Home to the capital of the US Virgin Islands, the colonial town of Charlotte Amalie, the island of St Thomas is often the only port of call in this region for many of the Caribbean cruise ships. For those planning a longer stay, there are a selection of private villas and cottages. Although now an “unincorporated territory” of the USA, St Thomas, as with many of the US Virgin Islands, started life as a Danish colony. Indeed, the town of Charlotte Amalie, named after a Danish queen, still has a very Scandinavian feel to it.
There are several interesting historical attractions on the island, as well as the usual selection of stunning beaches. St Thomas' airport is served by regular flights from the mainland USA, as well as island hopping flights to other Caribbean islands, and there is also a daily ferry service to nearby St Croix. The national language is English, and the US dollar is the official currency, but unlike the other US Virgin Islands, you have to drive on the left on St Thomas – a hangover from the days of Danish rule.
The north of the island is home to one of St Thomas' most popular beaches, Magens Bay. Popular because of its pleasant, sheltered sandy beach and stunning backdrop, it can get very busy on weekends and when a cruise ship is in town. In the south, near Charlotte Amalie, are many of the beach resorts, with their sun beds, parasols and hammocks; little chance of finding some peace and seclusion in this part of the island. Head east for some of the quieter and less accessible beaches, such as Vessup Bay and Water Bay, while you can only reach many of beaches in the west by boat or after a long hike and clamber down the rocky cliffs! However, there are several local companies who run boat trips to these secluded spots, so you don't have to have to own your own yacht to enjoy them.
Whether you are on St Thomas for only a day or for two weeks, there is more to see on this picturesque island than beaches. East of Charlotte Amalie is Bluebeard's Castle, a fortress built by the Danes that has now become part of a pirate legend - though these days it is actually part of the luxury hotel built on the hill! There are several other popular viewpoints on St Thomas, such as Drake's Seat, where Sir Francis Drake is rumoured to have watched for the Spanish fleet, and the top of St Peter Mountain; at 1,500 metres, this is the highest point on the island. You can drive all the way to the top, or take a local taxi, and make sure enjoy a drink with a view from the small bar at the peak.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in St. Thomas? Then below is a selection of apartments in St. Thomas and villas in St. Thomas that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
