INTRODUCING

St Helena

St. Helena is one of the remotest places in the world: 1,200 miles from the Southwest coast of Africa and 1,800 miles from South America. Once a secret Portuguese colony for 80 years, it was colonised by the Dutch before becoming a British Overseas Territory.

Until the advent of steam ships and the opening of the Suez Canal, it was a strategically important port of call for ships sailing to Asia and Southern Africa from Europe. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled here in 1815 until his death in 1821; you can pay your respects at his grave today. Charles Darwin visited in 1836 and described it in his diary as “a curious little world within itself”. Its remote location means it is rich in wildlife, including a 185-year old tortoise. No visit is complete without swimming with the gentle giant whale sharks. As you’d expect, the seafood is out of this world!

Next destination

Highlights

  • Amazing climbing destinations include Jacob's Ladder (699 steps!) and Diana's Peak, with an abundance of plant and animal life.
  • Smell (and taste) the coffee – St Helena coffee is made from the green tipped bourbon arabica coffee bean. It remains a pure strain and is listed as an endangered species.
  • Meet the oldest-known living land animal in the world – Jonathan the Seychelles Giant Tortoise is estimated to be between 170 and 200 years old. A national treasure and adored by locals.

GALLERY

A flavour of St Helena

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