City: St. Barthelemy
Top Things to do in St. Barthelemy
Top Restaurants in St. Barthelemy
The 10 Best Things to Do in St. Barthelemy
Christopher Columbus added St. Barthelemy, or St. Barts to his collection in 1493, but the French soon stepped in. Today, the chic Caribbean island - officially a department of France - is a popular winter getaway for people from mainland France, the rest of Europe and North America. Keep in shape and walk between attractions or get a rental car to see more of the island. Beachgoers can choose between strands such as Grand Saline, if nude sunbathing appeals, or shady, isolated Colombier Beach.
Restaurants in St. Barthelemy
1. Colombier Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 397 reviews
Relax on this shady, isolated beach - after that 30 minute walk to get there from the main road, you'll need it.
Reviewed By FromSaoPaulo - Miami, Florida
Colombier is a beach that is part of a natural marine reserve. We went by boat, but you can also reach it on foot, if you enjoy hiking.
It is a secluded beach, with white sand and with hardly anyone on it. It's perfect for snorkeling or just swimming. Like paradise!!!
2. Anse du Gouverneur
Overall Ratings
5 based on 278 reviews
You won't find crowds at this beautiful beach, but you won't find shade either, so bring an umbrella.
Reviewed By Madyson B
We came in the afternoon after enjoying Shell Beach. By around 2pm the parking lot had several available spaces. We had no parking problems.
The drive down to the beach is gorgeous. The road is nice and the home beautiful.
The beach itself was our favorite. It was protected by the hills around it but still had some waves coming in. The beach was a good size and close proximity to the parking lot.
There aren't any restaurants or shops on the beach, so it's peaceful.
It's just a really convenient, gorgeous place to spend a few hours.
3. Anse de Grande Saline
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
Watch out prudes, this beach is not for the shy: nude sunbathing is the norm at this beach.
Reviewed By wokeup - New Jersey
Natural surroundings and topless along with nude sun bather, but who's complaining? Overall, great place to get that all over tan. Watch the sun though. My wife never needs sun screen and is now tan as a berry, but after a few days she put on bock, which I never seen her do before. That sun is a scorcher.
4. St. Jean Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 519 reviews
The island's most popular beach, best known for its white sand Beaches and calm waters perfect for swimming and sailing.
Reviewed By Afsoon2016 - Boston, Massachusetts
We stayed on St Jean beach 3 times so far..its a beautiful beach ! walking distance form the local market and walking distance from Gustavia airport ...had an amazing experience each time ..there are hotels private villas for rent on St Jean Beach.
5. Shell Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 634 reviews
This beach is littered with shells for that perfect vacation memento.
Reviewed By EvanPSP - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
This beach is a quick 10minute walk from downtown where the Ferries drop off. It’s a picturesque crescent shaped beach with beautiful views. The water is the perfect temperature. It’s not particularly crowded, but it is a lovely shell lined beach. The restaurant offers high end Mediterranean food, drinks and chaise lounges ($$$) But it’s a great place to spend the afternoon.
6. Anse des Flamands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Some sand, some surf, some sun, some shade: this beach has all the ingredients for a good time.
Reviewed By travelladynyc84 - New York City, New York
Perfect beach. Absolutely stunning. My husband and I scheduled an outdoor couples massage at the Cheval Blanc spa which was amazing and then we spent the day relaxing at Flamands. The water is crystal clear and just beautiful to look and swim in. It was an all around perfect day and I would highly recommend the spa at Cheval Blanc as well.
7. Grand Cul de Sac Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By modny1 - New York City, New York
Spectacular beach with calm waters, not too many people. Great for a calm long distance swimming, scuba, kayaking and boarding. Marine life is absolutely abundant, easy to see huge turtles.
8. Lorient
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Joe S - Washington DC, District of Columbia
While this is not the best beach on the island, it is our favorite place for lodging and here's why: A very nice, picturesque, long sandy beach, beautiful ocean views, affordable villas and small hotels (compared to other beaches), very uncrowded, good snorkeling, and walking distance to grocery stores and restaurants. Why is it not more popular? The only reason I can think of is much of the water is rocky making it not so swimming friendly, but there are places to safely swim. This is our first choice beach when renting a villa.If you like to stay away from the crowds and lots of tourists, this is a great bet.
9. Fort Karl
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By teachers55 - Columbus, Ohio, USA
Climbing lots of stairs to reach the lookout spots was well worth the effort. We could see back into town as well as the gorgeous Shell Beach area. We think the sign identifying other Islands was wrecked by the hurricane, but it enough of it was there that we could see St Martin, St Kitts and Nevis as well as other distant Islands.
10. Toiny Coast
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By IrishFan-80 - Lancaster, PA
We parked on the Grand Fond opposite the Toiny beach and hiked up and over the brown, dirt trail to the big rock with the pools. Challenging climb in spots....use caution if wet...but well worth it. Pools were warm and scenic. Urchins are under the rocks so be careful.
