The most isolated island in the world welcomes tourists

Saint Helena is a tiny island in the South Atlantic, but it is a paradise for adventure lovers.

The beautiful island did not receive a mass of tourists in the past, since it is one of the most remote inhabited places in the world. How remote?

Until 2017, you had to spend five nights by boat to reach British territory between South Africa and Brazil. Today, there are weekly flights to Saint Helena and the government is trying to attract tourists. Meanwhile, according to official data, in 2024, about 2,000 travelers arrived on the island.

About 4000 residents live in Saint Helena today. By the way, they call themselves saints. Those who usually come to visit the island are people who like to travel and discover new places and less "back belly" types in a warm place.

The main reason for this is that the weather is unpredictable and they often don't get enough food supplies, since the closest land to Saint Helena is about 2,000 kilometers away. But if you come with an open mind and are ready for anything, the island is no less than paradise.

Another thing you should know about the mysterious island is that it was the home of Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile from 1815 to 1821. When traveling on the island, you cannot see sites honoring the deposed French emperor. Of course, you can also tour his house and his original burial place, before his remains were transferred to France.

Saint Helena's capital, Jamestown, combines old with new. On one side you can see colonial buildings with small shops and grocery stores. And there are even DVD rental options, which were popular in the period before internet arrived on the island. If you are fit, you can climb the 699 steps of the "Jacob's Ladder" at the edge of the city. The staircase used to be used as a route for donkey carts, with the help of which things were transported around the island.

Besides, the island has enough picturesque alleys and paths, which will allow wanderers to satisfy their appetite. For those looking for a slightly more challenging walk, you can take a walk there to "Diana's Peak", which climbs to a height of 2,690 feet above sea level and into the last remaining natural cloud forest in Britain. Less fit hikers can hike along Blue Point which offers views of Sandy Bay, Spry Island and Castle Rock.

You should know before you start packing

There are no ATMs on the island and credit cards are not accepted everywhere. You should arrive with a British pound. Also, at the entrance you pay 20 pounds.

It's a good idea to download offline maps before you arrive, as the Wi-Fi isn't the best you'll find.

Flights: Airlink flies once a week from Johannesburg.