a mixed World Heritage site .

Uninhabited when it was discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, Saint Helena was garrisoned by the British during the 17th century to be used as a refreshment station for ships on the Cape Route . It acquired fame as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile, from 1815 until his death in 1821, but its importance as a port of call declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. Saint Helena has three smaller dependencies: Ascension Island is the site of a US Air Force auxiliary airfield; Tristan da Cunha is home to a very small community reliant on fishing for income; Gough Island has a meteorological station.

Saint Helena's most famous resident was Napoleon Bonaparte, who was exiled there by the British. Apparently Elba was not far enough away. He died there, and you can visit his beautiful grave site in a flower-laden glade, but his remains were disinterred and are now at Les Invalides in Paris. He had two residences on the island. He stayed at The Briars for about two months, and lived the rest of his life in a house in Longwood. You can visit both residences by appointment.

The grandest house on the island, however, is that of the governor. It looks like it was lifted straight out of 18th-century England. There are marvellous land tortoises on the grounds, including one purported to be the oldest known living terrestrial animal in the world.

The flora and fauna of the island are marvellous. Though many endemic species have become extinct, there are some left to be seen. Cabbage trees, gum trees and the local ebony can all be seen. The ebony was thought to be extinct until a local botanist found a specimen hanging off a cliff. It is being propagated and planted around the island. The islanders have also begun to restore the native forests of the island. The Millennium Forest has been planted by many volunteers and consists largely of local gum trees. Native, old growth forests can be found on the highest peaks of the island. High Peak and Diana's Peak have beautiful natural areas.

Two animals are of note. The giant earwig was the largest in the world: 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long. The species was made extinct by researchers who collected them all. The second species is a happier story: although endangered, with only about 300 remaining, the Saint Helena wirebird is a plover-like bird with long beak and legs. It is a land bird, and can be found in open areas. The playing fields behind the high school are a particularly good place to look without having to take a longer hike. The wirebird is Saint Helena's national bird.

Orientation

Jamestown is the capital and main town of Saint Helena. It is located in a narrow valley between steep 500-ft (150-m) cliffs which mean that it is quite a struggle to climb out of this V-shaped slot onto the surrounding plateau by any of the three access paths. All visitors to Saint Helena arrive at "The Wharf" in Jamestown. There is pretty much only a single road about one mile (1.6 km) long.

The Tourist Office is in a quaint building with a beautiful bow window at the top of Main Street where it branches into Napoleon and Market Streets. Staff there can help you book tours and give you all kinds of advice about what to see and do on the island.

Official island tourism information can be obtained from St Helena Tourism . The tourist office's telephone is +290 2158.

Moorings [ dead link ] for yachts are available at James Bay. Contact the Harbourmaster (VHF channel 14, during working hours) to obtain access to the visitors' moorings; call St Helena Radio (VHF channel 16) to confirm your arrival and seek customs/immigration clearance.

St Helena has a very limited public bus service. The routes and timetables are designed primarily to satisfy the needs of locals. Buses are rare, usually going once or twice only on some weekdays. Visitors can, with some planning, use the bus service to reach some of the island's attractions and walking opportunities. Check timetables carefully and allow sufficient time to catch the return bus otherwise you may face a long walk back to Jamestown. Stops are well marked, but a nice wave will also get the driver to stop.

Taxis are also available in Jamestown (the rank is behind the tourist information office).

Rental cars (£10-12 a day) are probably the more practical method of travel, but be sure to reserve one in advance. There are not too many, and when the flight arrives with its 50 tourists or more, the travel industry can be overwhelmed, and don't expect your rental car to be a recent vehicle (Ford Escorts are common). Ask your hotel to arrange car hire for you.

Saint Helena cars are driven on the left, as in the United Kingdom. Likewise, the traffic signs in Saint Helena resemble those of the United Kingdom.

Walking is wonderful, but mostly in the highlands in the centre of the island. The 21 Post Box Walks, a series of graded trails are a good way to explore much of the island. The walks and routes with maps are available in a book written by the island's Nature Conservation Group, available at the Tourist Office. The cliffs all around the perimeter make it impossible to walk along the coast at most points, access to the sea is normally by descent of the numerous steep valleys that cut through the volcanic landscape. Though small, however, don't be deceived, distances can be great for a walker. Bring water and sunscreen, but the Saints on the way will be happy to provide a refill if your water bottle runs dry.

It is very hard to walk out of Jamestown. The city is in a deep canyon coming from the highlands down to the shore, and there are three roads out, one up either edge of the canyon and the third, Barnes Road, an old track that leads to Francis Plain, perched on a plateau 500 m above Jamestown. The other way to get to the highlands is via the vertiginous Jacob's Ladder, an extremely tall 699-step staircase, built as an inclined plane to bring goods in and out of town. Walking on the roads out of town would mean sharing narrow switchbacks with cars, lots of dust, and no pavements. If you walk, even once you climb Jacob's Ladder, you still aren't halfway to the green spaces at the top, and have to walk through the beautifully named, but not so beautiful to look at, Half-Tree Hollow. A rental car or the bus are much better options.

The official language of Saint Helena is English. However it is often spoken with a strong accent and using ordinary English words in unusual ways. This dialect is locally known as "Saint". Examples include "What your name is?" and "Us need one new tyre" (us = 'we' and 'one' is used where 'a' or 'an' might be expected).

Though the island culture is a melange of people from all over the world, immigration essentially ended long ago, and the Malay, Indian, African and other immigrants to the island have not maintained their original languages or cultures. Intermarriage has been the standard on the island for so long that there are no racial differences to be made, let alone linguistic ones.

• Broadway House . M-F 08:30 – 16:00 . An 18th-century building that used to contain the island's museum. ( updated Nov 2019 )
• The Cenotaph . On the wharf in Jamestown includes the names of all Saints who died in the two world wars, including those who perished in a German U-boat attack in James Harbour in 1941. ( updated Nov 2019 )

• The Post Office . It's in a rather disappointing building, that looks as though it could be much more interesting with a little help. It was apparently once an Officer's Mess. This is the place where you can buy one of Saint Helena's most famous exports: postage stamps. The Post Office sends out the stamps of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha to philatelists all over the world. ( updated Nov 2019 )
• The Castle Gardens . This oddly shaped park behind the Castle has a wide variety of relatively pedestrian tropical plants, and some of the island's endemics. It is also a good place to see swarms of the songbirds that have been introduced to the island over the years hanging around in the huge ficus trees. ( updated Nov 2019 )
• Fortifications . These built across the mouth of the James Valley where it meets the sea only after Napoleon was brought to the island in the 19th century. Apparently it was built without an entrance, but a lovely archway has been built that frames the harbour in one direction and Jamestown in the other. Heading into Jamestown the coat of arms of the English East India Company can be seen above the archway. Upon exiting, you can see a plaque depicting the island's endemic Wirebird. ( updated Nov 2019 )
• Heart-Shaped Waterfall. . You might be excused for thinking that the water falls in the shape of a heart, but really this waterfall is so named because of the heart-shaped rock over which it falls. It can be seen from the north road out of Jamestown or walk to the foot of the 90-m fall, simply follow the valley up from Jamestown. Details at the St Helena National Trust. ( updated Nov 2019 )
• Saint James Church, . This rather dark church just inside the fortifications of Jamestown and across from the Castle is the oldest Anglican Church in the southern hemisphere, dating from 1774. ( updated Nov 2019 )
• Mundens Battery . Overlooking James Bay and built on the opposite side of the valley to Ladder Hill Fort, Mundens was built to aid the defence of James Bay. Mundens Battery can be explored after a short walk along a slender walled path, several building to Explore including gun Victorian Gun emplacements, Magazine. A rickety ladder leads to a lower gun emplacement, on the rocks directly below the Battery can be seen Several of the Guns from the Mundens Battery. ( updated Nov 2019 )

Central Island

• The Central Peaks include Diana's Peak (the highest point on the island), Mount Actaeon and Cuckold's Point, which are home to the greatest concentration of endemic species. The Peaks are part of the humid cloud forest at the centre of the island, and are a must-see for those interested in native flora and fauna. Conservation efforts are under way to make sure that these species can survive the many changes that have taken place on the island over the years.

• Clifford Arboretum is a small, largely underdeveloped arboretum that is home to some of the island's native fauna and has medium-term germ storage facilities. There are self-guided hikes through it.
• Saint Paul's Cathedral is the seat of the Anglican bishop of Saint Helena. It was built in 1856.

Southern Island

• Sandy Bay is at the bottom of one of the deep ravines that cuts from the island's interior to the coast and is the only sandy beach on the island. Despite the rather dark grey sand and that it is too dangerous to swim in the sea, it is a favourite destination for family barbecues, with children enjoying playing in the waves. It's also a good place to begin hikes.
• Lot's Wife's Ponds are probably the best swimming spot on the island. They are large natural tide-pools, and though it can be a bit difficult to get there, it is well worth it. The walk starts from Sandy Bay and is described in the Post Box walk book.
• Stargaze The darkness of the St Helena night sky qualifies for ‘Gold Tier’ status, the highest rating by the International Dark Sky Association, the air is also crystal clear of course and it's also not chilly; even at night, the temperature rarely falls below 10° Celsius.
• If arriving in on a cruise ship for a day visit, make sure you get out of Jamestown to at least have a quick look around the rest of the island. Jamestown is a lovely small Georgian town where you can while away a couple of hours, but it doesn't give you an insight into what the rest of Saint Helena is really like.
• Diving and Marine Life . St Helena is surrounded by pristine waters, teeming with underwater wildlife and interesting wreck sites. St Helena is visited by humpback whales, whale sharks and devil rays. Permanent populations of dolphins (pantropical spotted, bottle nose and rough toothed) can be found around the island, and other cetaceans have been spotted, including pygmy sperm whales. Also, there are boats that offer dolphin and whale watching trips, as well as several dive operators on the island offering wreck, cave, and leisure dives. ( updated Aug 2018 )

Saint Helena uses the Saint Helena pound (₤) as its currency, which is fixed to the British pound at a value of 1:1. British currency can be used interchangeably on the island. Some shops may also accept US dollars, rands and euros.

There is a bank on the island which opens weekdays and Saturday mornings, but has no ATM, so be sure to plan ahead. The bank can use your ATM or credit/debit card to give you money. Cash can be changed at the airport also, but St Helena money is rarely available in banks outside the St Helena-Ascension-Tristan area so changing in advance should be to British pounds. Only a limited number of shops accept credit cards.

There are several shops in central Jamestown selling gifts and souvenirs, including locally hand-made items, and there are also interesting things to buy at Longwood House and the island museum.

The St Helena Distillery makes a range of local spirits that can be purchased in several of the shops in town. Of particular note are Tungi, a high-proof liquor made from local cactus, and Midnight Mist, a liqueur made from the highly regarded Saint Helena coffee.

Locally-produced items include woodwork, fine lace, jewellery and items woven from flax, which grows all around the island. A wide range can be purchased at the Arts & Craft Centre in The Canister building, next door to the Tourist Office.

• Moonbeams , Napoleon St ( Top of Main St ), ☏ +290 22944 . M Tu Th F 09:00 – ;17:00, W 09:00 – 13:00, Sa 09:00 – 13:00 & 18:30 – 20:30 . Souvenirs, gifts, cards, etc. They have a website about the island.  

Cooking for yourself is a great way to go. Visitors renting a room or a house on the island will find it easy to get what they need and fun to get along themselves. Tourists comment that it is surprising that on such a fertile island, there is no dairy or garden market. The availability of vegetables and salad is improving, but is still very seasonal. Fruit is generally only available in the days immediately following the freight ship visits (apart from bananas, which are available more frequently as they are grown on the island). Don't worry though, you will be able to find a wide assortment of food in various small grocery stores in town and a nice butcher shop. The main local fish on sale is tuna (a wonderful, deep red tuna) and wahoo. "Pilau" (pronounced "ploe") is a speciality of the island. It is "peasant food" in the best sense. A combination of rice, bacon and other ingredients, it is delicious and greasy.

• Ann's Place , Castle Gardens, Jamestown . 10:30-20:30 . Open air restaurant with a festive atmosphere overlooking the Castle Gardens. Tuna is the main fish of the island, and Anne is famous for her fish cakes, another island speciality. Open for dinner, but only if you call before noon.  
• Cyril's Fast Food and Takeaway , Arch Gate Corner, Jamestown ( just next to the arch in the city walls ), ☏ +290 2728 . 11:30-14:30 . You can't miss this restaurant, even though it is only a window in a wall, because the window is directly next to the archway in the city wall. Takeaway only.  
• Farm Lodge , Rosemary Plain, Saint Paul's , ☏ +290 4040 . Excellent country inn food in an elegant, small dining room of a private house. Call in advance for reservations. The day before is recommended.  
• Harris' Guest House , Main Street, Jamestown , ☏ +290 2729 . By appointment only . You can eat at this guest house if you call in advance to reserve a place at the table.  
• Orange Tree Oriental Restaurant , Smith's Yard, Jamestown ( Walk thru' the Association Hall basement arcade ), ☏ +290 2126 . M-Sa 11:30-14:00 and 17:00 till late . Extensive a la carte selection of Oriental dishes including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Malaysian and Philippine. High quality service. Seats 40. Take-away available.  
• Saint Helena Coffee Shop , Leisure Park, Jamestown . 10:00-16:00 . Coffee, snacks and desserts available at this outdoor cafe. Very nice picnic tables on the lawn to take advantage of the ocean view.  
• Sally's Sandwich Bar , Association House, Jamestown , ☏ +290 2990 . 09:30-14:00 . Set daily menu. Carry out only.  

All these are in Jamestown:

• Consulate Hotel - see detailed listing in "Sleep" section below
• Donny's Place - a nice open air bar with views over James Bay. You can buy some of the local Tungi there.
• The Mule Yard - another open air bar on the seafront, next to the swimming pool.
• The Standard
• White Horse Pub

Out of Jamestown:

• Pub Paradise (Longwood)
• Colin's Bar with great views down into Sandy Bay
• Silver Hill Bar
• Self-catering is a great option. On the island's tourism website you can download a list of people who have rooms or small houses to rent. This is a good way to meet the locals that you rent from and see a little bit of what it is like to live on the island.
• Huxtable Accommodation , Napoleon Street, Jamestown , ☏ +290 24342 , [email protected] . Four independent flats in the centre of Jamestown. Details, prices and full contact information on the website.  
• Consulate Hotel , Main Street, Jamestown , ☏ +290 2962 , [email protected] . The Consulate Hotel is the largest lodging facility on the island. It has a restaurant and bar, and all bedrooms are en suite. The front porch under the wrought-iron balcony is a fine place to sit with a Savanna cider in hand and watch the world pass by in central Jamestown.  
• Wellington House Hotel , Main Street, Jamestown . The Wellington House Hotel is in a beautiful, cobalt blue Georgian building located on the main street in Jamestown. Rooms are comfortable, boarding options are available, and a bar can sell alcohol to guests. Bathrooms are not en suite.  
• Farm Lodge , Farm Lodge, Rosemary Plain, St Paul's . Farm Lodge is a wonderful country house hotel. It is in the highlands in a beautiful 17th-century farm house with lots of antiques and wonderful food. The views are spectacular. If you don't have a car, it is good for a night or two, and is situated 5   mi (8.0   km) from Jamestown. There is a drinks cooler in the dining room that the owners claim belonged to Napoleon. It was built as an East India Company planter's house in approx 1690. It is set in its own 12 acres (4.9 hectares) of gardens and farmland. A hire car costs about £12 per day and there is a local bus service to and from town costing £1 each way. The trip is less than 30 minutes. The farm produces fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, eggs, coffee, etc., for the dining room table. All the 5 bedrooms are en suite, and full board is available. Dinner is 5 courses, and the majority is fresh organic food from the farm. The coffee is Green Tipped Bourbon Yemeni brought to the island in 1733 by the East India Company and was enjoyed by Napoleon during his years of incarceration. Guests have the option of B&B, half board or full board. The house is also open to non-residents for morning coffee, lunches, afternoon teas and dinners. A fully stocked bar is available.  

It is illegal to do paid work on St Helena unless you have a work permit or are employed by the UK or Saint Helena Government.

Wages are low, around a fifth of that paid for the equivalent work in the UK.

A large number of Saints work off the island on the sea, in the Falklands, on Ascension, South Africa or elsewhere. This is mainly to get a higher income.

This island must be one of the safest places on earth. Crime is practically non-existent, although there is a prison with a few inmates. You can feel comfortable walking at night anywhere on the island. There are no animals of concern, with the exception of scorpions. The only safety issue might be falls for those who want to do some climbing. Law, order and security on the island is provided by the St Helena Police Service.

Summer heat provides the only common safety issue. Take a bottle of water if climbing Jacob's Ladder or doing a walking tour. Plan in advance as 24-hour shops do not exist and little is open on a Sunday.

Traffic is limited to 20   mph (32 km/h) in the entire Jamestown area, so road accidents are also rare and rarely cause injuries.

Rockfalls can occur, due to the steep sided valley in which Jamestown sits. A catch-fencing scheme has been implemented but is not expected to stop all rockfalls. No practicable avoidance measures are possible.

For Emergencies call 999 for the Police.

Stay healthy

While there is no particular health threat on the island (no special vaccinations are required), you don't want to get seriously ill. There is a hospital with trained staff available, however there are no facilities to deal with very serious health issues. Any complicated medical issue must be dealt with off island, and that is a bare minimum of three days away if the boat to Ascension and the plane is just right. More likely you will have to wait several weeks for the boat to Cape Town.

Visitors are required to carry medical insurance that will cover the full cost of their evacuation back to their home country.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Most Saints have strong loyalty to the UK monarch and to the Christian faith, and respect for both of these is strongly requested from visitors. However there are no laws requiring observance of either, by visitors or others.

The mobile phone carrier that covers the island is Sure South Atlantic Ltd. They operate a 2G/EDGE and 4G network but it is more at 3G speeds. Telecommunications are particularly expensive, and don't expect to be able to use the Internet for extended periods of time.

There are Wi-Fi hotspots in the Consulate Hotel and in Ann's Place for £6/hour. Stamps can be purchased opposite the Consulate Hotel in Jamestown. The post office is famous among philatelists the world over and sells stamps from Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan.

The only nearby islands are Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha . Beyond that you have thousands of miles of Atlantic Ocean in every direction.

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The allure and attractions of St Helena

Sep 4, 2015 • 6 min read

Jagged rocky cliffs on Saint Helena Island.

It’s hard to think of an isolated speck of land more synonymous with inaccessibility than St Helena. After all, this seemingly lost island in the middle of the South Atlantic was chosen as the place of Napoleon’s final exile. But there is so much more here for the traveller – hike past soaring crags and through alpine meadows, take to the seas by boat, or explore historic villages, chatting with welcoming Saints (locals) at each passing.

Jamestown and its Georgian houses

Jamestown, the capital of St Helena, is neatly wedged between the Atlantic and the steep sides of a narrow ravine. Founded in 1659 by English colonists, and named after James II while he was still the Duke of York, Jamestown is home to several historic sites and numerous handsome Georgian manses. An informative museum contains artefacts and stories from the island’s long history, including the wooden crates that carted Napoleon's belongings into exile. Behind the museum and past collection of old cannons is Jacob’s Ladder, a lung-busting set of 699 steep steps that precariously climb straight up the ravine to Half Tree Hollow – if not to heaven as their biblical predecessor, then at least to a heavenly view.

Back in town on a less lofty footing is one of many nods to Napoleon – an effigy of him in full regalia stands on the first-floor balcony of the Consulate Hotel, looking out at a blue mansion named after his nemesis, the Duke of Wellington. But, contrary to myth, the duke didn’t reside here during his visits – he passed his time in the now-demolished (Old) Porteous House.

Another site, one that would not look amiss in rural England , is St James’ Church – it’s across a moat and through a gate beneath the restored castle fort.

Half Tree Hollow and the crags above Jamestown

Visitors who climb Jacob’s Ladder past the wheeling and swooping of red-beaked, long-tailed white tropic birds will find themselves in Half Tree Hollow, St Helena’s largest town (for those of lesser stamina, cars and minibuses switchback up the road from Jamestown). No matter how you arrive, the vistas – over precipitous cliffs to the never-ending blues of the South Atlantic, down to Jamestown and inland to green mountains – are spectacular. Above Half Tree Hollow are the long walls and vast rounded keep of High Knoll Fort, which was built as a stronghold against invasion in 1798.

On the opposite side of the ravine to Half Tree Hollow is a trail (found off Napoleon Street in Jamestown) that climbs diagonally up the rock face to Rupert's Bay, passing Munden's Battery and centuries-old cannon emplacements that were built into the cliffs. Behind it, cliffs plunge vertically down to the Atlantic, while in front looms the stark black mass of St Helena's Sugar Loaf, with its huge square hump crowning its summit.

Jonathan and the Plantation House

Set in a wooded valley a couple of miles from Jamestown is Plantation House, a Georgian mansion built in 1791-92. Its most distinguished resident is arguably not the governor, but Jonathan, a Seychelles tortoise who is more than 180 years old. When not snoozing, he moves across the lawn at a glacial pace in search of a meal. Vegetable allotments dot the slopes nearby, and a narrow cove stretches out to the South Atlantic. A side path from the house leads through thick woods and giant bamboo stands to slave graves from the mid-18th century.

Napoleon’s ‘homes’ away from home

Longwood House, Napoleon’s final abode, is a green-shuttered villa in the island’s emerald uplands. While it afforded the former emperor fine views of Flagstaff and The Barn, a conical emerald hill and massive oblong crag respectively, the temperatures here were not kind (it can be 10 degrees Fahrenheit lower than on the coast). Eleven of the rooms, each painted imperial green, contain much of Napoleon’s original furniture, as well busts of him and his wives. Look out for the two holes in the shutters where he is said to have cut openings for his telescope to spy on his guards.

Down a sloping green tunnel of trees not far from Longwood lies Geranium Valley, a peaceful flowery bower. Here, overlooking Devil's Punch Bowl ravine, is where Napoleon was buried in 1821. The tomb had no name due to Anglo-French differences on the wording, and his body was eventually repatriated to Paris for a state funeral 19 years later. Prior to life at Longwood House, Napoleon spent seven weeks at Briars Pavilion, a single-roomed chalet in a valley surrounded by wooded hills. Inside, there's a table and various Napoleonic memorabilia. Longwood and Briars have both been deeded to France , as shown by the French tricolour flying outside each.

Post Box walks

The island’s stunning variance in terrain and petite size – just 10 miles long and no more than six miles wide – make it ideal for hiking. The community has created 20 ‘Post Box' walks, some easy, some moderate, some very difficult. They are so named because at the end of each is a post box containing an ink stamp and a visitors’ book.

One near Jamestown leads to the impressive Heart Shaped Waterfall. Others, like Diana’s Peak, take visitors to lofty summits inaccessible by 4WD. Some access popular sights such as Sandy Bay Beach, but via starkly beautiful and treacherously precipitous slopes.

Rounding the ramparts by sea

A cruise round the island is the best way to experience St Helena’s impregnable natural fortifications. From the sea the massive crags are even more forbidding than from land – stark grey, black, sometimes with a scant dusting of green. There’s also no better way to take in the island’s marine life than from a boat. Three different species of dolphin regularly flirt with the surface, as do humpback whales during the austral winter. St Helena’s well preserved coral ecosystems and their accompanying endemic fish species make diving a welcome addition to any oceangoing foray.

Road tripping around St Helena

Taking to the road by car is a rewarding prospect on St Helena, with the landscape changing at every turn. Wildflowers, coffee plantations (Napoleon did love the brew here), waterfalls, stands of Norfolk pine and Australian eucalyptus, and carpets of New Zealand flax waving in the wind – it is a kaleidoscopic scene on so many levels. Above it all yellow canaries and crimson-bellied red cardinals add flashes of colour.

To the island’s southeast, the road twists precipitously above the brilliant green hill and red roofs of Sandy Bay village, its backdrop a huge green-dusted monolith called Lot and a frozen stormy sea of craggy ridges. Four jagged pinnacles tear at the sky – one of them Lot’s wife. At Sandy Bay Beach, the landscape becomes totally barren, the blue ocean frothing and spraying against dark black volcanic outcrops. The Gates of Chaos, massive crags on the razor sharp ridge above, conjure up a scene worthy of Planet of the Apes .

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➥ Loading Saint Helena Island Info …

Visitor Information

Come and discover our island

It’s better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times {b}

St Helena is approximately 1,900Km west of the Angola / Namibia border, in the South Atlantic Ocean

Why come here

Is St Helena just: An unremarkable island famous only as the place to which Napoleon was exiled in 1815 {c} ? If you think so, please keep reading…

On this site we are pleased to provide information for anyone considering visiting St Helena, one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands . St Helena’s environment is truly remarkable, from dramatic cliff tops to a sub-tropical interior, all of it surrounded by pristine seas and where the air-quality is unimaginably high, even in the City of Jamestown . St Helena offers world class opportunities for activities such as walking/hiking , ornithology , marine trips , Diving and Fishing . Our incredibly clear skies also attract astronomers and you can explore our many forts, batteries , other military installations and other Historic Buildings . Maybe you’re interested in the darker parts of our history and you may also be interested in our pages indexed from Island Pictures . For starters read A Very Brief History of our island then perhaps our page Quick Facts , and if the only thing you know about St Helena is that Napoleon Bonaparte died here, you may be interested to read some fascinating facts about him.

Want to try our local food in your own home? We have some local recipes .

All visitors require passports that will remain valid for six months after the intended departure date, confirmation of pre-arranged accommodation, and medical insurance that will cover the cost of their emergency evacuation if necessary. They will normally be granted an entry permit for a period of three months, which may be extended up to a period of one year. Please note that there is no Wi-Fi access at the airport, so any documentation needs to be downloaded to your Device or printed before arrival. Do I need a Visa? Check and apply here or see here .

How to get here

The many ways to get to St Helena are discussed on our page Getting Here , and they include flying here! .

Its appearance from the sea is very unpromising - inaccessible rocks and stupendous crags frowning from every side… but once you ascend Ladder Hill Road , everything changes, and all seems enchantment… fruitful valleys, cultivated hills and diversified scenery of every description. {d}

Facts about St Helena

Below: Can I bring my pet dog/cat/parrot/elephant?   Time Zone   Districts   Environment   Money   Weather

Can I bring my pet dog/cat/parrot/elephant?

It’s not impossible, but because of disease control the process is rather complicated - too much so to summarise it here. If you really can’t be separated from your furry/scaly friend, you are best to contact the Senior Veterinary Officer at the Agriculture and Natural Resources Division - Tel (+290) 24724 .

Of course, Governor Gurr (2007-2011) had no trouble getting permission to bring his family dog, Stanley… ☺ (right)

St Helena is permanently on GMT . We do not use Daylight Saving Time.

St Helena is divided into eight administrative districts, each of which has a page on this site, and there is also our page Districts of St Helena . In alphabetic order they are: Alarm Forest , Blue Hill , Half Tree Hollow , Jamestown , Levelwood , Longwood , Sandy Bay and St Pauls .

Environment

The world was not left to us by our parents, it was lent to us by our children. {e}

St Helena’s natural history and unique flora and fauna are discussed on ourpages indexed from Island Nature , in particular our page Endemic Species . The St Helena’s Nature Conservation Group (SNCG) and St Helena National Trust websites also have useful information.

In 2022 St Helena was declared the Best Eco-location and Sustainable Tourism Destination in the World Commerce Review Awards .

The local currency in St Helena is the Saint Helena Pound (SHP) which is linked at parity to the British Pound (Sterling; GBP). The £ symbol is used. Notes and coins are similar in denomination and appearance to their UK counterparts, though St Helena is not yet using plastic banknotes. Learn more about the money we use on St Helena . A currency converter is available from XE.com .

Banking services on St Helena {3} are provided by the Bank of St Helena from whom further information may be obtained.

The financial year for the Government of St Helena and all businesses/organisations runs from 1 st  April until 31 st  March. We are currently in financial year .

The weather on St Helena is one of the island’s more unusual features. It can be sunny and calm in one place, and wet and windy only a few Km away. Learn more on our page Weather and climate . Remember also that St Helena is in the Southern Hemisphere, so our summer runs from (roughly) November through to May.

A tip about the sun: St Helena is much closer to the Equator than Britain and the rest of Northern Europe, which means the sun here has much more Ultraviolet light , which in turn means you sun tan/burn much faster. If you are fair-skinned you will need strong sunblock or should limit your exposure to the sun (not just direct sunlight, but also reflected light off, for example, light-coloured buildings).

Take a tour!

The ride or drive along the mountain-tops, from Longwood across Sandy Bay ridge, and by Government House to Ladder Hill and Jamestown, is, for beauty of scenery, scarcely to be surpassed. The shady lanes, lined on each side with bright yellow blossoms of gorse, brilliant scarlet geraniums, and the deeper tints of the fuchsia mixing with the blue-green foliage and orange-coloured blossoms of the buddleia, and the pale-green leaves of the young oak trees, are very charming, and not less so when these suddenly give place to a rich meadow or sunny hayfield. The intricate nature of the roads, winding in and out of numerous valleys and ravines, sometimes making it necessary to travel more than a mile to reach a spot but a few hundred yards distant, conveys an impression of greater size than that which the place really possesses, and several days, at least, are necessary to obtain even a general idea of the Island. {f}

Below: Suggested Tours   Tour History   Exploring on your own

Suggested Tours

If you don’t want to explore the island yourself, or if you’d prefer to be guided, numerous tours are available. These are the ones we recommend {4} :

Aaron’s Adventure Tours , using an off-road vehicle to access areas of the island that normal vehicles can’t reach. Aaron has a good knowledge of island history and some interesting family stories. Tours can be customised to your needs. Email [email protected] or call (+290) 23987 to discuss.

Robert Peters’ ‘History on Wheels’ Tour . Robert drives you around the island and talks of St Helena history, much of the more recent material from personal experience (at he remembers much of it!) Tours can be customised to your needs {5} .

The Jamestown walking history tour . Don't miss this - you will learn a lot; not just facts but stories from the lives of past residents.

Note that only the tours listed above are recommended. If you can personally recommend a tour we have not listed please contact us .

There are various other taxi-tours, usually covering the whole island or whatever parts you agree with the driver, operated by most of the island’s taxi drivers. To get the full selection and book onto a tour, contact the Tourist Information Office .

Tour History

Your tour guide may tell you stories that are at variance with the history presented on this website. Do not allow this to disturb you. What you are hearing is the folk-history of St Helena, as passed down through generations and based on half-remembered lessons at school from teachers who themselves learned St Helena history from others. Enjoy this for what it is - just don’t base your St Helena History Doctoral Thesis on it!

Exploring on your own

Where to stay.

We regret that we can’t provide a comprehensive list of accommodation providers on St Helena. We have provided lots of useful general rentals advice on our page Where To Stay .

You may say that we travelled a long distance to find a little fort, three pub s, some decaying houses, odd Europeans, nice islanders, a few historical relics, dramatic views, flowers and sunshine. We would not agree with you. Had we travelled twice as far and stayed half the time, we would still have been uniquely enriched. {g}

Tips and tricks when here

Set out below are some tips and tricks that may help you when you are here. Our page Quick Facts may also be a helpful introduction.

Below: Shopping   Transport   Entertainment   Law   Emergency   Other

This subject is covered on our page Shopping on St Helena .

Public transport on the island is limited. There are no railways. Most bus services are orientated towards bringing workers into Jamestown in the morning and taking them home in the evening and do not carry fare-paying passengers. There is a very limited public bus service.

Taxis cannot be flagged down on the street. There is a taxi rank in Jamestown , in Market Street behind the Tourist Information Office . Otherwise you need to telephone - numbers are in the telephone book. Taxis are not required to carry a taxi sign, though most now do; many are ordinary saloon cars - and not necessarily modern ones!

Most visitors hire a car . No international hire companies are represented on the island so all car hire is provided by local companies and even individuals. Vehicle quality varies and for the best vehicles it is best to book in advance of your arrival - the Tourist Information Office can help finding car hire. You can drive here as long as you have a valid driving licence issued in another country. If you are not used to driving a ‘manual’ (‘stick-shift’) car, it is possible to hire an automatic; the Tourist Information Office should be able to help you find a renter. See also our page Driving in St Helena for local driving practices. There are no 24-hour fuel services. Some stations open Sunday morning. Fuel Stations are listed on our page Driving in St Helena .

Cycling is possible but difficult due to the hilly terrain. Be aware that cycles are prohibited on all roads into and out of Jamestown . Cycles cannot be hired - bring your own!

Walking is popular but transport is helpful to get to the start of the route. Hitch-Hiking is possible and safe.

Entertainment

First see our page What To Do .

There are various bar s around the island, open every night and until 1 or 2am Saturdays. All will welcome you - there are no ‘no-go’ areas {6} . A selection of alcohol-free beers is usually available.

There are several restaurants and plenty more basic catering establishments. All must conform to fairly strict food hygiene regulations. Most can provide a vegetarian option. Other dietary requirements are unlikely to be widely catered for, especially outside Jamestown .

Not all attractions are open all day, every day. Check with the attraction or the Tourist Information Office for opening times.

You can hire DVDs and Blu-Ray disks in many of the small island shops and in two dedicated places, both in Jamestown . Don’t expect to find the very latest films - delivery can take a month or two.

Check with your accommodation provider whether Television is available, and what you need to pay. There is no free-to-view TV on St Helena.

We have three radio stations , all on FM , operating 24/7 though with live presenters only in the daytime. Most programme content is music except for one which re-broadcasts the BBC World Service . There are no Digital Radio stations and none broadcasting on AM . Plenty of overseas stations are available on Shortwave and overnight on medium wave.

These are just a few points. Please remember that the law here is not the same as in England.

Smoking is not permitted indoors in shops, offices, bars, restaurants and other enclosed places.

Alcohol can be consumed by anyone aged 18 or over. It is not permitted to drink alcohol on the street in Jamestown {7} .

Public nakedness is not permitted. It is not clear whether or not topless sunbathing is permitted but it is certainly not practiced. It is rare for men to appear bare-chested in public.

All drugs, including Cannabis , are illegal.

The age of consent for all sexual acts is 16 years.

Read our laws (‘ Ordinance s’)

In Emergency

For a medical emergency, dial (+290) 999 from any telephone - the call is free. The ‍General Hospital‍ is at the southern end (‘top’) of Jamestown (see right) .

The dental clinic is in the hospital, (+290) 25387 . There is no resident optician but emergency eye treatment can be provided at the hospital. If you have a more minor ailment the Pharmacist ( (+290) 25867 ) may be able to help.

According to the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office the standard of medical care on St Helena is adequate .

For Police, Fire and all other emergencies, dial (+290) 999 from any telephone - the call is free. The ‍Police Station‍ is about halfway up Market Street (see right) and also deals with immigration matters.

Other useful numbers (these are not free, and are not 24 hours):

Vet: (+290) 26162

Water leak: (+290) 22522 ( Connect Saint Helena Ltd. )

Electricity supply : (+290) 22602 ( Connect Saint Helena Ltd. )

Electricity on St Helena is delivered at 240 volts, 50Hz through a British standard 3-pin plug . Adaptors for other plug types and voltages are sometimes available but it is more reliable to bring your own.

IDD, Facsimile, Telegram and Internet are all available from Sure (due to our isolation these may be more expensive than you might expect). A few phone booths are located in Jamestown and the country districts but most visitors buy a SIM Card from Sure for their Mobile (‘Cell’) Telephones . Collect calls are possible to South Africa, USA, Canada, United Kingdom and Ascension Island . Credit calls (AT&T cards only) are possible to USA, Canada & United Kingdom (for more information see our page Communications ) . Bring your laptop!

Few places accept Credit/Debit/Charge Cards or Traveller’s Checks - see Money .

If you need a laundry service, Annie’s Laundrette is right at the top of Napoleon Street - almost the last building on your left. Dry Cleaning is available in one of the business units in Half Tree Hollow .

If you are dependent on a special diet best bring supplies with you, or contact one of our grocers to check availability {8} . Be aware that you can’t import fruit or honey . Diabetics are common here and low-sugar foods and drinks are usually available.

Planning on bringing a Drone with you? Please make sure you understand the rules about where you can and cannot fly it .

Enjoy the following independent 2024 video from Sailing SV Cassius :

Official Tourist Information

The Tourist Information Office is located in Jamestown , in The Cannister . The office is usually only open in normal office hours: 08:30h-16:00h, Monday to Friday. If the office is closed, but the adjacent Art & Crafts Shop is open, you may be able to get some help in there.

See the Tourist Information Office brochures on:

St Helena Activities Ⓘ .

St Helena Bird-watching Ⓘ .

Diving St Helena Ⓘ .

St Helena Flora & Fauna Ⓘ .

Jamestown, St Helena Ⓘ .

Napoleon on St Helena Ⓘ … et aussi en Français Ⓘ .

Walking St Helena Ⓘ .

The following Tourist Information Office Videos {h} may be of interest {10} :

There are also some videos posted on YouTube™ on the Tourist Information Office channel.

See also the Celebrating the St Helena Brand booklet, 2024 Ⓘ .

A longer stay?

Think you might want to stay here permanently? The island is idyllic, the people are friendly, the weather is warm, there are no snakes ; what more could you want? Before you sell up, read our useful guide . Even if you are only coming here for a year or two, you will find useful information on our page Could you live here? , including a guide to What to bring (and what to leave behind) .

Features for today

Below: World Tourism Day   Something to discuss   Feature: Abercrombie & Kent Announces a New Private Jet Journey Departing in October 2024   Article: Sustainable Tourism and a Remote Island   19 th  Century visits

World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day is celebrated globally and on St Helena every year on 27 th  September. Learn more about the day on the Wikipedia .

Events on St Helena, organised by the Tourist Information Office , are mostly focussed on showing locals the tourism opportunities the island offers. If 27 th  September falls at the weekend activities take place on the preceding Friday or the following Monday.

Something to discuss

The following was written by two tourists departing St Helena after a two-week stay. Their views are interesting and should prompt discussion. Saint Helena Island Info does not necessarily agree with the views expressed.

We have spent the last two weeks on your beautiful Island staying at the Mantis Hotel. The experience has been broadly positive but there are areas which could be improved to enhance the tourist experience, perhaps attracting a greater number of tourists in the future.

The following were excellent experiences:

Aaron Legg’s 4x4 Island Tour was superb. He is an intelligent, well-informed and friendly individual and an asset to the Island

Craig Yon’s Whale Shark experience

Anthony Thomas’ Marine Tour

Plantation House Tour with Debbie plus morning coffee and Tortoise visit

Coffee Plantation Tour was excellent as is their coffee shop

Princes Lodge Tour with Reg was also excellent

Less good but still interesting were:

The Distillery Tour

Longwood House & Napoleon’s Tomb - Longwood House would benefit from improved curating, the audio tour was too long and turgid in parts. It would also benefit from a coffee shop which could be combined with the gift shop

Museum has a wealth of treasures but would benefit from better curating

ACCOMMODATION: - MANTIS HOTEL

Excellent rooms with air-con & WiFi. Staff friendly and helpful but on occasion there appeared to be more staff than necessary. The terrace areas would benefit from introducing potted plants/greenery. The provision of free WiFi is a big plus for tourists

AREAS THAT REQUIRE IMPROVING IF TOURISM IS TO BE SUSTAINED:

AIRPORT - Flights need to be reliable and not cancelled by e.g. fog, thus landing needs to be possible by instrumentation

Direct flights from Europe would be a huge asset but in the meantime, flights from Namibia would be attractive, allowing dual-centre holidays

ROADS - Open up the long Haul Road and improve road signage. There is a need for more public lavatories outside Jamestown

Provision of a comprehensive, up-to-date tourist road map

Provision of good map for walks (none at Tourist Info)

Current electricity charges are both primitive [sic] [‘Prohibitive’?] for the locals and also inhibit development

There is a need for Cafés outside Jamestown

Tree-labelling in Castle Gardens & the Arboreta

Tourist Information Office appears over-staffed & tourist info not always available. General appearance could be improved

Car Hire needs overhauling. Our first car we rejected as it had no rear-view mirror. The second car was driveable but the interior was filthy. The availability of vehicles with air-con would be a plus.

Develop High Knoll Fort with better signage, possibly a coffee shop and charge for entry. Encourage night viewing of stars with info charts

Develop and promote the fishing industry. Tourists on an Island such as this expect a plentiful and varied supply of fish to eat

Jamestown Quay should be a tourist attraction and is instead marred by containers. The prime site - Donny’s, is open only on Fri/Sat evenings

Support and monitor locals in their development of tourist services e.g. how to run a shop for the tourist trade

Name & email address supplied

Feature: Abercrombie & Kent Announces a New Private Jet Journey Departing in October 2024

This New 26-day Private Jet Journey Makes 7 Iconic Stops, Including Dinner With a King, Cocktails on a Volcano, and Tea in a Famous Japanese Garden.

By Stefanie Waldek, published on www.travelandleisure.com September 20 th , 2023 {11}

Are you shopping around for the private jet journey of your dreams, but can’t find an itinerary to suit your fancy? Abercrombie & Kent’s newest trip has some tantalizingly unique stops that might win you over.

The 26-day trip, which departs on Oct. 13, 2024, makes seven stops around the world and offers guests unique experiences at each and stays at top luxury hotels.

The adventure begins in Portland, Oregon, where up to 46 guests will boardNa private Boeing 757 with all lie-flat seats. From there, they will fly to Kanazawa, Japan, where guests spend three days on the ground. A notable highlight from this leg of the trip is a private tea ceremony in the Kenroku-en Garden a unique experience that has never been offered to garden visitors before.

The following part of the journey brings you to India. Specifically to the territory of Ladakh, where the Ladakh’s royal family will host a gala dinner for guests at Stok Palace. (The Indian government formally abolished its princely families in 1971.) Then the itinerary continues in Malta, where activities range from a visit to the World War II-era Lascaris War Rooms, a polo match at the Malta Polo Club, and a village feast complete with a marching band procession.

Up next is Senegal guests will ride 4x4 buggies across dunes on an exhilarating Dakar Rally experience, then catch performances of folk lore ballet and Senegalese music. From there, the private jet heads across the Atlantic, making a stop at the island of St. Helena, where Napoleon lived in exile.

Stop number six, for those keeping track, is Uruguay. Guests will visit the workshop of artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, enjoy an Uruguayan meal crafted by chef Francis Mallmann, and taste wine at Estancia Vik.

Then it’s time for another remote island: Easter Island. Yes, guests will see the iconic moai statues, but they’ll also have sunset cocktails on the dormant volcano Rano Kau. And finally, the journey ends in French Polynesia. After so much activity, guests can simply relax at the private island resort The Brando to wind down the trip.

This adventure takes us around the world on one of the most compelling itineraries I’ve ever created, with nearly every stop well off the typical tourist paths, Geoffrey Kent, Abercrombie & Kent’s founder, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. Kent, who will also be on the trip, said there are several places he will be visiting for the first time.

Abercrombie & Kent’s new private jet journey starts at $184,950 per person.

Article: Sustainable Tourism and a Remote Island

By James Bainbridge , Round Trip Foundation , 17 th  February 2019 {11}

Following the opening of St Helena Airport, the remote island is looking for ways to boost its economy through sustainable tourism.

The great primeval bulk of the Barn, part of the rocky coastline of this island formed by volcanic eruptions, towers above the crashing waves as the 100-seat aircraft shakily approaches St Helena Airport. It’s quite an entrance to one of the world’s remotest islands, located about a third of the way across the South Atlantic from Southern Africa to Brazil and accessible, since 2017, by weekly Airlink flights from Johannesburg. St Helena is so remote that the flight here takes six hours, as opposed to four hours on the way back, because the plane has to refuel in Windhoek before it crosses Namibia’s Skeleton Coast and the open sea: if the small Embraer aircraft is unable to land at the island’s wind-shear-prone airport, it needs enough reserve fuel to make it back to mainland Africa.

The sheer remoteness of this British Overseas Territory once inspired the Brits to banish Napoleon Bonaparte to the island’s green hinterland, where he died after five years in exile. Around 6000 Boers and a party of troublesome Zulus would also spend several years here, in a history that saw 1000 ships dock annually during the island’s heyday as an English East India Company outpost, before its fortunes declined when trade routes shifted north with the opening of the Suez Canal. Today, tourism is a key plank in the island’s economic development plan for the next decade, but transforming the sector into a healthy and sustainable industry faces challenges.

Firstly, there is the inevitable issue of access. The announcement of weekly flights, following the controversial airport’s construction, was welcomed by Saints, as the 4500 islanders are known. There are also extra flights around Christmas, partly catering to the many Saints, who work in Ascension Island, the Falklands, the UK and beyond; a great leap forward from the five-night ocean crossing from Cape Town, even if Saints wax nostalgic about the RMS St Helena (1990-2018) .

That said, the Embraer’s limited capacity is restrictive and, more significantly, so is the cost of flights, coming in at around £800 return from Johannesburg. Considering the wonderful Southern African destinations that can be reached for less from Johannesburg, including well-established tourism destinations from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, it is unsurprising that planes to St Helena are rarely full. There is also the risk of not being able to land at the island’s windy airport, which could lead to a long wait in the Johannesburg Holiday Inn. A good illustration of these factors was the Fox family whom I met on the plane, six brothers and sisters who had emigrated to South Africa as children and were finally returning, 60 years later. They could no more afford to fly than they could face the sea crossing, and were finally visiting their birthplace thanks to a special on flights.

So how does St Helena build its brand and compete with the stiff tourism competition? Already, many Saints are frustrated that the airport has not provided the hoped-for boost to the island’s economy, which remains reliant on the UK, and tourism businesses receive low footfall. The island does, however, have strong appeal, both to adventurous seekers of a bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime experience of this remote British outpost and to niche markets. The Napoleon connection is a marketer’s dream, with sights including the French-owned Longwood House, where the Emperor spent his days drinking sweet wine and dictating his memoirs, his tomb (now empty) and his first residence on the island, Briars Pavilion. I met several French tour operators on a recce and one already specialising in St Helena, while St Helena Distillery, the world’s remotest distillery, is making a brandy to mark the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s death, which is set to attract French pilgrim-tourists in 2021. Producing spiced rum, coffee liqueur, gin from the local juniper and schnapps-like Tungi from the island’s prickly pears, the distillery opened in advance of the airport and benefits from both souvenir hunters and local consumption. (In the bar s of maritime Jamestown, the Shipwreck, a mixture of spiced rum and Coke, has long been a Saint favourite, while beer drinkers generally choose between South African and Namibian lagers.)

In terms of niche tourism, the rich marine life and shipwrecks attract locally run boat, snorkel and dive excursions; St Helena is one of the best places to swim with magnificent Whale Sharks, the world’s biggest shark. There is also an 18-hole golf course and resort in the pipeline, but its slated development in the island’s pristine heartland has angered some locals and, as a bleak report on St Helena by British mogul Lord Ashcroft notes, the developer recently changed hands. For me, there was major appeal in the fascinating history of this 120-sq-km island, the quirks of life here and the friendly Saints themselves. In the era of Trump, BREXIT and terrorism, when the number of Brits and Americans emigrating to sleepy New Zealand has doubled, St Helena offers a safe and old-fashioned village atmosphere, where everyone knows each other (literally) and motorists unfailingly wave at passing cars. The mixed-race Saints trace their roots back to the settlers, soldiers and slaves who arrived across the ocean, including British sailors, African slaves, Chinese and Indian workers and Boer prisoners; not unlike South Africa’s ‘coloured’ population, whose mixed genealogy includes the slaves and Islamic dissidents brought from the East Indies by the Dutch East India Company.

Unlike South Africa, St Helena’s is an uncommonly non-racial and colour-blind society, but the comparison between the two carries through to language. Like Afrikaans, a creolisation of Dutch by the ancestors of today’s coloured people, the thickly accented, rapid-fire, slang-peppered English spoken by Saints is the unique legacy of the diverse people brought by the Trade Winds . Somehow managing to simultaneously echo Cornish, Irish, American and Australian lingo, the best description I heard of the Saints dialect was ‘like a cross between Yoda and a pirate’.

With this sociological interest in mind, the historical Magma Way tours run by Basil and Kevin George were fascinating, not just to see the sights but to hear their anecdotes of island life. Showing us Jamestown’s vertiginous 699-step Jacob’s Ladder, built in 1829 to haul up manure and send goods down, 82-year-old Basil demonstrated the technique he developed for sliding down the railings on his way home from school. The many historical sights range from capital-in-a-canyon Jamestown and the imposing 19th-century High Knoll Fort to the Boer Cemetery and the white stones in Ruperts Valley, a memorial to the slaves once buried in unmarked graves.

Culturally, tourism can help Saints to preserve their traditions - a concern for some with young people leaving in search of work while the airport, not to mention the forces of globalisation, brings in outsiders. Given the island’s small population, an influx of even just a few hundred people could have a profound impact; South Africa comes to mind with its high rates of crime and emigration, and one family on my flight was a case in point. Answering this issue was the hands-on cooking experience at Richards Travel Lodge, where Linda Richards taught us how to make island specialities including spicy fishcakes and Plo, a kind of curried paella.

Similarly, conservation of the island’s endemic flora and fauna, which most famously includes the plover, known locally as the Wirebird, has to contend with centuries of alien species. Notable incomers include African succulents, the termites that reduced Jamestown to dust in the 19th century and, most recently, the elusive simian-feline ‘Monk-Cat’, thought to be a civet that hopped off a boat from Namibia. There is now the 32-acre Millennium Forest Project to re-establish rare endemic gumwoods, while my walks with St Helena National Trust guides to Blue Point and Diana’s Peak (823m), the island’s highest point, were scenic highlights. The walks are two of the 21 Post Box Walks that explore this tropical island’s striking mix of barren, semi-desert coastline and pastoral interior, with its lanes winding between emerald hills and along windblown ridges like a chunk of Cornwall that went to sea. With more affordable air access - perhaps provided by competition on the route from Johannesburg and the option of flying straight from Windhoek - and continued marketing of St Helena’s considerable appeal, tourism can build on its positive contribution to St Helena’s economy, culture and conservation.

Based in Cape Town, James Bainbridge is the senior author of the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and Berlitz guides to South Africa and Cape Town. Magazine and TV assignments have taken him across Africa from the beaches of the Cape Peninsula to the heights of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, with plenty of stops in parks and reserves along the way. James runs travel writing day courses around South Africa, and works as a journalist, copywriter and copyeditor when he’s not on the road. Visit his website to find out more, and follow him on Instagram @james_bains and Twitter @jamesbains .

19 th  Century visits

Below: Vists of ‘The Great Sobraon’   Visiting in the 1870s

Vists of ‘The Great Sobraon’

From 1866 onwards ‘ The Great Sobraon ’, a 19 th  Clipper, made regular visits to St Helena, on her way home from voyages between England and Australia. The following account comes from The Colonial Clippers , by Basil Lubbock, 1921:

At St Helena the ship made a regular stay of about three days, and this visit was as much looked forward to by the inhabitants of the island as by the passengers. As a rule about 100 tons of cargo, consisting of flour, corn, preserved meat, etc., were landed there and occasionally a few bullocks were taken there from Capetown. Whilst she lay at St Helena, the passengers roamed the Island, climbed the 699 steps to the barracks, visited Longwood and Napoleon’s tomb and generally enjoyed themselves. The Captain also made a habit of giving a fancy dress ball on board before leaving, to which all the elite of the Island were asked.

Visiting in the 1870s

John Melliss , writing in 1875 {14} , describes the voyage from the UK to, and arrival at St Helena:

The first week of the voyage is occupied in reaching Madeira, by which time the sea-sick voyagers, about whose sufferings so many accounts have been written, have sufficiently recovered to enjoy the enchanting break afforded by a few hours ashore in that lovely island. The next few days are occupied in steaming down amongst the beautiful islands of the Canarian Archipelago, with, generally, a fair view of the renowned Peak of Tenerife towering high above the clouds. A sight of Cape Verde, on the coast of Africa ; and a day or two, by way of change, of that intolerable damp, steamy, hot atmosphere so inseparably associated with equatorial regions ; and then a week or ten days amongst the fresh South-east Trade Winds , the deep blue seas of the South Atlantic, with bright sunny skies, and St Helena is reached ; the voyager looking back with pleasure to what has been in reality nothing more than an agreeable yachting trip, instead of the much-dreaded long sea voyage. On landing, the stranger is beset by a whole rabble of dirty boys, each eager to get possession of his order to find him a horse or carriage to visit Napoleon’s tomb, to conduct him to an hotel, or in some way to make something out of him. Horses there are plenty of, and even carriages can be found for a trip to the tomb and back at the moderate charge of two or three pounds.

Our Comment: These days there is no rabble of dirty boys and there are no horses or carriages, but you will find taxi drivers at The Wharf , ready to assist.

If you do come to St Helena, rather than going to (say) Spain, you should not encounter the problems below, all genuinely {13} reported by British tourists to their UK Travel Agents:

They should not allow topless sunbathing on the beach. It was very distracting for my husband who just wanted to relax.

We went on holiday to Spain and had a problem with the taxi drivers as they were all Spanish.

The beach was too sandy. We had to clean everything when we returned to our room.

We found the sand was not like the sand in the brochure. Your brochure shows the sand as white but it was more yellow.

It is lazy of the local shopkeepers to close in the afternoons. I often needed to buy things during ‘siesta’ time. This should be banned.

No-one told us there would be fish in the water. The children were scared.

Although the brochure said that there was a fully equipped kitchen, there was no egg-slicer in the drawers.

I think it should be explained in the brochure that the local convenience store does not sell proper biscuits like custard creams or ginger nuts.

I compared the size of our one-bedroom suite to our friends' three-bedroom and ours was significantly smaller.

We had to line up outside to catch the boat and there was no air-conditioning.

It is your duty as a tour operator to advise us of noisy or unruly guests before we travel.

When we were in Spain, there were too many Spanish people there. The receptionist spoke Spanish, the food was Spanish. No one told us that there would be so many foreigners.

Credits: {a}  Copyright © South Atlantic Media Services Ltd. (SAMS) , used with permission. {b}  Asian Proverb {c}  Presenter Paul Cannon on Points West , the BBC regional news programme for the South West of England, October 1982. {d}  Eliza Fay, Letter, 1817 {11} {e}  African proverb {f}  From ‘St Helena: A Physical, Historical and Topographical Description of the Island {12} ’ {g}   Oswell Blakeston , in his book ‘Isle of St Helena’, 1957 {11} {h}   Tourist Information Office

Footnotes: {1}  Visitors on the Viceroy of India . {2}   Please Note All ‘current’ times on Saint Helena Island Info are calculated from your Device ’s clock, so are only as accurate as you make them… {3}  And also on Ascension Island . {4}  Our recommendation is based on personal experience and/or comments received from visitors. Please Note We receive no reward, financial or otherwise, for recommending these tours. We do so simply because they are, by popular acclaim, the best. {5}  See his tour brochure: [Image, right]

{6}  At least, not in the usual sense. However, some women do choose to avoid certain areas, particularly after dark. These tend to be areas where drunks gather. {7}  Though, for no reason we can explain, the police do permit people to ‘hang around’ on the street just outside a bar. People do this so they can drink and smoke. {8}   Thorpes , Solomons or [email protected] . {9}  Please first read this warning . {10}  The second video dates from 2011 but is completely relevant today. Only the strapline has changed! {11}  @@RepDis@@ {12}  …including the Geology, Fauna, Flora and Meteorology, by John Melliss , published in 1875. {13}  Or so we are told… {14}  In ‘St Helena: A Physical, Historical and Topographical Description of the Island {12} ’.

Ⓘ visitors.htm 9 ProcessForFTP I WOMBAT2018 FB 1.10.064 24.09 1418 97548 sainthelenaisland.info Septiembre

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Saint Helena: Why You Need To Visit This Tiny Island In The Atlantic Ocean

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A small chain of underwater volcanoes lies off the coast of Africa, 1,120 miles due west of Angola in the South Atlantic Ocean. Only one of these volcanoes actually breaks the surface though, and this is the tiny island of Saint Helena. Regularly hidden in cloud and mist, the island was uninhabited and undiscovered until the Portuguese stumbled upon it in 1502. Incredibly they managed to keep this extraordinary place a secret for almost 90 years. In 1659, the British East India Company took possession of the island and began a fortification process that has left the island covered in old cannons and crumbling stone forts. In the years that followed, a parade of now famous and infamous people have found their way to Saint Helena, including astronomer Edmond Halley (of comet fame), Captains Cook and Bligh, naturalist Charles Darwin, as well as numerous exiles, prisoners of war and, of course, probably the island’s most well-known exile, Napoleon.

For more than 500 years, the only way to reach Saint Helena was by sea. In its heyday, more than 1,000 ships a year called in. However, with the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, the island became an isolated and forgotten outpost. Over the last 50 years, only the most intrepid travelers have ventured to her shores. This most isolated of British territories and its people were for years only connected to the outside world by a five-day boat trip from Cape Town . That was until the island’s airport opened, connecting Saint Helena and its population of around 4,000 people with the outside world with twice-weekly flights from South Africa. Nowadays, cruise ships also call in at Saint Helena.

For such a tiny island, there is so much to do — much more than you would expect. My husband and I spent a wonderful week on Saint Helena, doing and seeing everything there was to see and do. Read on for some tips on how best to experience this extraordinary place.

1. Island Tours

We spent our first day on Saint Helena getting orientated, driving the length and breadth of this tiny 77-square-mile island. Deadwood, Longwood, Blue Hill, Man and Horse, Sugar Loaf, Half Tree Hollow, The Gates of Chaos — all places with names sounding straight out of a fairy tale, and perfectly suited to this enchanted island. From the black volcanic sand beach to cloud forests and historic fortifications perched high over churning seas, we saw it all. We lunched in one of the breeding grounds of the so-called wirebird (the Saint Helena Plover), the island’s only surviving endemic bird, and one of the rarest birds in the world. We passed the donkey sanctuary, the golf course, a curious rock called the Bellstone that, when struck, sounds just like an old church bell, ending the day with sundowners at South West Point, we looked down the dramatic coastline and out over water that glistened like liquid silver as the sun sank low in the sky. Driving back to the capital, Jamestown, we watched as sea mist slide over the landscape, enveloping the island in mystery.

For island tours, I can recommend Aaron’s Adventure Tours .

In 1815, Napoleon, after meeting his “Waterloo,” was exiled to Saint Helena. The former French emperor, who had once ruled an empire that stretched across Europe, died six years into his exile on the island and his various residences and tomb (now empty) were on our itinerary. Also on our must-do list was afternoon tea at Plantation House. Built in 1792, Plantation House is home to both the island’s governor and to Jonathon, a Seychelles giant tortoise, who at 185 years old, is simultaneously the island’s oldest resident and probably the world’s oldest land animal. Jonathon has been on the island since 1882, and he, along with a couple of younger and smaller companions, can be visited as they graze the lawns of Plantation House.

3. Whale Sharks

Saint Helena is one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks. Every year between December and March they can be found here. The island may even be the key to whale shark reproduction in the Atlantic, as the whale sharks here congregate in an equal split of adult males and females. This 50/50 mix of adults is incredibly important because the mating behavior of these animals has never been recorded.

We set out one morning to look for whale sharks, bouncing across the water in a boat. We were out of real whale season, and after looking for some time, were starting to lose hope of success. Suddenly, just below us in the water was a gentle giant, the biggest fish in the sea: a whale shark. We quickly got ourselves into the water. We swam beside her for over half an hour. She was immensely inquisitive and seemed as keen to get a good look at us, swimming slowly in our direction as we back paddled out of her way. No underwater experience I’ve ever had can compare to swimming with my first whale shark.

For whale shark tours contact Dive Saint Helena .

4. Scuba Diving And Snorkeling

In addition to whale sharks, several other special creatures are found in the waters around Saint Helena, including humpback whales, turtles, fantastic colorful fish, and resident populations of dolphins.

Balancing on the edge of the dive boat, my husband and I exchanged glances. Neither of us had dived for more than a year, and yet here we were, on a boat, with a bunch of experienced divers who clearly knew what they were doing. I was feeling a little out of my element as we headed out to sea! I needn’t have worried though. The minute I entered the water, I was surrounded by clouds of brilliantly colored fish. Mesmerized, I forgot all my nervousness. It is easy to love diving at Saint Helena. The clear water was a balmy 73 degrees, and the visibility was somewhere around 65 feet. Before I knew it, my tank was almost empty and it was time to clamber back on board the boat. Wrecks, reefs, islands, and caves abound in the waters around Saint Helena, all within a relatively short boat ride of the capital, Jamestown.

Our final morning on Saint Helena, we decided on a last-minute snorkel in Jamestown Harbour, just a stone’s throw from our hotel room. We clambered down slippery stone steps into the water and just feet from the harbor wall, found ourselves swimming through schools of fish that scattered like confetti, revealing below us a shipwreck. In 1911, the SS Papa Nui exploded and sank in only 40 feet of water right in Jamestown Harbour. The ship laid stretched out on the harbor floor below us. A migratory green turtle swam past, burrfish and groups of goatfish appeared, and there were glimpses of anemones and octopus amongst the tangled wreckage.

For expertly run scuba diving and snorkeling, reach out to Sub-Tropic Adventures .

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities on Saint Helena. There are numerous popular trails available around the island’s coastline, giving people the chance to experience Saint Helena’s rugged exterior and capture some of the most magnificent coastal and cliff-edge views.

Hiking through a surreal and barren landscape, we headed to Lot’s Wife’s Ponds, one of Saint Helena’s best-known trails. It’s a strenuous but rewarding hike with breath-taking scenery. We encountered breeding colonies of black-faced boobies and looked down over the brilliant blue waters waiting, enticingly, below. Reaching the last stretch of our hike, we clambered down a length of rope that hung casually over the side of the cliff. Reaching the water, we stripped off for a swim. Waves crashed against a natural stone breakwater, leaving the rock pools calm and undisturbed. Rock formations towered above us and tropical fish surrounded us, nibbling on our toes. Octopus, sea urchins, and starfish nestled amongst the rocks below us.

There are also numerous inland hikes to enjoy on Saint Helena. The severe coastal cliffs give way to ridges and valleys with lush green vegetation. We headed inland to the island’s highest point, Diana’s Peak (2,690 feet). We climbed through the cloud forest, a much easier and cooler walk than our coastal hike, and from the top were rewarded with stunning views across the island, from its green heart to its barren edges and the endless ocean beyond.

Terrific guided hikes and walks are run by MY St Helena Tours .

For a change of pace, we called in at one of the island’s coffee plantations. Coffee, more specifically, the Green-Tipped Bourbon Arabica variety, was first introduced in 1733 from Yemen by the East India Company and is still being cultivated here today, unchanged. We had a guided tour of the plantation and were talked through the process from picking and pulping to hulling and roasting, and ultimately got to drink some for ourselves. Napoleon, after years of isolation and exile, apparently said, “The only thing good about Saint Helena is the coffee,” and whilst my husband, who is a bit of a coffee aficionado, definitely concurred that the coffee was good, we would have to disagree about the “only” part of that statement, as Saint Helena is without a doubt a destination that just keeps on giving.

7. For A Physical Challenge

In 1829, a funicular railway was built to connect Jamestown, up the side of the rather steep Ladder Hill, with Ladder Hill Fort. Just a few steps from our hotel and past the oldest Anglican Church in the Southern Hemisphere are the 699 steps that are all that remains of this railway. The angle of ascent is a taxing 40 degrees, and before breakfast each morning I challenged myself to the climb. I gave it my best shot, but never managed to get near the record ascent time, currently standing at an impressive 5 minutes and 16 seconds! Having only managed to convince my husband to join me a couple of mornings, most days I reached the top of the ladder and looked down over what is regarded as the best-preserved Georgian town in the world, knowing that he was still tucked up in bed, awaiting bacon and eggs!

Saint Helena is a tiny, wonderful island, a volcanic peak jutting out of the South Atlantic, quite literally in the middle of nowhere. A welcoming island, where people wave, say hello, and have time to chat. A place with something for everyone, from history to hiking, birding to boat trips, diving, snorkeling, whale sharks, and more.

• Getting There : The only airline offering flights to Saint Helena is Airlink
• When To Go : Saint Helena is a year-round destination, but whale shark season is December to April
• Language: English
• Climate: Warm to hot
• Currency: British Pound
• Medical Insurance: Compulsory, proof must be shown on arrival
• Vaccinations: There are no vaccination requirements
• Travel insurance: Essential
• Note: There are no ATMs on the island and credit cards are not accepted in most places beyond the Mantis Hotel (which takes all major credit cards)
• Where To Stay: Mantis St Helena

For more bucket-list trip inspiration, consider:

• 18 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Visiting Madagascar
• 8 Fantastic Islands To Experience In The Indian Ocean
• 10 Best Experiences On The Canary Islands
• 8 Reasons To Visit The Azores Region In Portugal
• Swimming With Manta Rays In Hawaii: 8 Things To Know
• I Finally Checked Tanzania Off My Bucket List And It Was Worth The Wait

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

How to spend seven days exploring the nature-filled island of St Helena

​Moments of seclusion, vast stretches of lush landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else on the planet all go hand in hand in St Helena. Here’s how to spend a week making the most of this South Atlantic island.

An emerald fleck floating in the blue orbit of the South Atlantic Ocean, St Helena is one of the most isolated islands on Earth and serves up an unmatchable mix of raw nature and a laidback dose of old-style Britannia. Finally unlocked after the pandemic, the British Territory offers that rare thing: a chance to remember the sweet silence of life without the tring of mobile phones and glare of white screens. A place where keys are left in car ignitions, the dramas of rolling 24/7 news seem a world away and people still greet each other in the street. A place where days can be spent tracing rugged walking trails, meeting the world’s oldest living land creature and snorkelling with leviathans. A stress-free escape where even the locals — the descendants of settlers, soldiers and slaves — are nicknamed ‘Saints.’ Come to unplug and reconnect with wildlife found nowhere else on the planet.

Day one-two: hiking and walking

Criss-crossing the island’s mist-laced peaks and fields of swaying flax are 11 footpaths and 21 Post Box Walks, each of which concludes with a box containing a collectable ink stamp that visitors like to mark in small notebooks. Distances range from a gentle one-mile stroll to a 3.5-hour, seven-mile hike. Favourites include ascending though the cloud forest to Diana’s Peak, St Helena’s highest point, or the challenging trek out to The Barn, a volcanic bluff. Other unmissables are the Heart-Shaped Waterfall, Longwood’s rainbow-hued hills and the phallic wind-hewn pinnacle known saucily as Lot’s Wife. Alternatively, pit your calves and lungs against Jacob’s Ladder, a flight of 699 steps — nicknamed after the biblical stairway to heaven — scaling the western slope of Jamestown’s deep valley and all that remains of a cable railway built in the 1800s.

Day three: endemic wildlife

Ever since St Helena erupted from the sea some 13 million years ago, it’s been totally isolated and as such is home to more than 500 species found nowhere else on Earth. Peel back ferns and study black cabbage trees on Diana’s Peak to spot blushing snails and golden sails — one of 22 endemic types of spider. Spy the long-limbed endangered St Helena plover, or wirebird — the island’s only surviving endemic land bird — emerging from burrows amid the dry pastures of Deadwood Plain, and meet the world’s oldest living land animal, Jonathan, a 190-year-old Seychelles giant tortoise who’s grazed the grounds surrounding Plantation House, the governor’s residence, since 1882.

Day four: culture and cuisine  

Here, friendliness is a vital part of island life. Drivers wave to every car that passes and islanders send messages to each other via Saint FM. Their seclusion brings quirks, too. Stroll down Jamestown’s high street and you’ll hear musical ‘Saint speak,’ a South Atlantic English patois where locals don’t ask ‘How are you?’ but rather ‘Wa now you awrigh?’ Isolation has inspired invention. When food imports are delayed, Saints have learned to rustle up unique local delicacies. Try the beloved bread and dance, tomato-paste sandwich, and comforting plo, a one-pot curried meat, vegetable and rice dish. Locals also grow and brew the world’s most remote coffee — keep an eye out for the Midnight Mist Coffee Liqueur, made with beans grown on the island.  

Day five: Napoleon  

Trace the final years of St Helena’s most infamous resident: French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Exiled here in 1815 by the British government following his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon spent his days under house arrest inside elegant Longwood House, in the eastern inlands, until he drew his last breath in 1821. Rumour has it his demise was hastened by the house’s arsenic-laced green wallpaper. Afterwards, a farmer used the emperor’s bedroom to house sheep, but the property was sold back to the French government in 1858 and subsequently restored. Visit the gardens he designed, the billiards table he spread maps on and his canopy-cloaked bedroom. Nearby, stands his modest iron railing-guarded tomb.

Day six: underwater adventures

Book with either Dive Saint Helena or Sub-Tropic Adventure s and submerge yourself in the fecund waters surrounding the island. St Helena’s volcanic base pushes up a lifeline of nutrients from the deep, attracting a riot of marine life. Between June and December, migratory humpback whales pass through, pausing to calve in July. Visitors also include bottlenose, pantropical spotted and rough-toothed dolphins as well as green and hawksbill turtles, while the rocky, wreck-strewn reefs shelter 10 species of endemic fish, including the bastard fivefinger and St Helena dragonet.

Day seven: Dark Skies

Come nightfall, lay beneath St Helena’s incredibly sparkly skies. More than 1,000 miles from the nearest major landmass and with a total of just 4,400 inhabitants, there’s virtually zero light pollution and the island’s location near the Equator means constellations belonging to both the northern and southern hemispheres, such as the Plough and the Southern Cross, can be seen. St Helena is in the process of applying for International Dark-Sky Association status and early measurements suggest the island’s night skies are significantly darker than Sark, the first island in the world to be accredited.

For more information, visit sthelenatourism.com

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Our full travel guide to the island of St Helena

From what to eat to where to stay and cultural experiences to how to get around, here’s our guide to the Atlantic isle of St Helena…

How to get to St Helena and around

How to get to St Helena and around (Shutterstock)

Please note, due to the coronavirus pandemic, commercial flights are not currently operating to St Helena. You can stay up to date with the latest travel restrictions in St Helena here. Once travel restrictions have been lifted, to get to St Helena you will need to fly via Johannesburg, where Airlink operates a flight to St Helena every Saturday. Additional mid-week flights operate seasonally from Cape Town between November and February. Please note, due to the coronavirus pandemic, commercial flights are not currently operating to St Helena.

Hiring a car is the best way to get around St Helena. Traffic drives on the left hand side and visitors can use an overseas driving licence for up to three months. It’s highly recommended you book a hire car in advance. Taxis are another option and good value.

The best time of year to go to St Helena

When to go to St Helena (Shutterstock)

Despite St Helena lying within the tropics, the south-east trade winds make the island’s weather mild and often unpredictable. Temperatures can vary across the island; Jamestown can experience temperatures from 14°C to 32°C, while the forested, mountainous interior can witness the mercury flicker between 8°C and 26°C. As a rule of thumb, St Helena’s hottest months are from January to March and its wettest from late March to early May.

Top three must-sees in St Helena

1. jonathon the tortoise.

At 189 years old, Jonathan the giant tortoise is St Helena’s oldest resident by far and the oldest known living reptile in the world. He can be found patrolling the manicured lawns of Plantation House, the residence of the island’s governor. A tour of the mansion and its grounds will afford you the chance to get up close and personal with this ancient and iconic beast.

Heart-shaped waterfall (St Helena Tourist Board)

3. Wander Georgian Jamestown

St Helena’s capital and the only ‘true’ town on the island, Jamestown was founded in 1659 by the English East India Company. Named after James II (who was the Duke of York at the time), many of the original buildings are still standing today – all were constructed from the local volcanic rock which dramatically wedges the town in a deep valley. A stroll along Main Street, described by many as one of the best examples of unspoilt Georgian architecture anywhere in the world, is like spending time in an open-air museum; its pièce de résistance is St. James’ Church, built in 1774 and the oldest Anglican church in the southern hemisphere.

Meet St Helena’s oldest resident (St Helena Tourist Board)

2. Heart-shaped Waterfall

St Helena’s rugged terrain makes it ideal for hiking and there are 21 marked Post Box walks veining the island. One of them, the closest to the capital Jamestown, is a 1.5km route to Drummond’s Point, where you can witness a 90m-high cascade tumbling down a heart-shaped rock face. Unsurprisingly considering its incredible shape, it’s also labelled as one of St Helena’s seven wonders.

Wander the streets of Jamestown (Shutterstock)

How to get a culture fix in St Helena

1.witness napoleonic history.

It might be 200 years since the death of St Helena’s most famous resident, but Napoleon Bonaparte’s legacy can still be keenly felt across the island. A trio of sites can be visited today, starting with Briars, a small pavilion in a lush rose-flecked valley where he spent his first few weeks on the island. Located in the island’s emerald highlands, Longwood House was where Napoleon spent the majority of his time in St Helena and much of the furniture that remains – including his own bed – date back to Napoleon’s lifetime. After his death, he was buried in the tranquil Sane Valley, where his tomb remains to this day. Even though it has long been exhumed (his body was taken back to France), both his tomb and Longwood House are moving places to visit.

Visit the Museum of St Helena (St Helena Tourist Board)

Longwood House, where Napoleon spent his time in St Helena (Shutterstock)

2. Visit the Museum of St Helena

Charting St Helena’s history from when the first Portuguese vessels landed on its rocky shores in the 1500s, the island’s museum paints a comprehensive picture of its past. Prepare to be surprised by the breadth of things on show, from exhibits charting the island’s many shipwrecks to a model of the more successful vessel RMS St Helena, a Royal Mail ship which was the only way to reach the island prior to its airport opening in 2017. Learn about St Helena’s Boer War history, numerous royal visits and even when termites, accidentally brought to the island aboard a Brazilian ship, forced many of the island’s buildings to be rebuilt in the 19 th century after they wreaked havoc among their timber structures.

3. Party like a saint

St Helena may be a British overseas territory, but on Carnival day it’s more like being in Rio de Janeiro. Held every two years (typically during October), the sleepy capital of Jamestown is transformed into a giant, vibrant party where the main street is filled with colourful and elaborate floats and locals (known as Saints) follow alongside dressed in their most flamboyant costumes. As well as being caught up in the festivities, the Carnival gives you a chance to try the staple cuisine, with steaming food like plo (a one-pot curried rice dish) and a Saint Curry served from streetside stalls.

Attend St Helena’s Carnival in October (St Helena Tourist Board)

How to have an adventure in St Helena

1. hike up diana’s peak.

The highest point in St Helena, Diana’s Peak (823m) is well worth hiking up just for the panoramic island views it affords at its summit. A 3.8km-long trail, one of the island’s Post Box Walks, is your route to the top and as you ascend you’ll pass over 60 endemic species of flora and myriad invertebrates, including the pink blushing snails which can be spotted in the black cabbage trees. However, Diana’s Peak isn’t alone: along with Mount Actaeon and Cuckold’s Point it’s one of three pinnacles that are all part of the same mountain range and you’ll top all three on the walk. Make sure you pause at each one to soak up the 360-degree vista over St Helena’s entirety.

Climb Jacob’s Ladder

3. Swim with whale sharks

St Helena’s historic relationship with the ocean has more readily been associated with the shipwrecks which have sunk close to its shores. Nowadays, the island’s coastline is better known for its rich marine life and encounters with whale sharks are one of the most memorable experiences you can have in its waters. These gentle giants visit St Helena between December and March every year and it’s the only known place in the world where both males and females arrive in equal numbers – ostensibly to mate. Over 30 different whale sharks have been spotted in a single day and a whale shark safari with a local tour operator is your ticket to a nose-to-fin swim with these beautiful beasts.

Climb Diana’s Peak (Shutterstock)

2. Climb Jacob’s Ladder

The 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder are all that’s left of a 19 th -century cable railway which once connected Jamestown with Half Tree Hollow but the steep staircase that remains has arguably become St Helena’s most iconic landmark. It certainly looks forbidding from the bottom but the lung-burning climb is certainly worth it for the epic panoramas at the top; the steps may not take you to heaven like its biblical namesake but the natural drama that awaits is just as good. Remember to buy a certificate commemorating your feat in the Museum of St Helena at the foot of the 180m-high stairway.

Swim with whale sharks (St Helena Tourist Board)

How to get a taste of local life in St Helena

1. go on a coffee plantation tour.

The East India Company first brought green-tipped Bourbon Arabica coffee seeds over from Yemen to St Helena in 1733. Ever since, it has spawned a love affair with coffee that has led to St Helena producing one of the most expensive and exclusive cuppas anywhere in the world; in the UK, it can only be bought from Harrods. Join a tour of one of the many coffee plantations which dot the island to discover why a cup of St Helena’s finest was Napoleon’s most beloved brew.

Visit the distillery to try the rum (St Helena Tourist Board)

3. Catch a fish

Being an island, it’s not surprising that fishing is one of the locals’ favourite pastimes. From groupers to wahoos and dorados, there are plenty of species to catch on a fishing trip either from boats or the coastline. Even though Saints have a particular weakness for tuna, they were wise enough to protect its future by also introducing a special fishing zone in 2017 where tuna can only be caught one fish at a time. After your fishing trip, make sure to try the island’s celebrated fishcakes, made from the same tuna you’ve been catching hours earlier.

Go on a coffee plantation tour (Shutterstock)

2. Discover the spirit of St Helena

Established in 2006 by Welsh distiller Paul Hickling, the St Helena Distillery is more than just the world’s most remote distillery – a visit here is to get a taste of the island itself. Its most well-known – and best-loved by the locals – product is the White Lion spiced rum, named after St Helena’s most famous shipwreck, a Dutch East India Company vessel which sunk in the 17 th century. Paul’s other creations are all inspired by produce found on the island: Tungi is a spirit made from wild prickly pears, Jamestown Gin from the rare Bermuda juniper and his Midnight Mist coffee liqueur is born out of St Helena’s plantations.

Go fishing in St Helena (St Helena Tourist Board)

Where to stay in St Helena

Harkate guest house.

Nestled within leafy countryside, Harkate Guest House has two modern self-catering apartments overlooking woodland, cows grazing in meadows and the historic High Knoll Fort, while Napoleon’s Tomb is only a short walk away.

Richards Travel Lodge

A comfortable and contemporary bed and breakfast found in the heart of Jamestown, it’s all about the personal touch at Richards Travel Lodge. A good night’s sleep is guaranteed, but owners Derek and Linda go the extra mile; you can enjoy exploring the island that little bit more if you have a homemade packed lunch in your bag or will have a tasty meal awaiting you in the evening on your return.

Feeling inspired?

To discover more about St Helena, visit St Helena Tourism . You can book your next great adventure here.

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One of the World’s Most Remote Islands Is Now Easier Than Ever to Explore

200 years ago, isolated st. helena was selected as napoleon’s place of exile. now, a new airport has opened up this secluded spot, and visitors are flocking to the relaxing island. you’ll probably want to visit soon—here’s what to expect..

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Before 2015, the only way to reach St. Helena was by boat.

Photo by David Stanley/Flickr

By sea, it takes five long days to reach the rugged coast of tiny St. Helena. Until the first aircraft landed on the island in 2015, traveling by boat was the only way to reach this remote place, which is about 2,000 miles northwest of South Africa. The quaint British Overseas Territory is best-known as the place where Napoleon was exiled, so those few willing to board a British Royal Mail ship to make the journey were mainly intrepid history buffs.

But “Saints” (as the locals call it) is more than just a relic of the past. In October 2017, the St. Helena Airport opened to commercial flights , reducing the trip to a mere six-hour flight from Johannesburg. Suddenly, this less-traveled tropical island, home to around 4,500 people, is set to welcome an estimated 30,000 visitors per year . (According to government estimates , there was a 50 percent increase in arrivals on the island between October 2017 and February 2018, compared to the numbers during the same months of the previous year.)

There’s currently only one flight to and from the island each week, arriving and leaving every Saturday, so travelers have at least seven days to explore. (However, the government recently announced a new flight on Tuesdays starting December 2018.) Because the tourism industry is just starting to ramp up, visiting with a tour outfitter is still the best way to find local experiences on the island. (Or, make it a two-for-one trip; many companies, like Cox & Kings , offer St. Helena extensions to South African safaris.) St. Helena enjoys a subtropical climate, so the best time to visit is during its summer, from November to March.

Napoleon lived at Longwood House during his time of exile.

Photo by Paul Tyson/St. Helena Tourism

What to See By far, the most popular attraction on the island is Napoleon’s old residence, the Longwood House . Wander through his home—now a museum owned by the French government—viewing some of his furniture, including the bed where he died, then head to the lonely Sane Valley for a stop at Napoleon’s Tomb , the infamous emperor’s original burial site. (His remains were later moved to a crypt under the dome of Les Invalides in Paris.)

The waters around St. Helena are teeming with wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins and whale sharks. Book a tour with Into the Blue or Sub-Tropic Adventures to snorkel with endemic fish, dive with green turtles, swim with whale sharks (from December to March), or watch hundreds of dolphins swim alongside your boat.

Nature lovers can traverse parts of the volcanic coastline and the verdant interior landscapes on 21 “postbox walks”; at the end of each trail is a postbox containing a comment book and a pile of collectible souvenir stamps—leave a comment, take a stamp. The most famous of these walks scales the 699 concrete steps up Jacob’s Ladder , a 600-foot incline overlooking the Georgian buildings of Jamestown and the Atlantic Ocean.

The hike up to Diana’s Peak , the highest point on the island, is a particularly stunning two- to three-hour round-trip trek. St. Helena is home to hundreds of endemic species of flora and fauna, many of which only exist here, so keep your eyes peeled along the way. At the summit, take in the panoramic view, which includes two of the island’s other mountains, Mount Actaeon and Cockhold’s Point.

Taste coffee made with some of the world’s most coveted coffee beans at the St. Helena Coffee Shop.

Photo by Robyn Sim/St. Helena Tourism

Where to Eat and Drink St. Helena Coffee Shop Coffee connoisseurs probably already know that St. Helena produces some of the rarest and most expensive coffee beans in the world. (It retails for around $160 per pound .) The local strain, the Green Tipped Bourbon arabica bean, was originally brought from Yemen by the East India Company in 1732. It’s been cultivated here ever since. At St. Helena Coffee Shop, you can get a cup of the complex, delicate brew, which has notes of chocolate and citrus, for just a few St. Helena pounds (US$1 equals about SHP0.74) when you order your full English breakfast.

Anne’s Place The quirky, flag-covered decor of this local favorite is as diverse as the island itself. Located just off Main Street in the peaceful Jamestown Castle Gardens, Anne’s Place is a family-run restaurant, like most businesses on St. Helena. Order the island’s most popular dish, St. Helena fish cakes, which are made with tuna, potatoes, and herbs.

Rosie’s Bar and Restaurant This new restaurant at the top of Ladder Hill offers sweeping views of the ocean. Sip a cocktail on the second-floor veranda, then head to the downstairs restaurant to sample an eclectic menu of freshly caught fish, pastas, burgers, and Asian-inspired dishes.

Here is your #firstlook at the new #MantisStHelena, a luxury boutique hotel on the island of #StHelena. We look so forward to welcoming our first guests on the inaugural flight today with @fly_airlink __________________________________________ A post shared by Mantis St Helena (@mantissthelena) on Oct 14, 2017 at 4:35am PDT

Where to Stay

Mantis Hotel The island’s only four-star boutique hotel opened in the heart of Jamestown last year. Built in 1774 as officers’ barracks for the East India Company, the historic brick-and-mud structure has been completely renovated. The original buildings now house three heritage rooms and five heritage suites, and a new addition contains 22 contemporary rooms.

Farm Lodge Country House Like most buildings on St. Helena, Stephen Biggs and Maureen Jonas’s peaceful garden retreat was designed in the classic Georgian style. Located outside of Jamestown, the five-room Farm Lodge Country House may be reminiscent of your grandmother’s home, but that’s part of the charm. There are no TVs and limited Wi-Fi, so unplug and wander the property’s 10 acres, which include a coffee plantation. You can even take a tour to see some of those famous beans up close; it’s one of the few plantations on the island open for tours on request.

Bertrand’s Cottage Napoleon’s aide and close friend General Bertrand stayed at this cozy guest cottage, which is within walking distance of Longwood House, during the emperor’s exile on the island. It has since been renovated and turned into a bed-and-breakfast with three rooms, a popular restaurant, and excellent views of St. Helena’s rolling hills and abundant greenery.

>>Next: Where the Whale Sharks Are: 9 Places to Spot the Gentle Giants This Summer

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Top 16 things to do on st helena.

What not to miss on this remote Atlantic island, from Napoleon to whale sharks

14 Mar 2019

24 jan 2022.

A visit to St Helena is all about exploring the past, enjoying the great outdoors and meeting the wildlife. You might be stuck out on a remote island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, but there's plenty to do here so you'll easily fill a week. The best way to get around is either by hiring a car, or taking a tour, both of which are readily available on the island. With a 4WD tour you'll be able to reach areas of the island inaccessible to a standard hire car, so it's worth considering this option if you want to get even more off the beaten track.

There are several fun and unusual things to do on St Helena island , and here are our favourites...

1. Napoleon on St Helena

Napoleon Bonaparte was once St Helena's most famous resident, and despite having been dead for nearly 200 years, it seems he still is. He was exiled here in 1815 after being defeated at the Battle of Waterloo, and spent his final years living at Longwood House , where he died in 1821 (either from stomach cancer, or poisoning from arsenic-laced wallpaper, depending on who you believe!). Longwood House was previously a storage barn, and a summer residence for the Governor, before being converted for use by Napoleon. After his death, the house was rented to a farmer who used it to store machinery and animals (Napoleon's bedroom had become a stable!). In 1858 Longwood was sold to the French who have restored the property and continue to own it today. You can visit the museum and tour the house.

Don't forget to stop at the site of Napoleon's Tomb in the nearby Sane Valley. He was initially buried here for 19 years before being allowed a final resting place back in Paris. The tomb remained nameless since the British authorities and Napoleon's representatives couldn't agree on what to write! Today it's a very peaceful spot to contemplate life, and try and imagine Napoleon himself walking here, seeing the same things you are.

You can also visit Briar's Pavilion , where Napoleon spent the first two months of his exile after arriving on the island, whilst Longwood was being made ready.

2. Dolphin and Whale Watching

Dolphins and whales are a common sight around St Helena and can often be spotted from land, between June and December. Pantropical spotted dolphins as well as bottlenose dolphins sometimes appear in huge pods several hundred strong, which is quite a sight! To get a better view, take a boat trip and see them a lot closer. St Helena is also one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks, and it's even possible to snorkel with them between January and March. Keep an eye out for turtles and rays too, as well as plenty of endemic marine life that enjoys the waters around St Helena.

3. Diving and Snorkelling

The waters around St Helena are clear, warm and teeming with colourful marine life, and there are numerous reefs, caves and 8 wrecks to explore. Diving here is amongst the best in the world, and there's something for everyone, whether you're a beginner or an expert. It can be enjoyed all year round but the best time for visibility is between December and May, which coincides with the peak season for whale shark sightings.

4. Plantation House and Jonathan the Tortoise

One of the most popular things to do on St Helena is visit Plantation House, home of the Governor of St Helena, as well as a rather famous tortoise. Tours of the house and grounds take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am, and it's fascinating to see what life was like here in times gone by. Apparently the chandelier in the dining room was originally used by Napoleon at Longwood House and was brought here to Plantation House after his death.

The grounds are interesting to explore too, and there are several walks to try ranging from 1km to 3km. Keep your eyes out for the 'Ladies' Bath' (a natural spring) which was constructed by the East India Company for use by ladies staying at the house, as well as the aptly named 'Big Rock Viewpoint'. There are also a couple of graves belonging to a butcher and his wife (you can tell by the meat cleaver on the headstone). If local lore is to be believed, the butcher killed his wife, and now the grave site is of course haunted. Many locals think that the house itself is haunted too and don't like visiting at night.

And then there's Jonathan, who at around 187 years old, is the oldest inhabitant on the island, and could even be the oldest living land animal in the world. You can see him and his pals trundling around the grounds, and take your photos from the specially designed viewing area. Read more about Jonathan here .

5. Old fortifications at Sandy Bay

The name 'Sandy Bay' is a bit misleading. It is indeed a bay, but don't expect a nice sandy beach. The landscape is dramatic and the shore is rocky, but people often come here for a picnic and to explore the remains of fortifications that were constructed to ward off any attempts to rescue Napoleon. Keep an eye out for rusting canons, and St Helena's lime kiln!

6. High Knoll Fort

St Helena's history is about so much more than just Napoleon. One site of significance is High Knoll Fort, which was built in case of an invasion. The original citadel dates from 1798, although the present fort was constructed in 1874. Perhaps the best part about a visit to the fort is the views.

7. Hiking on St Helena

Hiking on St Helena is fabulous, and there are a lot of trails all over the island to choose from, taking in an incredible variety of terrain, from eucalyptus forests and acacia woodlands, to sea cliffs and ancient deserts. It's really the best way to explore. Some routes are rugged, steep and difficult whilst rewarding those who accept the challenge with dramatic scenery and stunning views. Other paths are less arduous but equally enjoyable, taking you through gentle countryside and along green valleys.

Particularly worthy of a mention is Diana's Peak National Park , which is famous for its exotic plants, the endemic 'blushing' snail, and some of the best views on the island. The peak itself is the highest point on St Helena at 823 metres, and from here you can see for miles.

You can buy route maps from the post office in Jamestown.

8. Post Box Walks

Similar to 'letterboxing' in the UK, St Helena has 21 'Post Box Walks' where hikers visit certain points along island trails and collect stamps as souvenirs, whilst also leaving an entry in the log books. The paths take in some of the most remote and untouched scenery on the island so it's a fun way to explore. Each trail has a difficulty rating from 1-10 so do a bit of research first to ensure you choose the right one for you. Some of them are quite challenging, and it's recommended that you hire a guide for any trail ranked level 5 or above.

9. Jamestown

There's plenty to do in Jamestown, which is likely to be where you'll be staying, for at least part of your St Helena holiday. Check out St Paul's Cathedral , which was built in 1851, and the adjoining graveyard which is the final resting place of numerous Governors, Bishops and military members from the last few hundred years. Take a stroll around Castle Gardens near the centre of town. They once belonged to the East India Company, and today are home to colourful endemic plants and flowers, as well as a fish pond. It's a tranquil and relaxing place to have a picnic and a break from all the sightseeing. The castle itself is the seat of the Government on St Helena, and doesn't really look much like a castle. It's open to the public during the day, but you can only venture as far as the foyer (unless you happen to be an important visiting dignitary).

The museum of St Helena is well worth a visit to help you understand more about the history of St Helena and its inhabitants, and has exhibitions on local crafts, maritime history and the role the East India Company played on the island. The building itself is interesting, and dates back to the 18th century. Apparently the first ever exhibits included a sea serpent and a flying lizard! You'll find the museum at the bottom of Jacob's Ladder so it makes sense to combine the two.

10. Jacob's Ladder

One of the best things to do in Jamestown is climb the almost vertical 699 steps up Jacob's Ladder for superb views of the lower town and sea beyond. The incline was built in 1829 as a way of hauling manure up from the town, and to send goods back down. Today it's top of the list for many tourists visiting St Helena, and you can even buy a souvenir certificate from the museum shop as a memento!

It's not a good idea for those who suffer from vertigo, but don't worry, you can drive up in half the time and enjoy the same views without working up a sweat! If you have braved the climb, it's best to ask someone to pick you up at the top so you don't have to walk down again.

11. St Helena Distillery

Fancy visiting the most remote distillery in the world? It's right here on St Helena in Jamestown, and produces the famous Tungi Prickly Pear Spirit, as well as White Lion Rum, Juniper Gin and the gloriously-named Midnight Mist Coffee Liqueur. Tours and tastings cost £5 per person.

12. Halley's Observatory

The famous Astronomer Edmund Halley (of comet fame!) visited St Helena in 1673 to study the celestial skies of the southern hemisphere. The location of his observatory offers superb views over the south-eastern side of St Helena, including of Longwood, and there's a sheltered area to star gaze in some of the least light-polluted skies you'll ever come across.

13. Waterfalls

If you're into waterfalls, then make sure you visit the heart-shaped cascade at the end of James Valley, a short walk from Jamestown. You can access it along a hiking trail that starts at Drummond's Point and meanders through wild mango and island scrubland to the base of the falls. There's a boardwalk leading to the viewing platform by the plunge pool. Just bear in mind that the waterfall flows during winter and spring (April - October), and is often dry during the summer (November - March).

14. The remotest golf course in the world?

Not far from Longwood House, there's a 9 hole golf course (you go round twice!), where you can put your skills to the test and enjoy a bit of banter with the other players. The course isn't exactly up to international standards, with volcanic earth, public roads and grazing goats to content with, but that just makes it all the more fun! The course is open to anyone and you can borrow clubs there rather than bringing your own.

15. Deadwood Plain

Deadwood Plain is the site of a Boer prisoner of war camp and cemetery, and an important part of the island's history. 6,000 prisoners from the Second Boer War were held here, with most living in tents with trees planted between them to act as wind shields (you can still see some of these trees today). This is also a good place for spotting the wirebird, the only endemic bird left on St Helena.

16. Endemic Bird Watching

There are many unique species on St Helena, including the endemic ground-nesting wirebird (known for its thin, wiry legs) which has become the unofficial national bird of the island, featuring on its flag and coat of arms. Most typically wirebirds are found on Prosperous Bay Plain, Deadwood Plain and Broad Bottom.

Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit St Helena .

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas , our favourite family safaris , our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions .

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Experience Heavenly St. Helena

Dine Like a Deity,

Sip Like a Saint

It’s time to leave the world behind and spend a few days in paradise.

Escape to St. Helena — a slice of the Napa Valley that delivers a taste of heaven on earth. Otherwordly wine. Decadent meals fit for the gods. Luxurious accommodations with celestial thread counts. It’s a transcendent experience that lies up a vineyard-lined Napa Valley road.

Sip wine like a saint. Dip in wine country pools like a diva. Adventure like the almighty. Dine and shop to your heart’s content. Embrace a heavenly state of relaxation and indulgence in St. Helena. White robes, the cloud-like comforts of luxurious hospitality, and divine dining await. Come experience the sublime in St. Helena.

Destination Offerings

Hospitality

Luxurious hospitality is what St. Helena is known for. Experience the opulence of a St. Helena stay at one of our world-class resorts.

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The Perfect St. Helena Getaway Weekend

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Want to keep exploring.

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• The Canister, Jamestown, St Helena

Where   to Stay

St Helena offers a range of accommodation option types, from Hotels and Guest houses to bed & breakfast and self-catering accommodation. 

Booking of accommodation is required in advance before making your journey to St Helena.

you can book your accommodation directly with the owner, Property Finder , Travel St Helena a Destination Management Company, or via an International Tour Operator .

SELF-CATERING PROPERTIES

BED & Breakfast

Hotels and guest houses