St Helena was discovered by the Portuguese in the early 1500’s it was later capture by the British and then became a British colony.

The Island is one of the most unique Islands in the South Atlantic It has some great hidden treasures Due to the size of St Helena an the transport access it is not possible to go there for a week and come back unlike most holiday destinations.

The Island of St Helena is located in the South Atlantic Ocean. The nearest Island is Ascension Island, which lies 702 miles to the North West, and 1200 miles to the south west is the Island of Tristan da Cunha, St Helena is 1200 miles (1950km) from the south west coast of Africa and 1800 miles (2900 km) from the coast of South America. The Island was discovered by a Portuguese admiral Joao da Nova on 21 May 1502.

 There is no airport on the Island however the St Helena Government is in negotiations with the British government about financing an airport for the Island to improve the access and boast the island economy.

The proposed site for the airport is at Prosperous Bay plain although there are various studies on the environmental impact and the financial investment needed for the construction and operation of the airport. The airport was originally scheduled to be open by 2010 but it has now been stated by the British government that this is going to be a pause in the construction of the airport as a result of economic down turn

The Island has a small population of about 3800 People comparing to five years ago the population was 5500 people. The Island has a very small export market of coffee and fish. The RMS St Helena the last British registered royal mail ship continues to deliver a regular service for the Island carrying cargo and passengers to and from the Islands on a regular basis.

St Helena has a few cruise ship visits a year however there is no facilities to accommodate large cruise ships. There are a few hotels offering package deals for the visitor, self catering and bed and breakfast facilities are also available.

One of the highlights for any visitor to the Island is a visit to Napoleons House where he lived his last days in exile also the tomb where he was buried before he was taken back to france. Plantation House – A Georgian style, country residence of the Governor of St. Helena, and its two dependencies Tristan da Cunha and Ascension Island, was erected in 1792, both house and grounds has its own unique attraction and are much admired by visitors. The house consists of thirty five rooms, and each has its own, exceptionally, appealing charm. The grounds are the home of beautiful flower gardens the well manicured lawn at the front of the house this is also the home to the oldest inhabitant on St. Helena – Jonathan the giant tortoise and his four other - giant tortoise mates. Jonathon’s age is estimated around 170 years old! On the higher central ground on the Island bush and semi tropical vegetation is abundant, this changes to grassland and pastures before the terrain becomes drier and almost barren below 500 m to the sea.

 The only inland waters are small mountain streams. The climate of St Helena is controlled by the south Atlantic high pressure cell and the equatorial trough, despite the island’s locality within the tropics, its climate is kept mild and equable by the south east trade winds, the trade winds blow from high to low almost continuously making our weather so changeable, a dull rainy morning can often lead onto a bright sunny afternoon. St Helena is a fisherman’s paradise, either a quiet day on the rocky coastline of the Island or the thrill of deepwater sport fishing, different fishing grounds surround the Island and many varieties of fish can be caught. In the high season between April and August marlin, Wahoo and sailfish are there for the sport fisherman, swimming is possible from the main landing steps and a few other coastal areas; in addition there is an Olympic-sized swimming pool in Jamestown, which is open daily. St Helena’s clear waters invite the scuba diver to explore some of the wrecks and discover the unique marine life, snorkeling can also be enjoyed by visitors, there is also a 9-hole golf course which is played around twice, situated at Long wood with a thriving club and weekly competitions. St. Helena Island is blessed with its diverse and intriguing array of attractions. A visit will provide guaranteed fulfilment and an extraordinary experience. - A Jewel in the South Atlantic!  

Characteristics

Alternative’ tourism, entertainment, cultural events, traditional products, natural beauty, vivid landscape, peace and tranquility, great walks, clean seas and no proper sandy beaches

 Architecture

Traditional architecture, The capital James town has some Victorian type buildings, residential homes varies from modern bungalows to double story European style mansions.

 Capital

Jamestown: built in a valley and this is the only way one can access the island. The Port or landing steps as it is locally known can cater for tourist arriving by ship but that depends on the sea conditions on the day. The port is a natural bay with rocking out crops an man made landing facilities.

 Entertainment

 Local bands, local radio, satellite TV, bars, clubs, cafes, restaurants, nightlife for the young crowd.

Views

 Blue sea great sunsets beautiful scenery great diving.

 Accommodation

All kinds Hotels, self catering bed and breakfast,

What to Try

 Local meats farm products and a wide selection of fish

For the Sweet Tooth

 Locally made or imported products of all choices

 Landmarks

Napoleons house, Plantation house (governors residents) High knoll fort, Hallys mount, and many more.