Saint Martin (island): beaches, hotels, airport and tourist reviews. Saint Martin Island: description, history, attractions and interesting facts Universal Postal Union, WFU
For tourists
The friendliness of the Dutch and French, as well as the carefree atmosphere that reigns on Saint Martin, contributed to the symbiosis of cuisine, architecture and philosophy of the islanders. The life of the island is filled with harmony, and the borders between these two neighboring states are rather arbitrary. The French influence on Saint-Martin mostly relates to cultural heritage, but the Dutch side takes an active part in popularizing the island, which is why many resorts are located on its territory and gambling is allowed.
Both capitals (Marigot and Philipsburg) are home to a variety of fine restaurants, fashionable shops and a variety of entertainment venues, so you won't get bored here. In addition, guests of the island have a large number of magnificent beaches with white sand, which are perfect for relaxation and active entertainment.
Climate and weather
The island has a tropical climate, so the weather here is dry and very warm all year round. In the summer season, daytime air temperatures fluctuate between +27...+32 °C, and in winter they almost never fall below +24...+25 °C. The average annual rainfall on the island is around 1000–1150 mm. The rainiest months are September and November, and the driest months are February, March and April.
The most favorable time to travel to Saint Martin is from mid-December to April.
Nature
The island of Saint Martin is located in the Caribbean Sea and is part of the Lesser Antilles. Saint Martin is the peak of an ancient underwater volcano, which has a rounded shape. Its coastline is framed by a series of small coral reefs with shallow lagoons.
In general, the topography of Saint Martin is hilly, its highest point being the Peak Paradise mountain.
The island's landscapes are predominantly green, but the soils are dry: palm trees, cacti and hibiscus make up most of the local flora. Although there are several small forests in the central regions. Also on Saint Martin there are more than 30 snow-white beaches with clear water.
The fauna of the island is quite poor and is represented mainly by birds and lizards, as well as wild domestic animals.
Attractions
Despite the fact that Saint Martin is under the control of two different states, their borders are conditional, so tourists can freely explore all the sights of the island.
The only city on the Dutch part of the island is Philipsburg, whose buildings are recognized as classic examples of early colonial architecture.
These are mainly buildings with red and white facades and steep tiled roofs. The city's main attractions include the Queen Wilhelmina Monument, nine small churches and Watney Square. No less interesting are Fort Willem and Fort Amsterdam.
It is also worth visiting the Saint-Martin Museum, which houses ancient finds and a collection of objects from the sunken frigate Proselyte.
Well, the main source of pride for the residents of Philipsburg is the Botanical Garden and a small but very beautiful zoo.
Outside the city you can also find noteworthy places and objects. Highlights include the Cole Bay Hill Lookout Tower and the stunning Dawn Beach.
The French part of the island is less noisy, and its capital, the city of Marigot, is a true example of elegant style. The most popular place in the city is Republic Street with charming buildings that create a romantic atmosphere.
The main historical monument of Marigot is an ancient fortress called Fort Louis, from the walls of which a stunning view of the coast opens.
Among other interesting sites, the most popular are the Saint-Martin Museum of History and Culture, the Rue de la Liberté courthouse, the Lulu Gallery and the cultural and historical museum "In the Footsteps of the Arawaks".
Well, in the vicinity of the city you should definitely see the remains of the sugar plantation La Sucrerier and the picturesque Paradise Peak, as well as visit the typical Creole village of Colombier, the gastronomic capital of the island of Grand Case, the small forest reserve of Loterie Farm and the amazing Butterfly Farm.
Despite the fact that the island is shared by two states, they have one common attraction that symbolizes their peaceful coexistence. It is a Border Monument, which is installed on the top of the small Mount Concordia.
Kitchen
The cuisine of Saint Martin is as interesting as the island itself. It is based on a mixture of European, Creole and Caribbean traditions, and its basis is the seafood that abounds in the surrounding waters. Thus, the most popular and common dishes here are prepared from lobsters, shrimp, lobsters, various shells, sea fish and algae. The most interesting treats of local culinary specialists are charcoal-grilled snapper, boiled shrimp with herbs, fish-coconut soup sopi-di-piska, fish balls croqueshi, wine soup sopi-di-binja and whole fried wahoo.
Among the meat dishes, the most common are pasteshis pies, cabrito-stoba stewed lamb, ayacas meatloaf, cactus and hobi-duchi fish soup, and spicy steak with lemon. Well, the side dishes most often offered are fresh vegetables, green beans, boiled rice and a variety of sauces.
Local desserts are also interesting, such as johnny cakes, pan batis, potato pudding pudin di potato, caramel quesio and cocada lollipops. Wash down all these treats with tea and freshly squeezed juices. Speaking of alcohol, all types of local and imported drinks are available here. The island also produces first-class beers such as Heineken, Balashi and Amstel. However, the main local drink is Guavaberry liqueur, which is made from Caribbean rum, sugar and rare berries that ripen only in August.
Oddly enough, the best restaurants on the island are not in Marigot or Philipsburg, but in the small town of Grand Case, which is recognized as the gastronomic capital of St. Maarten. This is where the best restaurants in Saint Martin are located, offering exquisite French cuisine and the best French wines.
Hotels
The choice of hotels in Saint Martin is simply huge, but during the high season (from December to April) rooms should be booked in advance, as otherwise you may have problems finding accommodation. Also, at the height of the season, one should not be surprised at the rather high prices, since this place is a popular international resort.
Almost all hotels in Saint Martin can boast of impeccable quality of service and excellent living conditions. Moreover, the most luxurious establishments are located not in cities, but outside them on the coast. Such hotels are large complexes with swimming pools, restaurants, spas, etc.
If you wish, you can not check into a hotel, but rent an apartment in one of the capitals (from $1,200 per week) or a villa on the coast (from $3,500 per week).
Entertainment and relaxation
First of all, guests of Saint Martin are offered a stunning selection of active entertainment: windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, diving, boat and sailboat trips, jungle safaris, fishing, horse riding, tennis, golf, picnics in nature or just relaxing on the beach.
The island’s “party” life is also very diverse, as nightclubs and bars begin their lives here closer to night, and there are also casinos on Dutch territory. Moreover, local clubs are so diverse that you can even hear such styles as merengue, jazz and zouk, and in the best restaurants you can hear classic compositions by Frank Sinatra and other famous performers of all times.
The island's snow-white beaches deserve special mention. Among them, the most popular are Great Bay, Long Bay, Anse Marcel, Cupecoy, Maho Beach, Simpson Bay and many others. In total, there are about 40 beaches on the island, many of which are replete with bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. In addition to the beaches, the island has large resort areas with all the infrastructure accompanying a wonderful holiday. On French territory you can find beaches for nudists, among which Orient Bay is considered the most famous.
Another advantage of a holiday in Saint Martin is duty-free shopping in both capitals of the island, which are simply replete with a wide variety of shops and boutiques. Finally, it is recommended to take part in one of the local holidays, for example, the February Carnival.
Purchases
Saint Martin is recognized as one of the most popular shopping destinations in the region. The fact is that both parts of the island are duty-free zones. Thus, there are more than 500 Duty Free stores here, which offer a huge selection of electronics, watches, jewelry, crystal, French perfumes, fashionable clothes, Havana cigars and the best vintage wines.
In Philipsburg, the main place for shopping is Front Street, where there is a huge number of shops and shops that beckon with their bright windows. There are also fashion boutiques with clothes from the world's leading brands. And on Sundays there is a market in Philipsburg, whose traders offer interesting handicrafts.
The French city of Marigot also abounds with many interesting shops, fashion boutiques and luxury jewelry stores offering watches and jewelry from the most prestigious brands. In addition, Marigot has a huge market where you can buy the most unusual tropical fruits, fresh seafood and aromatic spices. They also sell original souvenirs made by local artisans.
Transport
Princess Juliana International Airport is located on the island (on its Dutch part). It should be noted that it is not entirely convenient, since it is located close to the beach, as a result of which planes often fly literally right over the heads of vacationers.
Traffic in Saint Martin is on the right, the roads are quite narrow, and sometimes not of very good quality.
Public transport on both halves of the island consists of taxis and buses. Minivans are used as buses, which, regardless of borders, can get you to any part of the island for a very small fee. However, the border between Dutch and French territories is rather arbitrary. Well, by taxi you can travel around the entire island for just $25. This relatively low price is not due to low tariffs, but to the very small size of Saint Martin. In addition, most local taxi drivers are happy to provide their services as a guide (about $50 per hour).
You can rent any car from one of the international companies, of which there are quite a lot here. Also, if desired, it is possible to rent a yacht, scooter, motorcycle, ATV or scooter.
Connection
The island has a high-quality and well-developed communication system. Telephone machines from which you can make international calls are installed in all populated areas and in all public places. All machines operate from several types of calling cards. The most common cards are CaribTel, which fit almost all phones. Such cards are sold in post offices, supermarkets, newsstands and telephone company offices. Also, any call can be made from a post office or from a hotel, but in the latter case the cost of an international call will be much more expensive. Please note that calls between the French and Dutch parts of Saint Martin are considered international.
Cellular communication in Saint Martin operates in the GSM 900/1800 standard, it is of good quality and covers the entire island. The international roaming service is available to all subscribers of major Russian operators.
Internet access is provided in an Internet cafe; the cost of a session depends on the connection speed and averages $5–10 per hour.
Safety
In general, Saint Martin has a fairly low crime rate, but pickpocketing does occur here.
For this reason, all generally accepted safety rules should be observed, especially for beaches, airports and public places. Theft from cars is also common on the island.
No special vaccinations are required to travel to Saint Martin. Vaccination against polio, typhus and hepatitis is recommended, although there are no natural foci for the spread of these diseases.
City tap water is purified and safe for consumption, but it is advisable to drink bottled water during the first days of your stay.
Business
The advantage of Saint Martin is its economic security and stability, as well as the fact that the entire island is a duty-free zone. The economy of both parts of the island as a whole depends on the tourism business, so considerable funds are invested in infrastructure development.
Real estate
The island of Saint Martin offers a wide selection of different real estate, which is intended for both personal use and for organizing a business. Moreover, here it can be owned not only by local residents, but also by foreign citizens.
On Dutch territory there are no restrictions on the purchase of real estate by non-residents of the country, and to complete the transaction it is enough to present a passport. The transfer of ownership of any real estate is carried out through a professional notary. This applies to both the French and Dutch parts of the island.
The most prestigious and expensive real estate on the island are the luxurious villas on the coast. The cost of such objects starts from $750,000 and can reach up to $3,000,000. Typically the price depends on the location and size of the villa.
It is this area that is the main source of income for the French territory. And the Dutch part of Saint Martin is an offshore zone where a large number of different foreign companies are registered. There is also no tax on any real estate and income from its sale.
Customs restrictions
The amount of exported and imported currency is not limited in any way, but the amount of more than 7,000 € must be declared.
Duty-free import of 1 liter of strong alcohol (over 22°), up to 200 cigarettes, 100 grams of any tea, 500 grams of natural coffee and 50 milliliters of perfume is allowed.
The import and export of items of historical value, psychotropic substances, drugs, ammunition and weapons, endangered plants and animals is prohibited. The import of plants, animals, any animal products and vegetables from Haiti, as well as silver items and coins from Suriname and Holland are prohibited.
Visa
Citizens of the Russian Federation to travel to Saint Martin need a visa, which can be obtained from the embassies of France or the Kingdom of the Netherlands (depending on which country the hotel is located in).
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is located in Moscow at the address: per. Kalashny, 6. You can also contact the Consulate General in St. Petersburg: Moika embankment, 11. However, a visa issued for visiting Saint Martin does not give the right to visit the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and holders of Schengen visas for travel You must apply for a separate visa for Saint Martin.
The French Embassy in Moscow is located at: st. Bolshaya Yakimanka, 45. The Consulate General is located in St. Petersburg at the address: emb. Moiki, 15. A visa issued for a trip to Saint-Martin does not give the right to stay in France and the Schengen countries.
The island of St. Martin is divided into two parts, Dutch and French, by the way it is the smallest inhabited island in the world, governed by two independent governments. The northern part of the island is the French overseas community of Saint-Martin, and the southern part is a self-governing state within the Netherlands called Sint Maarten. The island is divided between France and the Netherlands approximately 60/40, the French own an area of 53 square kilometers, the Dutch 34, but both parts of the island are approximately equal in population.
History of Saint Martin
It is believed that the Arawak Indians came here in 800 BC from South America, later the Kalinago tribe came here and gave the island the name Soualiga or Land of Salt. Christopher Columbus discovered the island on November 11, 1493 and gave it the name Isla de San Martin. The French settled here in 1624, and the economy was based on growing tobacco. In 1631, Dutch colonists arrived here. The further history of the island is an endless transfer of power from the French to the Dutch and the British, and so on ad infinitum. In 1816, the zones of influence of the Netherlands and France were restored, and there was no place for Great Britain.
Population of Saint Martin
The latest census showed that the island has 77,741 inhabitants, of which 40,917 live on the Dutch side and 36,824 on the French side.
Geography of Saint Martin
The Dutch side of the island is more populated, with the largest city of Philipsburg on the Dutch side and Marigot on the French side. The highest point of the island is Pic Paradis, 424 meters high, located on the French side, however, both sides are hilly with mountain peaks that surround the valley in which the entire population is located. There are no rivers on the island; the problem with drinking water is solved with the help of special roofs of houses that collect rainwater. Saint Martin is located south of Anguilla and is separated by a canal.
Weather and climate in Saint Martin
The climate of Saint Martin is trade wind, with a dry season from January to April and a rainy season from August to December. Temperatures remain stable throughout the year, approximately 34 degrees Celsius during the day. The temperature of coastal waters is also constant at 27 degrees all year round.
Strong hurricanes almost completely destroyed the island in 1960, 1995, 1999. In 2003, the French part of the island separated from Guadeloupe to form a separate overseas community of France. October 10, 2010 - The Netherlands Antilles ceased to exist, St. Martin became one of the four constituent countries forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Beaches on Saint Martin
There are only 30 sandy beaches on Saint Martin, they are evenly distributed throughout France and the Netherlands. Many beaches are plagued by sea grass that washes up on the shore. The danger of storms exists in late summer and early autumn. From the shores of Saint Martin in good weather, the neighboring islands of Saint Barthelemy (France), Anguilla (Great Britain), Saba and Saint Eustatius, Saint Kitts are clearly visible, but Nevis is no longer visible.
Economy of Saint Martin
The GDP per capita in Saint Martin today is around US$15,400. Today, the island's economy is based on tourism, with one million foreign tourists visiting Saint Martin annually. The tourism sector employs 85% of the population.
Culture, holidays and entertainment in Saint Martin
The Dutch side of the island is attractive for lovers of nightlife, casinos, parties, rum is produced here, and there are many jewelry shops. The French side is famous for its nudist beaches, clothing boutiques, and numerous markets. The most interesting restaurants are also located on the French side and offer, in addition to their traditional French cuisine, Creole cuisine.
Language of Saint Martin
As you understand, in the French part the official language is French, in the Dutch part it is Dutch. In addition, on both parts of the island, local residents speak Creole English; on the Dutch part, Spanish and English are also common.
Currency of Saint Martin
In the French territory the official currency is the euro, and in the Netherlands the Netherlands Antillean guilder. Foreign tourists travel to Saint Martin easily with American dollars; prices on both sides of the island are duplicated in American dollars, which they gladly accept.
Banks and currency exchange Saint Martin
Here it is necessary to take into account the side in which the tourist will spend more time and spend money; it is better to go to the Dutch part of the island with American dollars, to the French part with euros, the same applies to the currency of credit cards, which are accepted everywhere. Remember that you can get cash dollars at ATMs installed in large banks and in major cities. It is better to take travel checks in American dollars.
VAT and tax-free Saint Martin
The offshore zone is the Dutch part of the island; the price of goods and products includes a sales tax of 3%, so from the point of view of shopping, the Dutch part of St. Martin is more profitable.
Shopping, shopping and shops Saint Martin
Stores are open as usual. The French side boasts an abundance of shopping centers and clothing boutiques, but in terms of taxes, the Dutch side is more profitable, but shopping there is more modest.
Visas to St. Maarten
Citizens of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan will need a visa to travel on vacation to Sint Maarten. If you choose, you can apply for it at the consulate of France or the Netherlands; there is no border on the island as such, only on the road crossing the border you can see a sign informing you that you are entering the French or Dutch side.
Naturally, happy holders of multiple-entry Schengen visas can safely enter the island. You can also apply for a single visa for the Caribbean islands and Aruba, including for visiting St. Eustatius, Saba, Bonaire, Curacao, and the Dutch part of St. Maarten. The visa will indicate the main island of stay; tourists who want to visit several islands will receive a stamp in their passport with the island where they are expected to spend the most time. It must be remembered that a Caribbean visa does not give the right to visit the European Union or the Netherlands. Short-term visas from Schengen countries are not allowed into the Caribbean.
Documents for a short-term visitor visa for the Caribbean Islands and Aruba
To obtain a visa to Saint Martin, tourists submit a standard package of documents, as for a Schengen visa. You must provide a passport, which will be valid for another 3 months after returning home. The form can be filled out in English, Dutch and French; French is required if documents are submitted to the French consulate. One photograph 3.5x4.5 cm is pasted into the form, another is attached. A photocopy of the pages with personal data in the international passport and internal one is submitted. A hotel reservation and electronic plane tickets are submitted; the tickets must indicate exact dates, this applies to flights and hotel stays.
A certificate from the place of work with the specified salary is submitted. A bank statement is suitable as proof of financial solvency. Remember that a trip to St. Maarten is very expensive and consulate staff may be more harsh on tourists in this regard than on a similar trip to Europe.
Students and schoolchildren submit a student and school ID card, permission from the educational institution to skip classes if the trip occurs during school hours.
Pensioners show their pension certificate and bank account statement. Unemployed people, housewives, students and pensioners can submit a letter of guarantee from the sponsor with his work certificates, bank statements and a copy of his internal passport. Traveling with minor children will add problems. A notarized permission for a child to travel abroad is required from the remaining parent or parents.
Each traveler requires a health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
Transit visa
There is no need to obtain a transit visa if the transfer to the next flight occurs within one day, and the tourist can even leave the airport, but not the island itself.
Formalities and rules for entry to Sint Maarten
Customs regulations Saint Martin
Cash amounts over the equivalent of US$7,000 must be declared. Citizens over 15 years of age can carry alcoholic beverages or cigarettes; the norms for travelers from Russia or Ukraine are the same as in the European Union, for example, you can carry 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of strong alcoholic drinks or 2.25 liters of wine without duty. 3 liters of beer. It is not recommended to bring a lot of expensive gifts and things with you; there will be no problems with bringing a personal camera and computer.
At the airport on the way back you will have to pay 7 US dollars if the next destination is the Netherlands, including in the Caribbean, in any other case 22 dollars, exceptions for children who do not occupy a separate seat on the plane and transit passengers.
Life of people in Saint Martin
Saint Martin is one of the most civilized and democratic islands in the Caribbean region, there are many white Europeans here, a high standard of living, there is no poverty and misery and the troubles associated with this moment. European culture and moral values reign everywhere. The standard of living of local residents is high, prices are often even higher than in Europe. The rules of conduct on the beach are looser, European.
Standard of living in Saint Martin, people's lives
Saint-Martin has a higher standard of living than in Europe, at least this concerns prices, which bite hard in almost the same way as in Saint-Barthélemy. In recent years, the Dutch side has turned into an offshore zone; any legal entities that do not conduct business activities on the island are exempt from taxes, including on real estate and profits from its sale.
Saint Martin, unlike other Caribbean islands, has a huge airport that you can fly to from Europe or North America. Rich people from all over the world not only fly here, but also sail on their yachts or on a round-the-world cruise.
The French and Dutch parts of the island are strongly denounced, for example, on the French part the shops also widely stock cheeses or wines, just like in France itself. The capital of the French part of the island, the city of Marigot, presents slightly shabby colonial architecture. Slightly dilapidated dwellings contrast brightly with the futuristic yachts on the seashore.
Transport to Saint Martin
The island is home to one of the most dangerous airports in the world - Princess Juliana Airport. Planes fly over the heads of vacationers on Maho Beach, and the road leading from the airport is constantly plagued by traffic jams. The only mode of transport is taxi or car rental.
— Saint Martin Island is an island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Puerto Rico in the northern part of the ridge of small islands separating the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean.
If you look at the map, the location of the islands of the Caribbean chain resembles a drawn bow aiming an arrow at the African continent.
Island Saint Martin It is interesting in that it was divided between France and Holland back in 1648, and this treaty of peaceful division is the oldest treaty of its kind and is still in force.
The northern part of the island is an overseas territory of France and is called accordingly Saint Martin
The southern part of the island is a self-governing state with significant autonomy, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is called Sint Maarten.
The island is small: its area is 83 sq km. The capital of the southern, Dutch part of the island is Philipsburg is a major port where cruise ships call every day, bringing thousands of tourists traveling around the Caribbean islands.
And so that tourists do not have to go far, all conditions have been created for them in Philipsburg itself: many restaurants, souvenir shops and alcohol stores at duty-free prices, a casino and, of course, many brothels.
Another difference between this part of the island: the American dollar is in use here and most tourists are from North America: the USA and Canada.
The population of this part of the island speaks English and 99% of them are blacks (immigrants from Africa, brought here during the slave trade).
French part of Saint Martin
The capital of the northern (larger) part of the island speaks French and is an overseas territory of France.
Capital - city Marigot(Marigot).
Time difference from Moscow to Saint Martin minus 8 hours
Mobile Internet 3G with a travel SIM card does not work in Saint Martin, although there is cellular communication: its own network on the Dutch side and the French network on the northern part of the island. Free wi-fi in cafes on the beach and carelessly password-protected Internet in cities help out.
How to get to Saint Martin from Europe
Saint Martin how to get there
You can get to the island from Europe by purchasing tickets from Paris with AirFrance or Air Caraibes.
KLM flies from Amsterdam.
Both the French and the Dutch fly into the same airport - it is common in Saint Martin.
It so happened that I posted the news on the forum: I took advantage of this idea and bought two tickets from Paris to Saint-Martin for 621 euros by the company Air Caraibes.
After that, all that remained was to find inexpensive tickets from Moscow to Paris (as you understand, this was not difficult using the service on the forum) and do it - a visa is issued in the same way as a regular French Schengen.
French Overseas Territory Visa
Print out a form from the website of the France visa center in Moscow, take a photograph on a gray background, attach copies of tickets to Saint-Martin, a hotel reservation in Saint-Martin, a certificate from work indicating the salary and stamp, or a bank account statement for the last couple of months, so that The embassy realized that you are not a loser.
The visa is processed within 3 working days.
For those who have a Schengen multi-visa -
So: we have tickets, we have a visa, we have a hotel reservation for the first 2 days. Let's fly!
Air Caraibes review
Beaches in Saint Martin
I wrote about beaches in a separate article called.
Saint Martin is undoubtedly the most luxurious island in the Caribbean. The magnificent Saint Martin can be discovered every day, but never fully understood - the island is so diverse and amazingly absorbs all the best that can be found in other places. Luxurious palm trees and turquoise sea, a small tropical paradise with endless fine sand beaches, coconut palms, emerald turquoise sea and colorful Creole huts. An island rich in contrasts, a unique, unforgettable land. Saint Martin is divided between France and Holland, and when you arrive on the island, be prepared to plunge into the cultures of two countries at once.
Magnificent Saint Martin 
Saint Martin has recovered from Hurricane Irma. Nature has taken care of itself and the island is green again and the beaches are beautiful again. Most hotels, restaurants, clubs and boutiques have been fully restored and are operational. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the typical island lifestyle!
Saint Martin (French: Saint-Martin), or Sint Maarten (Dutch: Sint Maarten) is an island washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean from the east and the Caribbean Sea from the west, part of the group of the Netherlands Antilles (they also make up the chain of Eastern Caribbean islands) .
Saint Martin Island is the world's smallest inhabited island, governed simultaneously by two different governments. The northern part of the island is an overseas community of France, and the southern part is a self-governing state with significant autonomy (status aparte) within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A kind of small piece of old Europe on the edge of the Caribbean Sea.
The administrative center of the Dutch part of the island is the city of Philipsburg, the French part is the city of Marigot.
Area 87 km² (including the Dutch part of the island - 34 km², with a population of 41,000; French - 53 km² - with a population of 37,000).
The highest point is Peak Paradise mountain (424 m) in the French part of the island. the topography of which is hilly, and the highlands are covered with greenery and forests.
The island has a dry temperate climate and, thanks to the trade winds, has sufficient humidity. There are 37 white sand beaches in French and Dutch territories.
Before the discovery of America by Europeans, the island belonged entirely to the Arawak tribe, who called it the Island of Salt (in honor of the main wealth of Saint-Martin) or the Land of Women. The discovery of the island by Christopher Columbus on November 11, 1493, on St. Martin's Day, predetermined its name, which has survived to this day. A century and a half later, the first settlements of the French and Dutch appeared here, who created a coalition to jointly resist the Spaniards, who also laid claim to these lands. As a result, the Spaniards were unable to take possession of the island, which was divided between France and the Netherlands according to the 1648 treaty. This treaty still exists today and is considered the oldest existing international agreement in the world.
In the 18th century, industrial cultivation and production of sugar cane began on the island, and African slaves were imported to work on the plantations. By the way, slavery remained on this island until 1848, despite the fact that throughout France it had already been abolished 54 years earlier during the Great French Revolution.
The official language of the Dutch part of the island is Dutch. English and Spanish are spoken here; On the French side, the official language is French, but the local population also speaks English and Creole.
The basis of the economy is tourism.
The official currency on the Dutch side is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, and on the French side, as in all other French overseas possessions, the euro. The American dollar is accepted everywhere, and most prices in shops on the island are quoted in this currency.
The southern, Dutch part of the island is an offshore zone.
The island is home to Princess Juliana International Airport, where 12 major airlines fly, as well as numerous charters from the USA and Canada. Landing there is considered one of the most difficult, since the end of the runway is adjacent to the seashore, and planes are forced to land literally over the heads of tourists relaxing on the beach, while the length of the runway itself is only 2180 m.
Today's Saint Martin is a resort and beach paradise for respectable travelers! This is not only snow-white beaches covered with fine-grained sand, luxurious coconut palms, exotic vegetation, colorful Creole houses and the transparent emerald-turquoise color of the warm Caribbean Sea. These include luxury hotels, villas of movie stars and numerous nudist beaches located along the rugged coasts, restaurants and nightlife, diving and deep-sea fishing (and the water here is clear to a depth of 100 meters!), beautiful coral reefs, where many inhabitants of the underwater world live. Truly a small tropical paradise and luxuriously sophisticated travel service.
Saint-Martin has two annual noisy carnivals: Mardi Gras on the French side and on the birthday of the monarch on the Dutch side, art biennales, jazz and brass music festivals. But this is also the annual global St. Maarten Heineken regatta, held since 1980 and attracting more than 200 yachts to participate! This is an annual race of 12-meter yachts and smaller boats.
Philipsburg is the Dutch capital of the island. This small town, located between Great Bay and Grand Etang, was founded in the 17th century, and stretches along a sandy lagoon. To protect it, two ancient military fortresses were created - Forts Amsterdam and William, built respectively in the 17th and 19th centuries. The powerful guard walls and bastions offer an amazing panorama not only of Saint Martin itself, but also of the nearby islands.
Here, in Philipsburg, is the largest passenger port, where huge cruise ships call almost every day, and receives more than half a million tourists a year.
You won’t find traditional Dutch architecture or “puppet” Amsterdam canals in Philipsburg, they simply don’t exist here (only Old Street miraculously preserved several typical facades from the 17th century, reminiscent of the distant land of tulips).
But there are more than 500 Duty Free stores offering a large selection of jewelry, watches, electronics, clothing from the world's leading manufacturers, French perfumes, the best fine wines and Havana cigars, located along the main shopping artery - Front Street.
In the evening, with the onset of twilight, the island literally transforms. Hundreds of neon signs, casino lights (there are 13 of them on the island), strip bars, and first-class nightclubs make you feel like you are in the real Las Vegas, only in miniature.
The largest lagoon in the Caribbean, Simpson Bay, although landlocked except for two narrow channels with drawbridges, is large enough to be home to giant ocean-going yachts, which are either anchored at one of the luxurious piers or at anchor. in its protected waters. Saint Martin has become the center of sailing in the Caribbean and the home port of a number of the most outrageous mega-yachts.
Marigot is the French capital of the island. In Old French, this word meant “swamp”, since the swampy lowland was once close to a convenient sea bay.
Having appreciated the maritime superiority of this part of the island, the first settlers from France first had to drain the wetlands, which was done successfully. Now nothing reminds us of the swampy swamps. Today, Marigot attracts shopaholics who go not only to the brand stores of Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Cartier, Chopard on the main shopping street named after French President De Gaulle, but also to the West Indies Shopping Mall, which unites under there are more than 50 boutiques under its roof. Numerous jewelry stores offer jewelry and watches from the most prestigious brands at duty-free prices.
Unlike the Dutch capital of the island, the French Marigot has retained more of the charm of a provincial French town of the 18th-19th centuries. Windows with typical lattice balconies, stucco on the houses, and the houses themselves are in the Parisian style. Street names familiar from Paris, in honor of the historical victories of France: rue de Rivoli, rue de Clichy, la rue de Sébastopol, rue de la Bastille, la place Napoleon. By the way, the French also have their own ancient fortress Saint Louis, named after the French king Louis XIII.
If the Dutch part of the island is the center of entertainment and nightlife, then the French, naturally, have no equal in gastronomy. 365 restaurants! Just think about this figure! The island rightfully bears the title of “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean”. But the double title goes to the small fishing village of Grand Case, stretching along the azure bay, which is considered the “gastronomic capital” of the entire Caribbean archipelago, since none of the nearby islands can even compete with the variety and sophistication of its restaurants.
There are regular restaurants, simpler restaurants, fashionable restaurants, and haute cuisine establishments with Michelin-level cuisine. Many of them were opened more than a quarter of a century ago, and, having overcome economic crises and competition, they still delight their visitors with gastronomic delights. The local chefs masterfully combine traditional European cuisine (French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch) with local Caribbean cuisine. And as a result, outlandish in taste, but very exquisitely refined dishes of French, Italian, Caribbean, Creole, Dutch, Indonesian, Japanese cuisine are born! Local shrimp, scallops, lobsters, crabs, shellfish, and more than 60 species of fish are also popular here!
We are waiting for you on the beautiful island of St. Martin 
The islands have a total of 35 paradisiacal and absolutely unique beaches that attract thousands of tourists every year. Saint Martin is rightfully included in the list of 10 world resorts with the most beautiful beaches. A real paradise for water sports lovers, there are all kinds of water sports such as diving, snorkeling, surfing, yachting, deep sea fishing, as well as a variety of water excursions.
Maho Bay is the main resort area of Sint Maarten. Densely lined with multi-storey buildings, jewelry stores, art galleries, restaurants and casinos, the white strip of beach practically abuts the runway of the local airport, so this area is widely known for its rather exotic spectacle - huge passenger planes flying right over the heads of vacationers. To the north, the wonderful Mallet Beach begins, flowing into the quiet Kapkoy Beach, which is a set of ancient weathered cliffs, at the base of which small cozy coves with white sand lurk.
ARE YOU READY TO REALLY EARN EARNINGS? WORKING IN THE CARIBBEAN IS IN SEASON!
Highly paid work for girls of model appearance who know how to dance. Jobs for girls in the Caribbean | Work as a dancer in Saint Martin Caribbean under a contract and on a work visa
If this site is taking too long to load, which loads much faster on desktop, laptop and mobile devices:
