Saint Helena

A Remote Atlantic Treasure

Adrift in the South Atlantic, Saint Helena is one of the most isolated inhabited islands on Earth. Volcanic peaks tumble into lush cloud forests and sun-scorched semi-desert, all packed into an island barely 16 kilometres across. Jamestown, the tiny capital wedged between towering cliffs, greets visitors with Georgian architecture and a 699-step staircase that doubles as a cardio workout. Whether you arrive by weekly flight from Johannesburg or by passing yacht, the island's sheer remoteness makes the first glimpse unforgettable.

Napoleon, Wirebirds and Deep History

Saint Helena is perhaps most famous as the final home of Napoleon Bonaparte, and Longwood House, where he spent his last years, remains immaculately preserved. But the island's story stretches far deeper, from its discovery by the Portuguese in 1502 to its role in the East India Company's global trade network and the haunting slave burial ground at Rupert's Valley. Nature lovers can spot the endemic wirebird, the island's national bird, wander ancient tree fern thickets in the Peaks, or dive the crystal-clear waters where whale sharks cruise past volcanic drop-offs.

Island Life at Its Most Genuine

The Saints, as locals are known, are famously welcoming. Every passing car earns a wave, strangers become friends over fish cakes and locally roasted coffee, and community festivals bring the whole island together. Walk the post box trails that criss-cross the dramatic coastline, sample tungi spirit distilled from prickly pear, or simply sit on the wharf watching dolphins play in James Bay. With virtually no crime and no traffic lights, Saint Helena offers a pace of life that most travellers have long forgotten exists.

See Saint Helena

Get a taste of this remarkable island with our video guide to Saint Helena.