Gustavia
Saint-Barthélemy · Saint-Barthélemy · 5 m
Description
Gustavia is the harbour town of Saint-Barthélemy and carries a Swedish name because Sweden held the island for almost a century from 1784, running it as a free port. Red-roofed houses climb the slopes around a deep narrow anchorage that fills with yachts in the winter season, and the quay is lined with the jewellers and fashion houses that give the island its reputation. Three ruined forts, a wooden Anglican church and the Wall House museum survive from the Swedish town. Shell Beach lies a short walk south. The harbour is too small for ships to berth, so cruise passengers come ashore by tender.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – April
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Harbour quay and the yacht anchorage
- Shell Beach
- Boutiques and jewellers along the quay
- Wall House museum and library
- Fort Gustave and its lighthouse
- Swedish clock tower above the town
- Anglican church of 1855
- Waterfront restaurants and beach clubs
- Anse du Gouverneur over the hill
- Anse de Grande Saline
- Cruise tenders coming in to the quay
Getting there
- Airports:
- SBH
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry