Explore the charm of St. Helena, where history and natural beauty converge in a tranquil island setting.
Whether you're drawn by Napoleon's legacy, the island's diverse landscapes, or its warm
hospitality, St. Helena promises a memorable journey off the beaten track. Plan your visit and
discover the allure of this remote British territory in the heart of the South Atlantic Ocean.
Beach Resorts:
Sandy Bay is the primary beach destination,
best visited from December to April.
Spa Resorts:
Spa facilities are limited, but some hotels offer massage services.
Travel Adventure Locations
Mountain Locations:
Diana's Peak and the central ridge offer
excellent hiking opportunities.
Seaside Locations:
Sandy Bay and Rupert's Bay for beach activities and diving.
Cultural Travel Locations:
Jamestown and Longwood House provide insights
into St. Helena's history and culture.
Ethnicity and Languages:
The population of St. Helena is predominantly of mixed European,
African, and Chinese descent. English is the official language.
Average Weekly Budget for Accommodation:
Hostel: £250 - £450 per week
Hotel: £1000 - £1500 per week
(Depends on season, location and category)
Average Daily Budget for Food:
Street Food: £5 - £10
Restaurant: £30 - £50
(Depends on season, location and category)
Best Season to Visit:
The best time to visit St. Helena is from November to March
when the weather is warm and dry, perfect for exploring
the island's outdoor attractions.
Brief Travel Information about St. Helena
Drinks
Tungi Punch: A refreshing and fruity beverage made from the
juice of the tungi fruit, mixed with rum and a hint of lime. It's a
popular choice for cooling down on a hot day and a favorite among
locals and tourists alike.
St. Helena Coffee: Renowned for its smooth and rich flavor, St.
Helena coffee is grown on the island's volcanic soil, which imparts a
unique taste. It's often enjoyed black to fully appreciate its complex
notes, making it a beloved drink for coffee enthusiasts.
Papaya Punch: This tropical drink combines fresh papaya juice
with a splash of lime and a touch of honey. It's a sweet and tangy
beverage that's perfect for sipping while taking in the island's
stunning views.
Lemon Squash: A simple yet refreshing drink made from freshly
squeezed lemons, sugar, and water. It's a popular choice for a
cooling refreshment, especially during the warm summer months.
Green Tungi Smoothie: A healthy and vibrant drink made from
the tungi fruit blended with leafy greens, yogurt, and honey. It's a
nutritious option that's both delicious and revitalizing.
Guava Wine: A unique and aromatic wine made from the island's
guava fruit. Its sweet and slightly tart flavor makes it a delightful
choice for those looking to try something different and distinctly St.
Helenian.
St. Helena Gin: Crafted with locally sourced botanicals, St.
Helena gin offers a distinctive and aromatic profile. It's perfect for
mixing into cocktails or enjoying neat to savor its complex flavors.
Coconut Water: Fresh coconut water is a popular drink on the
island, known for its hydrating properties and slightly sweet taste.
It's often enjoyed straight from the coconut, offering a truly
authentic island experience.
Sarsaparilla Drink: Made from the roots of the sarsaparilla plant,
this drink has a unique, slightly spicy flavor reminiscent of root beer.
It's a traditional beverage that offers a taste of the island's natural
ingredients.
Mango Liqueur: This sweet and fruity liqueur is made from ripe
mangoes, capturing the essence of the tropical fruit. It's often
enjoyed as a dessert drink or mixed into cocktails for a burst of
island flavor.drink.
Foods
Fishcakes: A quintessential St. Helena dish, fishcakes are made
from flaked white fish mixed with mashed potatoes, herbs, and
spices. They are lightly fried to a golden brown, creating a crispy
exterior that encases the soft, flavorful interior. Often enjoyed as a
snack or a side dish, fishcakes offer a taste of the island's rich
fishing heritage.
Plo: This one-pot dish is a local favorite, combining rice,
vegetables, and meat, usually chicken or beef, simmered with
aromatic spices. Plo is a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for
family gatherings and celebrations. The blend of flavors and
textures makes it a standout in St. Helena's culinary scene.
Black Pudding: St. Helena's version of black pudding is a savory
sausage made from pork blood, fat, and oatmeal, seasoned with a
variety of spices. It is often served fried with eggs and toast, making
for a robust and filling breakfast. The island's take on this traditional
dish showcases its unique twist on a classic.
Crayfish: Crayfish from the clear waters around St. Helena are a
delicacy, often grilled or boiled and served with garlic butter or a
tangy sauce. Their sweet, succulent meat is a testament to the
island's abundant marine life and is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Fried Breadfruit: Breadfruit is a versatile staple on the island,
often sliced and fried until crispy. This simple yet delicious dish is
typically enjoyed as a side or snack. Its texture is similar to that of a
potato, with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
Tungi: Also known as prickly pear, tungi fruit is commonly used in
a variety of dishes and drinks. Its sweet and tart flavor makes it a
popular ingredient in desserts, jams, and even savory dishes,
adding a unique taste to the island's culinary repertoire.
St. Helena Coffee Cake: Made with the island's famous coffee,
this cake is moist and rich, with a deep, robust flavor. It's often
enjoyed with a cup of freshly brewed St. Helena coffee, providing a
delightful treat for both locals and visitors.
Stuffed Pumpkin: This dish features a whole pumpkin filled with
a savory mixture of minced meat, rice, vegetables, and spices.
Baked until tender, the pumpkin absorbs the flavors of the stuffing,
creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that highlights
the island's agricultural bounty.
St. Helena Curry: Influenced by the island's diverse cultural
heritage, St. Helena curry is a fragrant and flavorful dish, typically
made with chicken or lamb, and a variety of spices including
turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Served with rice or flatbread, it is a
comforting meal that showcases the island's fusion cuisine.
Sweet Potato Pudding: This dessert is a sweet and creamy treat
made from mashed sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and spices like
cinnamon and nutmeg. Baked to perfection, it's a popular choice for
special occasions and a delicious way to end a meal.
St. Helena Cusine and Beverages
St. Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean, boasts a
unique culinary tradition influenced by its history and isolation.
Here's a glimpse into the island's most popular foods and drinks.
Longwood House: Napoleon's Last Refuge. Longwood House
stands as a testament to history's embrace on the remote island of
St. Helena, where its walls whisper tales of Napoleon Bonaparte's
exile. Nestled amidst verdant hills, this grand residence exudes a
quiet dignity, having once served as the French emperor's final
abode. Visitors can trace Napoleon's footsteps through elegantly
furnished rooms, where time seems suspended in 19th-century
opulence. Adjacent lies Napoleon's Tomb, a solemn site under a
simple stone pavilion, marking the resting place of the enigmatic
leader who left an indelible mark on this secluded Atlantic outpost.
Diana's Peak National Park: A Biodiversity Haven. Diana's
Peak National Park beckons adventurers to ascend its lush slopes,
where biodiversity thrives amidst mist-laden trails. This verdant
sanctuary on St. Helena offers hikers a communion with nature,
unveiling panoramic vistas over the island's rugged coastlines and
azure seas. Birdwatchers revel in the melodious symphony of
endemic species flitting through ancient tree canopies, capturing
glimpses of St. Helena's unique avian treasures amidst a tapestry
of emerald foliage.
Jamestown: A Georgian Canvas. Jamestown, the historic
capital of St. Helena, unfolds like a living canvas of Georgian
architecture against a backdrop of craggy cliffs and deep blue
waters. Its narrow streets wind past colonial facades, echoing with
tales of maritime heritage and centuries-old intrigue. Steeped in
history, this charming town invites exploration of its quaint shops,
bustling markets, and the poignant reminders of its role in global
history, making every cobblestone step a journey through time.
Jacob's Ladder: Stairway to the Sky. Jacob's Ladder ascends
dramatically from Jamestown's heart, challenging intrepid climbers
with its daunting 699 steps to a lofty viewpoint that rewards with
sweeping panoramas of St. Helena's rugged coastline and
expansive seascape. This iconic stairway, a feat of engineering
carved into the island's volcanic rock, promises both a physical trial
and a visual feast, ensuring every exertion is repaid tenfold by
breathtaking vistas and a sense of triumph over the island's vertical
terrain.
Sandy Bay: Coastal Serenity. Sandy Bay unfolds as a pristine
haven along St. Helena's coastline, where powdery sands meet the
gentle lapping of turquoise waters. Nestled amidst cliffs and
crowned by verdant hills, this picturesque beach invites relaxation
and rejuvenation under the island's temperate sun. Visitors bask in
tranquility, whether strolling along its shoreline, snorkeling in
crystal-clear waters, or simply soaking in the serenity of this hidden
gem framed by nature's unspoiled beauty.
Plantation House: Colonial Elegance. Plantation House,
ensconced amidst rolling hills and manicured gardens, serves as
the stately residence of St. Helena's Governor. This Georgian
masterpiece exudes colonial elegance, its white facade and
verandas overlooking emerald pastures where grazing giant
tortoises lend an air of timeless grace. Beyond its historic
significance, Plantation House offers a glimpse into the island's
governance and traditions, where hospitality and history converge
in a setting of unparalleled tranquility.
St. Helena Distillery: Craftsmanship in Every Drop. St. Helena
Distillery stands as a testament to the island's artisanal craft,
offering visitors a tantalizing journey through the alchemy of locally
distilled spirits. Nestled amidst verdant valleys, this boutique
distillery unveils the secrets behind St. Helena's signature libations,
blending traditional techniques with island-grown ingredients.
Connoisseurs savor the rich flavors of aged rums and botanical-
infused gins, immersed in the warm embrace of a culture steeped
in craftsmanship and conviviality.
Heart-shaped Waterfall: Nature's Hidden Gem. The Heart-
shaped Waterfall cascades gently into a secluded pool, nestled
deep within St. Helena's verdant interior. A natural marvel hidden
amidst lush forests and craggy ridges, this ethereal sight captivates
with its pristine beauty and tranquil ambiance. Adventurers and
romantics alike are drawn to its secluded embrace, where the
murmur of falling water harmonizes with the rustling of leaves,
creating a sanctuary of serenity and natural wonder at the heart of
the island.
Prosperous Bay Plain: A Rugged Expanse. Prosperous Bay
Plain unfolds as a tableau of surreal landscapes on St. Helena,
where undulating dunes meet the cobalt embrace of the South
Atlantic Ocean. This windswept expanse, adorned with hardy
vegetation and punctuated by volcanic formations, offers a glimpse
into the island's rugged beauty and ecological resilience. Visitors
traverse its open vistas, encountering endemic flora and fauna
thriving in harmony amidst a vista that stretches to the horizon's
edge.
Millennium Forest: A Conservation Triumph. The Millennium
Forest stands as a testament to St. Helena's commitment to
conservation, offering nature enthusiasts a sanctuary of biodiversity
and natural splendor. Nestled within verdant hills, this expansive
reserve invites exploration along winding trails that meander
through ancient woodlands and endemic flora. Educational exhibits
unveil ongoing efforts in ecological preservation, ensuring every
visit to this living testament of sustainability leaves a lasting
impression of harmony between humanity and the island's natural
heritage.
Interesting Places to Visit St. Helena
Napoleon's Exile on St. Helena. After his defeat at Waterloo in
1815, Napoleon Bonaparte's fate led him to the remote shores of
St. Helena, a speck in the vast Atlantic Ocean. Here, amidst rugged
cliffs and dramatic coastlines, he found himself confined in exile.
The island's lush interior and commanding views from Longwood
House, his residence, framed his final years in stark contrast to his
former imperial glory. Surrounded by British guards, Napoleon's
presence on St. Helena echoed a poignant chapter in European
history, marked by isolation and introspection far from the courts of
Paris.
St. Helena: Jewel of the British Empire. St. Helena, a jewel of
the British Empire nestled in the South Atlantic, played a pivotal role
in shaping maritime history. Its strategic position along key trade
routes and secure anchorage made it an invaluable asset for British
ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Southern
Hemisphere. The island's port of Jamestown bustled with activity as
sailors restocked provisions and replenished water supplies,
ensuring safe passage for vessels bound for Africa, India, and
beyond. St. Helena stood as a testament to British naval
supremacy and logistical prowess during the height of empire.
The St. Helena Wirebird's Survival Story. The St. Helena
wirebird, an iconic species native to this isolated island, found itself
on the brink of extinction until concerted conservation efforts turned
the tide. With its distinctive long beak and striking plumage, the
wirebird symbolizes resilience and adaptation in a unique
ecological niche. Conservationists, recognizing the bird's plight,
undertook initiatives to preserve its habitat and raise awareness
globally. Today, the wirebird's survival underscores the island's
commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage amidst the
challenges posed by climate change and human impact.
Discovery by Portuguese Explorers. In 1502, Portuguese
explorers, navigating uncharted waters in search of new trade
routes, stumbled upon the verdant shores of St. Helena. Tucked
away in the vast Atlantic, the island's rugged terrain and fertile
valleys offered a haven for weary sailors and a potential outpost for
future expeditions. The Portuguese, captivated by its lush
landscapes and strategic location, briefly claimed St. Helena before
passing its discovery into the annals of European exploration. Their
arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in the island's storied
history.
Jacob's Ladder: An Engineering Marvel. Jacob's Ladder, a
testament to human ingenuity amidst St. Helena's rugged terrain,
stands as a towering marvel of engineering. Ascending 699 steps
with a commanding view over Jamestown and the Atlantic beyond,
this staircase winds skyward in a daring feat of construction.
Originally built to connect the town to Ladder Hill Fort, Jacob's
Ladder has become an iconic landmark, drawing visitors who brave
its vertiginous climb rewarded with panoramic vistas and a sense of
triumph over nature's formidable obstacles.
Jamestown: Heart of St. Helena. Jamestown, the vibrant heart
of St. Helena, bears the indelible imprint of its colonial origins.
Established as a British outpost in the 17th century, this coastal
settlement flourished into the island's capital city. Its historic streets,
lined with Georgian architecture and bustling markets, evoke a
bygone era of maritime trade and imperial influence. Jamestown's
strategic port welcomed ships from across the globe, fostering
cultural exchanges that shaped St. Helena into a crossroads of
civilizations amid the vast South Atlantic.
A Crucial Refueling Station. St. Helena, with its secluded harbor
and strategic position, emerged as a crucial refueling station during
the age of sail. Ships navigating the vast expanse of the Atlantic
relied on the island's sheltered anchorage and abundant freshwater
springs to replenish supplies and repair vessels battered by the
ocean's relentless fury. This maritime oasis offered respite to weary
crews and ensured the success of countless expeditions spanning
the globe, cementing St. Helena's reputation as a pivotal waypoint
in the annals of naval history.
Longwood House: Napoleon's Final Residence. Longwood
House, nestled amidst St. Helena's tranquil countryside, stands as
a poignant testament to Napoleon Bonaparte's final years in exile.
Acquired by the British government for his residence in 1815, this
modest yet dignified abode witnessed the deposed emperor's
reflections on power, legacy, and mortality. Surrounded by
picturesque gardens and sweeping vistas of the Atlantic, Longwood
House became a haven for Napoleon, where he navigated the
complexities of his confinement until his death in 1821, leaving an
enduring mark on the island's history.
Napoleon's Final Resting Place. In 1821, the echoes of history
resounded across St. Helena as Napoleon Bonaparte drew his final
breath in a secluded valley known as Sane. Here, far from the
courts of Europe, the former emperor found his resting place under
the island's azure skies. His tomb, a somber testament to his
tumultuous life and enduring legacy, remains a site of pilgrimage for
admirers and historians alike. Napoleon's death on St. Helena
marked the closure of a chapter in European history, yet his
presence lingers amidst the island's tranquil landscapes, forever
intertwined with its storied past.
Biodiversity of St. Helena. St. Helena, a verdant jewel in the
Atlantic Ocean, teems with biodiversity and boasts a remarkable
array of endemic species. Its isolated ecosystems harbor flora and
fauna found nowhere else on Earth, testament to millennia of
evolution in splendid isolation. From the charismatic wirebird to rare
plants thriving in its rugged terrain, St. Helena's rich biodiversity
captivates scientists and conservationists alike. Efforts to preserve
its natural heritage underscore the island's commitment to
sustainable stewardship amidst the challenges posed by climate
change and human activity.
Interesting Historical Facts about St. Helena
St. Helena, with its lush landscapes and dramatic cliffs, holds
a captivating allure for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path
experiences. This volcanic island, famous for being Napoleon
Bonaparte's final place of exile, boasts a wealth of historical
aa jsites and stunning scenery.
St. Helena