Gustavia
Save21 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓Show on the map
Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Postcard harbour lined with superyachts, red roofs and duty-free boutiques.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Stroll the quay at sunset when yachts light up
- Water taxis to Colombier leave from here
- Duty-free shops close for lunch around 12:30
📷 Photos
- 2
Town beach covered in tiny shells, a five-minute walk from the harbour.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Water shoes help on the shelly shore
- Great sunset spot with cliff views
- Bring cash for drinks at the beach bar
📷 Photos
- 3
Old fort ruins and lighthouse with sweeping views over the harbour.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Short uphill walk from the harbour
- Orientation table names the islands in view
📷 Photos
- 4
Territorial museum on island history in a restored Swedish-era warehouse.
3 tips
- Small and quick, about 30-45 minutes
- Check opening hours, closed Sundays
- Combine with a walk along La Pointe
📷 Photos
- 5
Stone bell tower from the Swedish era, a symbol of Gustavia's past.
3 tips
- Free to view from the street
- Combine with the nearby Anglican church
- Bright midday sun makes the stone glow
📷 Photos
- 6
Hilltop fort remains above Shell Beach with views of town and sea.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Steep but short path, wear proper shoes
- Little shade, bring water
- Lovely spot to watch the sunset
📷 Photos
- 7
Wild, undeveloped beach behind dunes and salt ponds on the south coast.
3 tips
- No facilities, bring water and shade
- Short walk over the dune from the car park
- Waves can be strong, swim carefully
📷 Photos
- 8
Secluded cove framed by green hills, often called the island's prettiest.
3 tips
- Steep winding road down, park carefully
- No services, pack a picnic
- Stop at the viewpoint on the road above
📷 Photos
- 9
Remote bay reachable only by boat or a scenic coastal trail.
3 tips
- Hike about 30 minutes from Flamands
- Snorkel with turtles in calm water
- No facilities, bring all you need
📷 Photos
- 10
Lively beach with clear water, beach clubs and low-flying planes.
3 tips
- Watch planes land just over the sand
- Calm water for swimming and paddling
- Beach club loungers need booking in season
📷 Photos
Take this map with you
Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.
Before you go: Gustavia tips
Transportation
- Fly in from St Maarten: short flights on small planes connect Princess Juliana airport to St Barth's tiny Rémy de Haenen airport with its famous steep approach.
- Take the ferry: fast ferries run between St Martin or Sint Maarten and Gustavia harbour; seas can be rough, so take seasickness tablets.
- Rent a small car: taxis are few and pricey, so most visitors hire a compact car or Mini; book well ahead in high season.
Security
- Drive the hills carefully: roads are narrow, steep and winding; give a short honk on blind corners and watch for scooters.
- Watch hurricane season: June to November brings storm risk, with the peak in August and September; follow local alerts and check travel insurance.
- Lock up anyway: crime is low in St Barth, but do not leave valuables visible in rental cars at beaches like Saline or Gouverneur.
Saving
- Picnic from supermarkets: French supermarkets in Gustavia and Saint-Jean sell baguettes, cheese and wine, far cheaper than beach restaurants.
- Walk to Shell Beach: Anse de Grand Galet, known as Shell Beach, is a short walk from Gustavia harbour and is free, with no car needed.
- Travel in shoulder season: hotel and villa prices fall sharply after Easter and before the December holidays, with weather still pleasant.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect warm sunshine year round: pack light linen, swimwear, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen for every season.
- Dress smart in the evening: Gustavia restaurants are chic; bring resort wear for dinners, but keep swimwear for the beach.
- Pack for breezy hikes: trails like the one to Colombier beach are hot and exposed, so bring sturdy sandals, water and sun protection.
Cultural
- Notice the Swedish past: Gustavia was a Swedish colony, and street signs are in both French and Swedish; look for the Swedish bell tower.
- Greet with bonjour: St Barth is French; say bonjour or bonsoir when entering shops and restaurants before anything else.
- Try Creole flavours: alongside French cuisine, look for accras, conch and Creole-style fish on menus around the island.
Local Hacks
- Hike to Colombier: the beach at Anse de Colombier is reached only by boat or a trail from Petite Anse, making it quieter than other beaches.
- Climb to Fort Karl or Fort Gustav: both hilltop forts give great views over Gustavia harbour and its yachts, especially at sunset.
- Shop duty free: St Barth is a free port, so luxury goods, perfume and wine can be cheaper than at home; compare before buying.
1-day itineraries in Gustavia
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.