Statements by famous people about the island of Saint Martin. Saint Martin Island: description, history, attractions and interesting facts. Culture, holidays and entertainment in Saint Martin

An overseas administrative-territorial entity of France, occupying the northern part of the island of Saint Martin and a number of small adjacent islands. The island is located in the northern part of the Windward Islands, 8 km south of the British island of Anguilla. The area of ​​Saint Martin is 53.2 square meters. km. The capital is Marigot.

Saint Martin is the world's smallest inhabited island, governed simultaneously by two independent governments. The northern part of the island is the overseas community of France Saint-Martin, and the southern part is a self-governing state with significant autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is called Sint Maarten . Although the island is under the control of two different countries, there are no real borders between its two parts.

Saint Martin is composed of volcanic rocks, hilly, the highest point is 424 m. The island is located in an area of ​​high seismic activity. Its landscape is mostly green but dry - the vast majority of the island's flora consists of palms, hibiscus and cacti, although there are some small forests in the hilly central areas. There are no sources of fresh water on the island.

St. Martin has many long sandy beaches, especially common in the southern and western regions islands, and in the lagoons the beaches extend across the entire width of alluvial sand spits, separating them from the sea.

Climate in Saint Martin

Climate in Saint Martin- tropical, trade wind. In winter the air temperature is +27°C, in summer - about +32°C. The warmer but also humid season is from July to October. From May to October is the so-called rainy season (not often).

The most favorable time to travel is from mid-December to the end of April.

Last changes: 05/12/2013

Population

Population of Saint Martin- 35.9 thousand people (2007).

Ethno-racial composition - Creoles (mulattoes), blacks, Guadeloupe mestizos (French-Indian origin), whites, Indians.

The population is mostly Catholic, there are also Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Hindus.

The official language is French. Many residents also speak English, Dutch and Creole.

Last changes: 05/12/2013

Currency

The currency of Saint Martin is Euro(currency sign - €, EUR).

Coins in denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; 1, 2 euros. Banknotes in denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500.

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 15.00-16.00. On Saturdays, most banks are open from 8.00 to 12.00. Sunday and holidays are usually not working. Some exchange offices operate 24 hours a day. ATMs are ubiquitous, usually accepting Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and dispensing money in euros.

Euros and US dollars are generally accepted everywhere, as are credit cards. However, there are many places that do not accept cards, so you should check this in advance. It is recommended to always have cash with you for small purchases and transport fares.

Last changes: 05/12/2013

Communications

Calling code: 590

Internet domain: .mf, .fr

How to call

To call from Russia to Saint-Martin on a landline, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 590 - 590 - subscriber number.

To call from Russia to Saint-Martin on a mobile phone, you need to dial: 8 - beep - 10 - 590 - 690 - subscriber number.

To call from Saint Martin to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - city code - subscriber number.

To call from Saint Martin to the neighboring Netherlands Sint Maarten, you need to dial: 00 - 599 - 5 - subscriber number.

Landline communications

Despite the fact that the Dutch part of the island is located next to the French part, calls from the French part of St. Maarten to the Dutch part of Sint Maarten are considered international and are paid as international calls.

Last changes: 05/12/2013

Shopping

St. Martin has a well-deserved reputation as an excellent shopping destination. Shopping is duty free on both parts of the island. Sellers pay only 3% sales tax. Some sellers may try to add it as a separate expense when selling the item, despite local tax authorities' instructions not to do so.

There are a total of more than 500 shops in both parts of the island" Duty Free", offering a large selection of jewelry, watches, electronics, crystal, clothing from the world's leading manufacturers, French perfumes, the best vintage wines and Havana cigars.

Last changes: 05/12/2013

Sea and beaches

The beaches (there are more than 30 of them) are the main attraction of St. Martin. Most beaches are well-equipped: cafes and restaurants, beach equipment, water activities. Umbrellas and sun loungers are mostly paid.

There are nudist beaches in Saint Martin; in this regard, the French part of the island is more liberal than the Dutch.

Last changes: 05/12/2013

History of Saint Martin

Before the discovery of America by Europeans, the island belonged entirely to the Arawaks, who called it the Island of Salt or the Land of Women.

Saint Martin Island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, but the Spaniards did not begin to explore it.

In 1631, the Dutch landed on the island and began to develop salt reserves on it. Spain laid claim to the island in 1633, but then lost it to the Netherlands and France, who divided St. Martin into two in 1648. France began to own the northern part of the island, later incorporating this territory into the colony of Guadeloupe.

In the 18th century, sugar cane plantations began to be created on the island; black slaves were imported from Africa to work on them. Slavery was only abolished by the French authorities in 1848.

On February 22, 2007, the French northern part of the island seceded from the French overseas department of Guadeloupe, and the overseas administrative-territorial entity of France - Saint-Martin - was formed.

The southern part of the island, as before, is part of the Netherlands Antilles (belongs to the Netherlands) and is called Sint Maarten.

Last changes: 05/12/2013

Night life

There are more than a dozen casinos on the island where you can play Black Jack, Roulette, Poker, Baccarat, etc. The casinos are located on the Dutch side of the island, mainly in the areas of Philipsburg, Maho Beach, Cupecoy and Simpson Bay. In these same areas, you will also find bars, nightclubs, discos and adult entertainment. On the French side, casinos are not allowed by law.

Last changes: 05/12/2013

The border between the French and Dutch sides is almost invisible, it can only be detected by the welcome signs on the road (Welcome!) - which are written in French and Dutch respectively.

Since there are no sources of fresh water on St. Martin, all water is processed at the island's desalination plants. Bottled water from international brands, such as Evian, is sold everywhere. Water is very expensive here!

Last changes: 05/12/2013

How to get to Saint Martin

There are no direct flights from to. All international flights land in the neighboring Dutch part of the island - Princess Juliana Airport.

The most convenient flight options from Russia:

via Paris, from airlines: Moscow - Paris - Sint Maarten - Paris - Moscow (flight cost about 1400-1500 euros round trip). Flight duration from Moscow to Paris is 03 hours 55 minutes, from Paris to Sint Maarten - 08 hours 45 minutes (excluding connections).

via Amsterdam, from airlines: Moscow - Amsterdam - Sint Maarten - Amsterdam - Moscow (flight cost about 1200-1400 euros round trip). The flight duration from Moscow to Amsterdam is about 3.5 hours, from Amsterdam to Sint Maarten - about 8.5 hours (excluding connections).

Last changes: 05/12/2013

Saint Martin is the most unusual island in the Caribbean, there seems to be too much unique in this island, let’s start in order.

1. The island belongs to two countries at once, the northern part - France, the southern part - the Netherlands. But there are no borders on the island, there is only a symbolic pillar with which tourists take pictures. The French call the island "Saint Martin", the Dutch "Sint Maarten", sometimes we call it the island of Saint Martin. To get to the island you need a special visa, which can be obtained through the visa centers of both countries; you need to apply for a visa from the country where you will spend the most nights. The list of documents is no different from a regular Schengen visa, only the application form itself is slightly different.

2. Prostitution is legalized in Saint Martin, most of the brothels are located in Philipsburg, which is the capital of the southern part, it has a large port where huge ships with tourists dock almost every day. Drugs are illegal, unlike in the Netherlands. The saleswoman in the supermarket was glad that we were from Russia, she said there are few Russians here, but there is one girl who works as a masseuse in the next building. I'm afraid to imagine what kind of massage she gives :)

3. The most unique airport in the world is also located here; we admit that many come to Saint Martin just because of it. The Princess Juliana International Airport's runway is famous for starting from Maho Beach, so planes land directly above the heads of tourists. Standing above a huge KLM Boeing is an extreme pleasure. The second entertainment is standing at the fence when planes take off, the main thing is to hold on tight :) I wrote about it earlier

4. Nice beaches. Everyone will really enjoy swimming on the island; the water is clear azure and there are no waves. I recommend Maho Beach with planes (in the season when there are no rocks) and the neighboring Mullet Bay Beach. In the French part, a good beach is Orient Beach.

5. The entire island is a duty-free and Dute Free zone. Despite the fact that all the goods are imported (they only produce sauces), thanks to tax breaks, there are excellent supermarkets with decent names at reasonable prices. American beer, Brazilian couscous, Belgian ice cream, Canadian maple syrup and more. Prices for liter bottles of rum start at $6. We brought home something that is difficult to find in Perm, real Canadian maple syrup and so on. And what kind of Jamaican beer is there, because the island was an English colony, they brew incomparable ales!!!

6. Currency. The unique thing is that the official currency on the island on the Dutch side is guilders, but prices are also indicated in dollars, because most tourists are Americans. In the northern part, prices are indicated in euros, but you can also pay in dollars, and at the rate of 1 dollar = 1 euro :) Guilder exchange rate = 1.8 dollars. It is most profitable to travel to Saint Martin with American dollars.

7. Sunset bar & Grill. Returning to the topic of airplanes, the best way to see them is from a cafe on Maho Beach. There is good cuisine and sometimes real Caribbean parties with live music. It’s fun when the next ship disembarks; absolutely all the tourists rush to this popular establishment. By the way, topless girls are serviced for free, topless boys are not serviced at all :)

8. Judging by the reviews, there are quite a lot of gay couples on the island of Saint Martin, who are guarded by a big black guy. They prefer secluded beaches, so be careful with your choice of swimming :)

Tips for those who want to visit the island of St. Maarten

How to get there?
The easiest way to fly with one connection from Russia via Paris or Amsterdam with KLM or AirFrance. The cost of tickets will be from 40 thousand rubles. round trip, sometimes it is a little cheaper to fly with American airlines, but it is only suitable for those who have an open American visa, since there is no transit in the USA.

How to get to Saint Martin island cheaply? Catch shares of aircaraibes airline http://www.aircaraibes.com/, they fly from Paris. The cost of a round-trip flight according to the promotion can be 400 euros round-trip. The minimum price for a flight from European cities with connections in Paris and Amsterdam with KLM or AirFrance is from 600 euros. For those traveling to the USA, I recommend cruises from Miami to the Caribbean islands or direct flights (from Miami round-trip from $350, flight 3 hours).


Where to live?
The best area to live is Marina Simpson Bay. Firstly, close to the airport and Maho beaches with Mullet Bay. Secondly, good infrastructure. These are all steak and prime rib restaurants with live music. A good hotel cost is around $100, the usual cost is $130-$150 per night. It is worth understanding that hotels usually do not include breakfast; the service is weaker than hotels in the Dominican Republic. Nice Sonesta Maho Beach Hotel overlooking Maho Beach and The Villas at Simpson Bay Resort & Marina. You can search for villas and apartments on the websites Abritel.fr and HomeAway.com homelidays Airbnb.com

View from our room window

The hotel is good, but those who are used to being licked, showing shows, animation, preparing food on an all-inclusive basis, making swans out of towels, etc. will be very disappointed. The rooms are luxurious, but there is no service.

What currency should I take with me?
It is most profitable to take American dollars with you. Large sums of money are not accepted in minibuses; it is best to take more small banknotes.
How to get around the island?

The whole island gets around in minibuses, you just have to raise your hand. The cost of travel from Simpson Bay to the airport is 1.5-2 dollars, to Maho beach 2 dollars, to Mullet Bay beach 2.5-3 dollars, the same amount for travel to Philipsburg. In fact, small Saint Martin can be easily traveled around on these minibuses. From the airport you can take a taxi, a specially trained person at the exit will sort tourists according to their place of residence, the cost is 10-15 dollars maximum. There are a lot of rental companies, you can rent a Ford Mustang, a lot of beautiful American cars.

Is it safe on the island?
As with everything in the Caribbean, you have to be careful. There is a story on the Internet about how people were robbed right near the beach by stealing a rental car. It should be remembered that the local population is poor with all the ensuing consequences. At the same time, you shouldn’t see everyone as an enemy; local residents are extremely positive and welcoming.

On the streets of Philipsburg

Beaches
The best beaches are located in the Dutch part of the island, for example, Mullet Bay. It is easy to find, if you come from the airport to Maho, you should follow the main road along the golf courses, then after the barrier the next turn to the sea. Many minibuses go to this beach, if it is indicated on the sign, you can name it, and they will tell you when to get off.
The best beach is also called Maho beach; swimming under the planes is original. The main thing is that this does not happen during the off-season (for example, October-November), when instead of sand there are huge boulders on the beach. There are always a lot of people on Orient Beach, there are active entertainments (water skiing, etc.), and on weekends there are parties in numerous restaurants. Not far from this beach is the small island of Pinel. Small boats can be used to cross

To find your beach, it’s best to take a car and drive around them all :) The cost of sun loungers on the beaches of St. Maarten ranges from 8 to 15 dollars.

What else can you see in St. Maarten? In the French capital in the city of Marigot there is a market where you can buy spices and vanilla. And also have breakfast with croissants in French cafes

The only thing that is produced locally is hot sauces; everything else is imported. Seafood included. The cost of dinner is at European prices. For those who want to save money, it’s better to take rooms with a kitchen or apartments; supermarkets have excellent products, you won’t go to waste :)

We met the cheerful bartender Roger Lutz. who lives for two things: travel and cocktails. His dream is to open his own bartending school on the island. He thinks that the locals make crap cocktails (and that's true), his cocktails are incomparable. He lived for several years in countries such as South Africa, Iceland, Australia, and Japan. Like all Germans, he loves football, he supports Hamburg St. Pauli, this is a very interesting club, which is also supported by all antisocial sections of society (LGBTQ, hippies, punks, etc.), and he told how, standing on the fan stand, you can get drunk from smells of marijuana :) A cheerful guy who taught us how to make a real pina colada, we brought all the ingredients from the island, then every day we pampered ourselves at home with a wonderful cocktail. By the way, he told us that Bacardi is a garbage dump, any cheapest rum is better than Bacardi

Locals swear by lobster; the cost of dinner is quite at European prices.

Sunsets

Cruise ship in the distance

Saint Martin (Saint Martin)- an island in the Caribbean Sea (Caribbean Sea), under the protection of two countries. The northern part of the island is administered by France (France), and the southern one belongs to the Netherlands (Netherlands). In Dutch, the name of the island sounds like Sint Maarten (Sint Maarten Island). Marigot (Marigot) is the capital of the French part of the island, and Philipsburg (Philipsburg)- Dutch.

On the island all year round The weather is hot and dry. July and August are the most heat- +32 °C. The rainy season usually begins in September–November. From February to April the weather is dry. Best time for a holiday in Saint Martin - the period from December to May.

The island's population is mixed racial. Among the islanders you can find Creoles, mestizos, blacks and even Indians. The overwhelming majority of the believing population is represented by Catholics.

In the south of the island, the official language is Dutch, but locals speak Spanish, English and Paliamento. In the north, the official language is French, although English and Creole are also spoken in this part of the island.

Saint Martin primarily attracts tourists with a variety of water activities: windsurfing, diving, kayaking, kitesurfing, as well as travel and boat trips on boats or sailboats. Guests of the island will be offered activities in other sports: tennis, golf, safari trips and horse riding.

The Dutch part of the island has become famous as a resort for extreme beach activities. Over Maho Bay (Maho Bay) there is a runway at Sint Maarten Airport and tourists actually sunbathe “under the wing of an airplane.”

Sint Maarten attracts lovers of sex tourism, because prostitution is legalized on the island. The largest number of brothels are located in the capital of the Dutch part of the island - Philipsburg. There are also 12 fashionable casinos there. Philipsburg is deservedly considered an excellent place for shopping.

A trip to the French part of the island, Saint Martin, will interest lovers of diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and safari tours. The beaches of Orient Bay are especially popular (Orient Bay Beach), sandy beaches in Grand Case (Grand Case Beach) and Annecy Marcel (Anse Marcel Beach). The best restaurants on the island have been built in Grand Case, where vacationers will be served French cuisine and the best French wines.

In Marigot, travelers spending their holidays on the island will find a casino and other entertainment venues.

How to get there

Airplane

The easiest way to get from Russia, other CIS and EU countries to the island of Saint Martin is by plane. However, the trip for tourists from the CIS countries will include transfers either in Paris ( Paris), or in Amsterdam ( Amsterdam). It is better to fly to the northern part of the island from French capital, and to the south - from Amsterdam.

It may be cheaper to fly with US airlines, but this travel route is only possible if tourists have a US visa.

Sea communication

Sea cruise to the Caribbean Islands ( Caribbean Islands) with a stop on the island of St. Maarten can be done from Miami ( Miami).

Visa

Regardless of which part of the island of St. Maarten tourists plan to travel to , they will have to take care of obtaining a visa in advance.

If the hotel where vacationers have booked a room is located on the Dutch territory of the island, a visa should be issued at the Dutch Embassy. If the hotel is located on the French part of the island - at the French Embassy.

The San Maarten visa does not allow tourists to visit the Netherlands, France or other Schengen countries.

Holders of valid Schengen visas will also have to apply for a separate visa to travel to the island of Saint Martin.

Customs

To ensure that your trip to Saint Martin goes smoothly, you should familiarize yourself with the customs regulations in force on the territory of this island.

The amount of currency that tourists and their fellow travelers can freely import or export from the island is not limited. Amounts over 7,000 euros are subject to mandatory declaration.

Cigarettes, alcohol, coffee, tea and perfumes are brought to the island based on personal needs.

It is prohibited to export or import rare or endangered species of flora and fauna.

From Suriname ( Surinam) and Holland cannot import coins and silver items.

Kitchen

The authentic cuisine of Saint-Martin is based on the culinary traditions of Creole, Caribbean and European cuisines. Seafood is the mainstay of the diet for the islanders. Lobster, lobster, shrimp, various seashells and seaweed are the main ingredients in local restaurant dishes.

The list of meat dishes that will be served to tourists looks more modest. During your trip, we recommend trying the minced meat pies “Pasteshis”, “Cabrito stoba” (roast lamb), and “Ayakas” (roll with minced meat). Local chefs prepare very original sauces, which are considered the highlight of island cuisine and distinguish Saint Martin from other Caribbean islands.

Rice, vegetables and beans are the most popular side dishes that will be offered to travelers.

Local confectioners will offer tourists on vacation both original French pastries and Johnny cake, which is common on all the islands of the Caribbean. Those with a sweet tooth should order the Pudin di Potato (the island's original potato pudding).

In Saint Martin, sweet dishes are usually washed down with tea or fresh fruit juice.

The island's most popular alcoholic drink is Guavaberry is a liqueur based on Caribbean rum.

Saint Martin has its own breweries that brew popular beers in Europe.

Guests of Saint Martin will find French wine products in the island's shops.

Money

The official currency of the northern (French) part of the island of Saint Martin is the euro.

In the south (Dutch), the national currency is the Dutch guilder.

Along with these two currencies, the US dollar operates on the island. The exchange rate of the American currency to the euro is 1:1, and the Dutch guilder is equal to $1.8.

Tourists or their traveling companions who have reached the age of majority will find the most favorable rate for converting American currency in banking and exchange offices on the French part of the island.

Banking credit cards on holiday you can use it in both parts of the island.

Traveler's checks issued in US currency or euros can be exchanged by visitors to the island at major bank branches in Saint Martin.

There are duty free shops throughout the island. Dute Free.

What you need to know

When going on vacation to the island of Saint Martin, it would be useful to know some of the features of life on this island. The island is divided between two states: the north belongs to France and is part of the province of Guadeloupe ( Guadeloupe province), and the south - to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The two states have coexisted peacefully on the same island for 350 years. Tourists can freely travel to the territories of both parts of the island.

Sights of Saint Martin

In the capital of the French part of the island, Marigot, travelers will not be able to pass by the Saint-Louis fortress (Saint-Louis Fortress), Lu-lu galleries (Lou Lou gallery) and historical and cultural museum (Marigot Historical and Cultural Museum). We recommend visiting the fishing village of Grand Case (Grand Case village), where you can buy cute souvenirs made from shells and corals. Nearby is the Colombier Valley (Colombier Valley) and the island's highest point - Paradise Peak (Paradise Peak). In the town of Annecy Marseille, everyone will be offered an excursion to the Money Museum (Museum of money). Sint Maarten is home to one of the most dangerous airports in the world - Princess Juliana Airport (Princess Juliana International Airport). Its runway begins almost on the territory of Maho Beach (Maho Beach).

All the interesting places on the Dutch part of the island are concentrated around the capital Philipsburg. Vacationers can take a stroll through the cozy Watney Square ( Watney Square), visiting Fort Willem and Amsterdam ( Willem and Amsterdam Fort). It was near the walls of the fort that the ship “Proselyte” sank in 1801; salvaged items from the frigate can be seen in the Sint Maarten History Museum ( Museum of Sint Maarten). On the Dutch part of the island there is a Botanical Garden ( Botanical Garden) and a modern zoo. Butterfly Farm ( Butterfly Farm), which is located near Philipsburg, is a popular tourist attraction.

On Mount Concordia ( Concordia Mount), in 1648 France and Holland agreed to divide the island into two parts. In memory of this event, a monument was erected at Concordia, near which travelers often take photographs.

Souvenirs Saint Martin

The islanders will offer tourists who come on vacation souvenirs in the form of cups, key rings or ashtrays with beautiful island views.

If vacationers want to bring at least exotic gifts for friends from their trip, you can purchase products at the Philipsburg market hand-made. Typically, islanders sell beads, bracelets, wallets and bags decorated with shells.

Guests of Saint Martin bring aromatic spices as an original souvenir from the French part of the island.

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. French influence on Saint Martin is largely due to cultural heritage, well, 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 St. Maarten is simply huge, but during the high season (December to April) rooms should be booked in advance, as otherwise There may be problems finding housing. 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. You can also make any call from 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 has 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.

Saint Martin- an island that is one of the most unique in the Caribbean archipelago. For more than 350 years, this small territory has been divided into two states. In the south the islanders are residents of the Netherlands, and in the north they are French subjects.

Saint Martin on the world map

Between North and South America are the inhabited and uninhabited Greater and Lesser Antilles, which are better known as Caribs.

Saint Martin or Sint Maarten is one of the fifty islands of the Caribbean Sea, a representative of the northern part of the Windward Islands.

Geographical characteristics

The island is located to the east, and through the straits it neighbors the islands of Anguilla (in the north) and Saint Barthélemy (in the southeast).

The waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean wash only 87 square meters. km of land that arose more than 9 million years ago. By the island volcanic origin and to this day it is located in a zone of increased seismic activity.

The highest point of the hilly part of French territory is Mt. Peak Paradise, upon climbing which you can see the outlines of the borders of this Caribbean island. The relief of the central part has hills and hills, while the area near the sea is flat, with wide shores of white and yellow sand along the entire perimeter.

The island is scattered with numerous salt lakes and streams, which are occasionally filled with rainwater. Along the entire coast you can see numerous bays and bays, and capes and peninsulas extend far into the sea.

Climatic conditions

Characteristic of Saint Martin temperate tropical climate with dry warm weather and humid air. Meteorological features contribute to tourists visiting the island all year round.

Constantly blowing trade winds neutralize humidity formed as a result of heat and short-term rains from November to November.

The upper daytime temperature in summer is no more than +32 degrees, and in winter no lower than +23C° even at night.

The average annual precipitation is around 1000 mm, and its peak occurs in September and November. From February to April the chance of rain is minimal.

Most favorable period for travel - from mid-December to the end of April.

General information

The amazing story of two countries that have coexisted peacefully for many years is a clear example of tolerance for all states. The island has an absolutely harmonious neighborhood and respectful attitude of representatives of different cultures and nationalities towards each other and towards guests.

Historical reference

Island of Salt or Land of Women- this is what the Arawaks called the island of St. Martin, who originally lived in the Caribbean back in the 5th-6th centuries AD. Christopher Columbus named the island Saint Martin in honor of the Catholic saint in 1493 while mapping the territory he discovered.

Gradually, the Spaniards, French and Dutch began to settle in here, periodically changing their priority positions. And only in 1648 The division of the island between and Holland took place and this agreement is in force to this day.

In subsequent periods there were attempts to occupy the island by the Maltese, British and Americans, but today two peaceful coexist here territorial entities:

• self-governing autonomous state of Sint Maarten within the Kingdom Netherlands;
• overseas community France Saint Martin with broad autonomous powers.

There are no official borders between the countries, except for a symbolic pillar near which tourists like to take pictures. It is located on the mountain Concordia.

Internal organization

The population has exceeded 74 thousand people, and most of them are descendants of those brought in during the colonial period slaves developing plantations:

1. Creoles;
2. African Americans;
3. mulattoes;
4. Indians.

Only quarter residents are white.

City Marigot- the administrative center of French territory, employs about six thousand people. This is the most Big city islands by population.

About a thousand people live in Philipsburg, the administrative center of the Dutch territory.

The bulk of the population professes Christianity. The majority of believers are Catholics and Protestants, there are Pentecostals, Adventists and a small part of Jews.

Official language on French territory - French, on the territory of the Netherlands - Dutch. But you can hear English and Spanish spoken everywhere, as well as everyday Creole.

Transport accessibility

An important part of the island's economy is travel business, which began to actively develop in the early seventies. Tourists come from all over the world to have unforgettable experiences and spend their money.

The largest international transport hub in the Caribbean Princess Juliana Airport. It is located on the Dutch side and is considered one of the ten most dangerous airports in the world. It received its name in honor of the queen, Juliana, who visited the island as crown princess during the Second World War.

Directly above Maho beach, to which the runway (2180 m) is closely adjacent, planes regularly fly only 15-20 meters above the vacationers. The border of the beach and the airfield area is separated by a chain-link mesh.

Maho is one of the most unusual in the world. Read the ranking of the most beautiful and unique beaches on Earth.

A large number of people come to watch extreme flights spotters who, because of the opportunity to see everything with their own eyes and capture it in photos or videos, choose Saint Martin for their vacation.

Bandwidth airport - up to 1.5 million passengers per year.

And you can find a plane ticket right now using this search form. Enter cities of departure and arrival, date And number of passengers.

Philipsburg in the Netherlands is visited daily cruise ships with tourists and make a stop at the port for several hours.

Travel within the island takes place mainly on rented and public transport . The length of the roads is just over 50 km. Boats sail to the islands neighboring Saint Martin.

Visa regime

When going to Saint Martin you should get special visa overseas territories, if the passport does not contain a long-term visa. The list of documents does not differ much from the usual package; there is a difference in the form to fill out.

This visa is obtained at the consulates of the country where your stay will last longer.

But since there are no borders within the island, then there will be no problems with internal movement.

Tourism on St. Martin's Island

The Caribbean island attracts with its charm an increasing number of exotic lovers from all over the world. Every day ships sail and planes arrive with tourists who want to plunge into the atmosphere of this heavenly place on earth.

Natural world

On the coast, noisy nightlife alternates with calm or, on the contrary, very active recreation, but the most important thing that attracts vacationers so much is snow-white sand and an amazingly beautiful sea.

The nature of this region does not look provocative. The hilly territory of Saint-Martin is covered with green forests, in which there are several hundred different types birds. The rest of the territory grows mainly palm trees, hibiscus, and many different varieties cacti. Not very diverse and animal world - Mostly birds and lizards are represented, as well as wild domestic animals.

Attractions and entertainment

Each state has something to be proud of, and guests enjoy visiting and taking photographs near local attractions.

IN Marigot worth a look:

• ancient fort saint louis with panoramic views of the coast;
• museums history and culture;
• romantic Republic street;
• butterfly farm.

IN Philipsburg are located:

1. monument Queen Wilhelmina;
2. Museum Saint Martin;
3. forts Willem And Amsterdam;
4. Watney Square;
5. zoo;
6. Botanical Garden.

Every year the Dutch hold a birthday carnival. Her Majesty the Queen. This holiday traditionally lasts 17 days.

The French are also not indifferent to public events and they organize their own carnival during Lent.

Beach holiday

The main reason why tourists come to the island is luxurious sandy beaches with emerald water, coral reefs and an almost complete absence of waves. There are about forty beaches on the island and each of them has its own flavor, so the best way to explore them is by renting a car.

The crystal clear sea allows lovers of the underwater world to snorkel and dive into the depths with scuba gear, and surfers will enjoy the big waves from the Atlantic Ocean. There are shallow beaches where it’s good to relax with little ones, and there is a special beach where nudists gather.

The beaches are crowded, where the infrastructure is well developed, there are many water activities, and in the evening there is music in coastal restaurants. One of the best The following beaches are considered:

• Long Bay;
• Nettle Bay;
• Lovers' Beach;
• Happy Bay;
• Great Bay;
• Simpson Bay.

For most vacationers arriving on the island, the most popular beach is included in their compulsory visit program. Maho Beach. It itself is small and cozy, with clean water and eateries on the shore. The length of the recreation strip is only 300 meters and the width is no more than 20 meters.

But they come here not for a beach holiday, but to watch planes land or take off.

If you find out the flight schedule of Princess Juliana Airport in advance, you can become lucky guy and see huge modern transatlantic liners flying right over the beach.

At the same time, air currents raise unexpected waves, and therefore the coast near the airport is attractive for windsurfers. But the area next to the beach, due to strong air currents, is completely devoid of greenery.

The popularity of the Caribbean islands is confirmed by the stories of those who returned from travel with unforgettable impressions. Saint Martin is not deprived of attention famous people from all over the world who do not skimp on enthusiastic statements about the island. And many celebrities even purchase apartments so that they can experience the charm of the “island of eternal holiday” again and again.

Shopping

Saint Martin is duty free zone. Therefore, you can buy it in supermarkets at affordable prices. alcoholic drinks and various delicacies from around the world.

You can bring souvenirs from here self made from Philipsburg Market, spices and sauces made on the island. On the Dutch side there are brand stores clothes, chic boutiques with cosmetics, accessories and jewelry.

Prices are generally indicated everywhere in Euro, but you can pay in dollars and credit cards.

Look video about holidays in Saint Martin: