Naturalistic journey in pursuit of literary inspiration

Walking along Svínafellsjökull, Europe's largest glacier

The ascent to Herðubreið, queen of the Icelandic mountains

Between waterfalls and following the river at Gljúfursárfoss

There is an anecdote, suspended between history and legend, which tells how, in 1648, a French and a Dutch sailor walked around the perimeter of the island from opposite points: the point where they met established the border. That border, ratified by the Treaty of Concord, is today a unique case in the world: 87 square kilometres of land shared peacefully, where movement is free and identity is a mosaic of 120 nationalities. Saint Martin, nicknamed 'The Friendly Island', welcomes travellers with a landscape that alternates between steep green hills (the mornes) and stretches of dazzling sand, offering an experience that changes radically depending on which side you are on. The average temperature throughout the year is 27 degrees, with a dry season from December to May and a cyclonic one from June to November and as many as 300 days of sunshine a year.

Silent white beaches, tropical dolce vita and European elegance among the crystal-clear waters of Saint-Martin

The French side (Saint-Martin) occupies about 53 km² and is a concentration of European elegance and tropical 'dolce vita'. Here, nature is proudly protected: the Réserve Naturelle Nationale preserves thousands of hectares of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. For those seeking a panoramic view stretching as far as the islands of Anguilla and Saint-Barth, the Pic Paradis is a must-see. At 424 metres high, it is the highest point on the island; at its foot is the Loterie Farm, an old sugar plantation transformed into an ecotourism sanctuary, where you can zipline between centuries-old trees or relax in natural pools surrounded by tropical forest. The beaches are the real stars. If Orient Bay is considered the 'Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean' for its beach clubs and cosmopolitan vibrancy, there are corners of absolute solitude such as Baie Longue or Baie aux Prunes, where golden sand meets crystal-clear waters in a silence broken only by the waves.

Marigot, the capital of the French side, is the place where colonial spirit meets modernity. Strolling through its streets, one can admire the pastel-coloured facades of the 'gingerbread' style houses. Towering above the city is Fort Louis, built in 1789 to defend the port's warehouses: climbing to its summit at sunset is a ritual that affords one of the island's most impressive views. Not far away, the local Marigot market explodes with colours and scents, including spices, fresh fish and the famous guavaberry liqueur. Moving north, one comes to Grand Case, a picturesque fishing village that holds the title of gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. Here, the main street is transformed every evening into a stage for the senses, with starred restaurants and the famous Lolos, the traditional open-air kiosks where you can eat the best barbecue on the island (ribs, chicken and lobster) at popular prices, surrounded by an atmosphere of authentic conviviality.

Marigot and Grand Case: the beating hearts

Discover the best destinations and travel tips for your holidays: the best all-inclusive trips to leave without worries

The best destinations and travel tips - Viaggi 24

Travel

Naturalistic journey in pursuit of literary inspiration

Trekking in the Krafla fantasy zone

Walking along Svínafellsjökull, Europe's largest glacier

The ascent to Herðubreið, queen of the Icelandic mountains

Between waterfalls and following the river at Gljúfursárfoss

Silent white beaches, tropical dolce vita and European elegance among the crystal-clear waters of Saint-Martin

The geography of contrast

Marigot and Grand Case: the beating hearts

A gourmet's paradise

Activities between land, sea and sky

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