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St-Martin & Sint Maarten

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Overview

The world's smallest area of land divided into two nations, this half-French, half-Dutch island's fascinating cultural mix incorporates a rich African heritage and 120 different nationalities speaking 80-plus languages, giving rise to some of the finest cuisine in the Caribbean.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Îlet Pinel

    Îlet Pinel

    St-Martin & Sint Maarten

    This petite offshore islet is fab for a sun-soaked afternoon. Refreshingly undeveloped (it’s part of the Reserve Naturelle Saint Martin or St-Martin…

  • Loterie Farm

    Loterie Farm

    St-Martin & Sint Maarten

    Loterie Farm is the brainchild of former actor Bill 'BJ' Welch who left the Hollywood rat race to turn a former plantation into a private nature reserve…

  • Baie Longue

    Baie Longue

    St-Martin & Sint Maarten

    Baie Longue embraces two splendid miles of white sand and rocky outcrops, making it a prime spot for long strolls and meditative sunsets. The impossibly…

  • Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit

    Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit

    St-Martin & Sint Maarten

    This 1st-floor museum is the brainchild of makeup artist Nick Maley, whose role in creating Yoda of Star Wars fame garnered him the nickname 'That Yoda…

  • Petites Cayes

    Petites Cayes

    St-Martin & Sint Maarten

    One of the island’s top hidden beaches, Petites Cayes is accessible via the Sentier des Froussards (Froussards Trail), a narrow, steep and rocky trail…

  • Fort Louis

    Fort Louis

    St-Martin & Sint Maarten

    It's a short but steep climb up to what's left of this once mighty fort, completed in 1789 under St-Martin's then-governor Jean Sebastian de Durat to…

  • Friar's Bay Beach

    Friar's Bay Beach

    St-Martin & Sint Maarten

    Pretty and protected, this west-facing cove has two beach bars, chic Friar's Bay Beach Café and funky Kali’s Beach Bar, which hosts famous full-moon…

  • Marigot Market

    Marigot Market

    St-Martin & Sint Maarten

    Although there are fewer vendors after Hurricane Irma, this colorful waterfront market is still worth a spin to browse for art, crafts and trinkets, pick…

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