Saint Martin Island. Sint Maarten and Saint Martin

Saint Martin is a northern region of the island nation divided between France and the Netherlands. Saint Martin is a French territory covering approximately two-thirds of the island, located in the Leeward Islands region. It is well known for its nudist beaches and high-quality, fashionable shopping.

• Capital - Marigot
• Language - French

Marigot, capital of Saint Martin

Once a small fishing village, Marigot has grown into a quintessentially Caribbean town known for its sidewalk bistros and colorful gingerbread houses. The capital of the French side, Saint Martin, mixes several traditional tourist attractions with many opportunities for seaside adventure.

"Marigot" literally means "swamp", and the area around the capital was filled with them when the city was founded. During the 18th century the town grew thanks to booming sugar cane production and land filling projects and today it is home to all the local government departments, vibrant markets, romantic walks and some of St Martin's most interesting architecture.

The city is a mecca for duty-free shopping, and the winding streets of the central district are lined with French fashion and luxury boutiques. Many of the world's most prestigious brands can be found there, and unbeatable prices make Marigot great in stock for gifts and souvenirs.

For a more traditional shopping experience, spend a day exploring the sprawling Marigot Market, a melting pot of smells, colors and sights that exudes the bustling city's hustle and bustle. Local residents come every morning as the sun comes up to sell fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, spices and meat, and traditional restaurants hug the perimeter. Don't go without sampling the sweetly flavored rum and indulging in some "Colombo", a fish stew, curried mixture.

Rue de la Republique is one of the best places to marvel at the traditional 19th-century facades that largely define the architecture of Saint Martin. The well-preserved houses have retained much of their architectural authenticity. Stone and lime mortars make the lower floors, and the second levels are made of wood using traditional construction methods. The dwellings are famous for their upstairs galleries decorated with gingerbread friezes and their delightfully decorated balustrades.

The Catholic Church of St. Martin was erected on Fort Louis Road in 1941 to meet the needs of the island's religious minority. Built in traditional stone and lime style, the church was recently renovated by the island's young people as part of a school project.

Nearby Louis Fort was built in 1789 to protect the city and its warehouses, which stored rum, salt, sugar cane, coffee and other products. The fort later fell to ruin, but since 1993 has been the focus of an ambitious reconstruction project under the auspices of the government. Visitors are still welcome to explore the Fort and take in the breathtaking views of the city, Simpson Bay Lagoon, Anguilla, Simpson Bay, Baie Nettle and Terres Bass.

Marigot Cemetery is the final resting place of Auguste-François Perrino, an important figure in the abolition of slavery. Perrino was a shareholder in many of the companies that operated the salt pans in St. Martin, and in 1847 he published a work outlining the mistreatment of slaves. He died on the island in 1861 and remains one of St Martin's most famous historical figures.

If you're tired of swimming, diving, sailing and snorkeling offshore, there are more places to explore in and around Marigot, including Loterie farm, 424th summit of Pic Paradis, the plantation at Saint-Jean, the former sugar mill of Spring, Hope The property is an archaeological and national nature reserve of St. Martin's, which is home to an intoxicating array of flora and fauna.

SAINT MARTIN

Visa: Russian citizens require a visa, which is issued at the embassies of France or the Netherlands.

A few options for visiting St. Maarten that we usually recommend to our clients:

• holiday in Saint Martin (7-14 days) - see "The best hotels in Saint Martin"
• holiday in Saint Martin (5-7 days) + cruises from Saint Martin to the Caribbean on cruise sailboats or on a rented yacht or catamaran with a skipper and cook.

Saint Martin Island, Saint Martin (Dutch) Sint Maarten, fr. Saint-Martin), is a half-Dutch, half-French, hilly green island in the Caribbean Sea as part of the Lesser Antilles. Before the discovery of the island by Christopher Columbus in 1493, it belonged to the Arawaks. Later, settlements of the French and Dutch appeared here, who created a coalition when the Spaniards returned to Saint-Martin. According to the treaty of 1648, the island was divided by France and the Netherlands into two parts: the northern French part, which over time became the center of the French Caribbean, and the southern Dutch part, part of the Netherlands Antilles. The Dutch part of the island is an offshore zone. The Dutch received 35 km 2, and the French, thanks to a larger fleet, 48 km 2. Saint Martin is the world's smallest island governed simultaneously by two independent governments. The boundaries of the territories are “transparent”, and every traveler can “violate” them without any problems.

The island of Saint Martin has everything you need for a wonderful holiday:

• 37 magnificent white sand beaches! Some popular beaches on the French side of the island: for surfing - Plum Bay, for scuba diving - Baie Rouge, Grandes Cayes And Friar Bay with coral reefs, for snorkeling - Grand Case, for a family holiday with children - Anse Marcel, for a quiet holiday - secluded Petites Cayes, for lovers of unity with nature and swimming without swimsuits - Orient Beach;
• more than 300 restaurants serving French, Italian, Caribbean, Creole, Indonesian, Japanese cuisine (fashionable restaurants in Grand Case created Marigot's reputation as a center haute cuisine);
• more than 500 stores "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;
• casinos and nightclubs;
• all kinds of water sports, including diving, surfing, yachting, deep-sea fishing, as well as a variety of water excursions.

Climate: Tropical, the weather is warm and dry all year round. The average annual air temperature is +27°C, water surface +26.4°C. The hottest months are July and August, with average daily temperatures rising to +32°C. The annual precipitation rate is 995 mm. The rainiest months are from September to November, during which there are eight rainy days per month. The driest time is considered to be from February to April, when the number of rainy days reaches three per month. The resort operates all year round. The most favorable time to travel to the island is from mid-December to the end of April.

Time: lags behind Moscow by 8 hours in summer and 7 hours in winter.

Population: about 85 thousand people (French and Dutch parts together).

Official language: The official language of the Dutch part of the island is Dutch. English and Spanish are spoken here, as well as Papiamento. On the French side, the official language is French, but the local population also speaks English and Creole.

Currency unit: Euros, most stores accept US dollars. Credit cards are accepted everywhere.

Flight from Moscow: airline flights "Air France" And "KLM".

SIGHTS OF SAINT MARTIN

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 marshy 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.

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Saint Martin is a small island in the Caribbean archipelago, which is washed in the east by the turbulent Atlantic Ocean and in the west by the calm Caribbean Sea. Saint Martin is the smallest inhabited island in the world, and it is governed by two independent states - Holland and France. So, its southern part belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is called Sint Maarten. But the northern territories and a number of adjacent islands are a French overseas community and part of the European Union. Moreover, this peaceful coexistence of European powers has lasted for 350 years. Perhaps this was influenced by the friendliness of both peoples and the carefree atmosphere, as evidenced by 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.

In both capitals ( Marigote And Philipsburg) there are many gourmet 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 about 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 Mount Paradise Peak.

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 in 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 side 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 main attractions of the city include Queen Wilhelmina monument, nine small churches and Watney Square. No less interesting Fort Willem And fort amsterdam.

Also worth a visit Museum Saint Martin, within the walls of which ancient finds and a collection of objects from the sunken frigate are stored " Proselyte».

Well, the main source of pride for the residents Philipsburg are Botanical Garden and a small but very beautiful zoo.

Outside the city you can also find noteworthy places and objects. First of all, this is an observation tower Cole Bay Hill and a magnificent beach Dawn Beach.

The French part of the island is less noisy, and its capital is a city Marigot- is a true example of elegant style. The most popular place in the city is Republic Street with charming buildings creating a romantic atmosphere.

The main historical monument Marigot recognized ancient fortress called Fort Louis, from the walls of which a stunning view of the coast opens.

Among other interesting objects the most popular Museum of History and Culture of Saint Martin, courthouse Rue de la Liberté, gallery " Lulu" and cultural-historical museum " In the footsteps of the Arawaks».

Well, in the vicinity of the city you should definitely see the remains of a sugar plantation La Sucreriere and picturesque Paradise Peak and also visit a typical Creole village Colombier, the gastronomic capital of the island Grand Case, small forest reserve Lottery Farm and amazing Butterfly farm.

Despite the fact that the island is shared by two states, they have one common attraction that symbolizes their peaceful coexistence. She represents Border Monument, which is installed on the top of a small mountain Concordia.

Nutrition

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-fried snapper, boiled shrimp with herbs, and fish-coconut soup Soapy-dee-squeak, fish balls croqueshes, wine soup sopi-di-binja and roasted whole wahoo.

Among the meat dishes, pies are the most common pasteshis, lamb stew cabrito-stoba, meatloaf ayacas, cactus and fish soup hobi-duchie, 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, such as muffins, are also interesting johnny cake, flatbreads pan-bati, potato pudding puddin di potato, caramel kesio and lollipops cockatoo. 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, and in a small town Grand Case, which is recognized as the gastronomic capital of Saint Martin. This is where the best restaurants in Saint Martin are located, offering exquisite French cuisine and the best French wines.

Accommodation

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 the most famous is considered Orient Bay.

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, 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 the street 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 Philipsburg There is a market where traders offer interesting products of folk craftsmen.

French city Marigot It also abounds with many interesting shops, fashion boutiques and luxury jewelry stores offering watches and jewelry from the most prestigious brands. In addition, in Marigot There is 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

Located on the island Princess Juliana International Airport(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 climate

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.

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.

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.

The apartment market is also quite in demand. The cost of a two-bedroom apartment starts at an average of $400,000.

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 information

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 (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.

The island experiences hot and dry weather all year round. The highest temperatures are observed in July and August - +32 °C. The rainy season usually begins in September–November. From February to April the weather is dry. The best time to holiday in Saint Martin is 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 the French capital, and to the southern part 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 basis 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 the 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.

Bank credit cards can be used on holiday 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 to 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.