A little further outside of the city of Carlsbad, you can find the ruins of an old copper mine that was active during World War I, set next to a beautiful creek with waterfalls. The mines can be reached via a short hike from the main road in San Elijo and the paths are signposted.

Gustavia blends St Barts’ Swedish heritage with Caribbean flair, its pastel harbourfront lined with designer boutiques and cafés. For history and panoramas, hike Rue des Dinzey to Fort Karl, where 18th-century Swedish cannons and the ruins of a bottle-shaped lighthouse overlook Shell Beach and the marina. History lingers in every detail: from the ruins of the fort to the Wall House Museum’s island artefacts, Gustavia rewards slow exploration. Across the bay, the Gustavia Lighthouse offers a quieter escape. Locals and visitors often bring sunset picnics here, watching yachts navigate the harbour mouth. Time your visit for the monthly open-air market on Rue du Général de Gaulle, where straw hats and spices spill onto cobblestones.

St Barts Airport (SBH) thrills aviation enthusiasts with its dramatic 650-metre runway with one of the world's most challenging approaches. Landing aircraft must dive steeply right after clearing the hillside, then immediately pull up just a few seconds before touching down. The distance between the edge of the hill and the plane can be less than two meters! Prime viewing spots include St Jean Beach (where planes appear to skim sunbathers), the western runway perimeter, and the airport terminal cafeteria with its panoramic windows. For a grand perspective, the hills east of St Jean Bay frame the runway against turquoise waters. Note: never linger directly beneath flight paths — these low-flying aircraft leave no margin for error.

Come and witness the traditional methods of brickmaking from the olden days. Observe the time-honoured techniques and simple tools used in brick production. The manufacturing in Almvik started in the beginning of the 17th century. Since the mill was shut down in 1971, the brickworks transformed into a fascinating and popular museum, preserved exactly as it was when the factory shut down.