The 8 Most Beautiful Beaches in St Barts

There’s so much to see and do in St Barts. For anyone staying at nearby St Maarten, you can take a day tour of St Barts and sample all of its natural wonders.
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Charming houses cluster around the shallow blue waters of this lovely beach, where traditional fishing boats bob the waves. When you take a break from sunbathing you can stroll past the houses, each of which proudly displays an array of homemade straw crafts for sale – including sun hats, woven bags, purses and even Christmas decorations when the time is right.

Whispy, fine white sands cover Plage de Flamands – the largest beach on the island. Kick-off your flip flops and take a walk along the slowly lapping waves. You’ll find surfers and bodyboarders here when the wind sweeps the bay. It’s also home to two of the island’s top hotels – the Taïwana and Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France – both located at the southern end of the beach.

Can you guess how this beach got its name? Just a short walk from the downtown of the island’s capital, Gustavia, the sands here are abundant with blush pink and golden-hued shells, washed up by the sea. Be sure to stay for sunset – the beach faces southwest and offers some of the best sunset views. Make your way to Shellona restaurant – where sunbeds, live music and DJs await – and try the grilled squid and toast the sunset with a cocktail.

Good things come to those who, in this case, make an effort. Remote Colombier is one of the hardest beaches on the island to reach – but the rewards are high. A stretch of beaming white sands, bold blue seas and green forested hills greet those who make the journey – it’s only reachable by boat or foot. Join a group sailing trip, or push the boat out and charter a catered yacht for the day. Picnic on the beach anyone? Be advised, there’s no facilities, so bring whatever you need.

Rumours abound that French pirate Captain Monbars stashed his treasure in a cave by this beach and never recovered it, so keep your eyes peeled. This unspoilt, white sand beach is postcard-perfect – but there are no facilities and little shade, so it’s best to visit early or late in the day to avoid the full strength of the sun. Bring your snorkel mask and follow the rocks for a glimpse of an underwater world.

The Grand Cul-de-Sac is a shallow expanse of sweeping turquoise hues, brimming with tropical fish. Visitors will find palm-shaded sands to unwind on – and close to the luxury hotel Le Sereno, there’s a chance of spotting sea turtles. Watch the lagoon fill with kiteboarders when the wind is just right and wade far out to find a beautiful coral reef.

Solitude awaits at this relaxed little cove, part of the marine reserve. Take a picnic and you’ll likely have this verdant bay – with its small stretch of sand amidst tumbling green hillsides – to yourself. Fishing huts and a number of beachside houses sit nearby, but there’s never a crowd. Pop a cork, dig your toes in the sand and sit back and listen to the waves break.

The Grand Cul-de-Sac’s neighbour and smaller sibling, this lagoon-like bay may not have the same striking vistas, but it does offer privacy and a little solitude. A much quieter spot, its pebbled sands and shallow waters are rustically beautiful. Many adventurous travellers make a further hike from here to the nearby natural pools – surrounded by sheer cliffs. Ask a local guide for help locating them and traversing the tricky route across the rocks.