This Famous, Secluded Island Is Finally Opening Up to the World

Saint Helena’s remoteness meant that it was never inhabited until it was discovered in 1502, and after that, was mostly used as a stopover point for expeditions crossing the South Atlantic and as a prison island for dangerous political prisoners. For the 514 years it has been known to the world, it has only been accessible by boat, making this famous island one of the most isolated places in the world.

Until now. Starting in April, commercial flights have been arriving in Saint Helena. The island had long resisted building an airport, but young residents were having trouble finding employment, so the island (which is technically a British overseas territory) decided to open itself up to tourism.

The island’s culture is, as a result, very unique and very sedate. In terms of attractions, other than Napoleon’s old estate, it’s home to a tortoise believed to be 187 years old — he was hatched 11 years after Napoleon’s death — and a stone that sounds like a bell when struck. It’s home to a famous observatory, and the world’s largest population of whale sharks.

As travelers in the US start traveling to “untouched” Cuba as the embargo slowly lifts, they are likely to find an island that is, in many ways, modern. But Saint Helena is a truly “untouched” island in 21st century terms, which is to say that it didn’t have cell phone service until a few years ago. If you want the full Napoleon experience, go there by boat. But that’s no longer your only option.