Gustavia, St Barts' red-roofed capital, is a small harbor town lined with chic boutiques, duty free shops, gourmet restaurants, and galleries. It is the main town of the island of Saint Barthélemy (also known as St. Barts). It was named after King Gustav III of Sweden. St. Barts was a French possession originally, and the area was called Carenage after the shelter it provided to damaged ships. Gustavia was founded after Sweden bought the island from France in 1785. The island was sold back to France in 1878.
For beautiful sightseeing views, visit Fort Gustav (the most important fort during the Swedish period), or head to the top of the 29 m hill for vistas of Shell Beach amid the few remaining stonewalls of Fort Karl!
Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast
Charming hilltop towns, acres of lemon groves and vineyards, mile after mile ...
Read morePure Galapagos (Daphne)
Few destinations rival the Galapagos for up-close encounters with wildlife, a...
Read moreLocal Living Italy—Amalfi Coast Winter
Get ready to live like a local on this off-season trip to the hilltop towns a...
Read moreClassic Istanbul Mini Adventure
Take a big bite out of Istanbul with this short-yet-full Mini Adventure. Grab...
Read more