Nestled in the Caribbean archipelago, south of Anguilla, St Martin is 37 square miles of beautiful beaches and impressive landscapes. It is possible to drive round the island in about 90 minutes, but there are so many places you could stop to swim in the sea and lie on the beach that you would need a longer holiday! To help you out, I have done the hard work for you and found the top 5 beaches to visit.

 

Number 5 – Baie Rouge

Situated on the west side of the island on the Caribbean sea, Baie Rouge is a long, curving bay with impressive waves and soft, golden sands. At the northern end, there is space to park your car and grab a beer at one of the two beach shacks. They also rent loungers and parasols for the day. Walk along the beach to the south, and it becomes much quieter where you can enjoy your own piece of sand.

 

Number 4 – Maho Beach

No-one is going to come to St Martin without venturing to the Dutch side, or Sint Maarten as it is called, to see Maho Beach. This is not a place to search for peace and quiet, given that it is at the end of the runway of Princess Juliana Airport and is world-famous for the low approaching jets that thunder overhead. It is a must for plane spotters and tourists alike, with a beer at the Sunset Bar a must! There is free parking at the bar if you get your ticket validated when you buy a drink.

 

 

Number 3 – Tintemarre

Located on a deserted island 3km off the north east coast of St Martin, the only way to get here is by boat. It is part of the French island’s nature reserve and the waters around it are full of wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins. It is the perfect place to try snorkelling in the calm and crystal-clear waters.

 

Number 2 – Mercure lagoon beach

The sea on the Caribbean side of the sand bar that forms the lagoon can be a bit rough at times, especially when the wind is blowing, so the beach on the lagoon side offers a little respite. I love this beach because there were so many little spots to lie in the sun, or to seek shade under a palm tree in a hammock. The water was also very calm for a little cooling-off dip. The beach was just next to the bar and restaurant, so there are plenty of options for a drink or a light bite.

 

Number 1 – Pinel Island

This beach was so good that we went back on more than one occasion. Located on an uninhabited island just of the north east coast, access is provided by a ferry, which is only 10EUR per person. Once on the island, there are two restaurant bars serving an array of food and drinks. One of the things I loved was the bar tables stuck into the sand, and the groups of people drinking ice-cold rose around them. The water was clear, the food was delicious and if I could have stayed longer, I would!