If the thought of relaxing in seclusion on vacation sounds like heaven, you might want to consider one of the world’s most remote islands, St Helena. The tiny volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean is about 1,900 miles east of South America and 1,200 miles west of Africa. The remote location makes it one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth.
Photo: Umomos/Shutterstock
How to Get to the World's Most Remote Inhabited Island
Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, St Helena has been a UK overseas territory since the 17th century — so expect left-hand side driving and the British pound for currency. The island is famous for being the place of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile after his defeat at Waterloo in 1815. Bonaparte lived on the island for six years until his death in 1821. Today visitors can tour multiple heritage sites honoring the French military commander, including his island homes.
Photo: Darrin Henry/Shutterstock
St Helena is a volcanic island with a rugged terrain of rocky cliffs, peaks, and deep valleys. The island is small, measuring around 47 square miles with a population of about 4,200 people. The community is a mix of African, European, and Asian descent. And although the official language of St Helena is English, the islanders also speak a distinct local dialect.
Until 2017, the only way to reach St Helena was by boat, which took five days. Today, you can get to this remote community by plane. Here’s the best way to travel to St Helena for a vacation without the crowds.
How to get to St Helena by air
The most convenient way to reach the island is by air. St Helena Airport (HLE) opened in 2017 and welcomes visitors with weekly flights from Johannesburg, South Africa, operated by Southern Africa’s independent airline, Airlink. The flight takes approximately six hours.
Exciting news for travelers in 2024 and 2025 is the return of flights from Cape Town, South Africa. These seasonal flights will run alongside the Johannesburg service, offering a weekly Saturday flight from Cape Town and a Tuesday flight from Johannesburg.
How to get to St Helena by boat
While there are no scheduled passenger services, experienced sailors can navigate the seas to reach St Helena’s shores. The island has facilities to welcome visiting yachts, but be sure to research mooring regulations with the Harbour Master beforehand. And although rare, cruise ships occasionally include St Helena on their itineraries, offering a glimpse of the island’s beauty for a day, so keep an eye out for African cruise routes.
How to get around on the island
Photo: Umomos/Shutterstock
Car hire is the most convenient way to get around the island, especially if you want to explore at your own pace. However, car rentals must be booked in advance as there are only a limited number of vehicles available. Drivers must be 18 years or older and have a valid overseas driver’s license. Be aware that roads on St Helena are single-track, narrow, winding, and can be steep. The government site advises drivers to use the horn when approaching bends in daylight hours. As previously mentioned, traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road, the same as in the UK.
Taxis are available in Jamestown, the capital of St Helena. While there are no ride-sharing companies like Uber or Lyft on the island, you can grab a taxi on the street or arrange for pick-up in advance. St Helena has a limited public bus service. Buses are not very frequent, and timetables are designed to meet the needs of locals, not tourists.
More information on car hire and taxi services can be found here on the island’s tourism website.
The best places to stay on St Helena
You must book your accommodation in advance. Options are somewhat limited. Although there are some hotels, guest houses, and bed & breakfasts, you might want to consider booking a self-catering Airbnb to have a more local experience. There’s only a handful of Airbnb listings for the island. Here are a couple of options:
We hope you love the Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Cottage in beautiful Sandy Bay
This beautiful garden cottage sits high on the central hills of St Helena. It offers fantastic views of the island’s central peaks from the front door and has access to Wrangham’s tropical gardens and coffee estate. Inside, the Airbnb has a charming decor, with a modern kitchen and a bedroom with patio doors leading out into the garden. The island recently received high-speed internet, and this Airbnb has a connection throughout — perfect for those who want a unique digital nomad experience.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $80 per night
Lovely two-bedroom cottage in Brewery Yard
Perfect for a small family or group, this two-bedroom cottage is in the middle of historic Jamestown. It’s a short walk from the main town’s shops and restaurants. Outside, there’s a covered verandah, so you can eat outside or just relax on warm days. The two spacious bedrooms are on the second floor, where you’ll also find the toilet. On the ground level, there’s a second bathroom with a bath and shower and an open-planned kitchen and dining area.
Four guests, two bedroom
Price: $80 per night 