According to the legend, Columbus discovered the island the feast day of St. Martin in 1493. During 140 years, the Spanish, French, and Dutch disputed the possession of St. Martin. After years of struggle, on March 23, 1648, a treaty was concluded atop Mount Concordia delineating the boundaries between the French and Dutch sides.

During the late 1700s and 1800s, the island lived on a colonial system based on sugarcane plantations and slavery. Once slavery was abolished (in 1848 on the French side and 1863 on the Dutch side) St. Martin's economy decreased deeply until 1939, when the island became a free port.

Thereafter, St. Martin developed as a hub of trade in the Caribbean, and when, in the late 50's the airport opened, the tourist economy has become the single most important economic activity.

Inside St. Martin: Getting around St. Martin is not difficult. The main road completely encircles the island, making it virtually impossible to get lost. There are no customs formalities between both sides of the island.
A large variety of modes of transportation are available.
Public buses run regularly between the island's two capitals and different areas for a moderate fee. Taxis are also available but a bit more expensive. Rent a car is the easiest and the most convenient way to discover St. Martin. The major car rental agencies are located in Marigot, Philipsburg, hotel's desks and airports. You need a valid U.S. driver's license and a major credit card or cash deposit. Scooters, bicycles and motorbikes are also available but due to the hilly terrain and narrow roads it is recommended these modes of transportation to experienced riders only. Drive on the right-hand side of the road on the entire island.

As St. Martin is a true duty-free island, you will find many goods at very low prices. Cigarettes, liquor, electronics, jewelry, cosmetics, French and European designer clothing, perfumes,... are available in Marigot and Philipsburg at lower prices than those in the States. Remember to check with your customs' authorities what you are allowed to bring back home duty-free.

A five minute drive brings you to the Grand Case Village also called the Restaurant Capital of the Caribbean.
A wide variety of restaurants awaits you. A few kilometers away, the French town of Marigot offers all types of facilities and services:

• Banks
• Post
• Office
• Businesses
• Duty Free Shopping
• Marina.

And be sure not to miss the Creole market in the morning in Marigot!

Princess Juliana International Airport is 25 minutes away from Orient Beach on the Dutch side of the island. Princess Juliana International Airport serves several major airlines such as US Air, American, NW Orient, Air France and a host of smaller local commuter airlines that serve the local region with fine services.

As well, there is a smaller airport serving the French side just a few minutes from Orient Beach, Grand Case Airport. This airport is served by all the local carriers and is a great place to get a day trip out to one of the other islands close by such as Anguilla, St. Barts, Saba, Nevis or St. Kits.

St. Martin is well-known in the Caribbean for its restaurants.
You can choose among a huge variety of cuisine and have a different style every night.
It is recommended that you to try the traditional Creole food and eat in a French gastronomic restaurant in Grand Case ; this village on the French side is called the Restaurant Capital of the Caribbean.

Gambling is one of the most important night time activities and there is a wide choice of casinos all located in the Dutch side.

Both sides offer you different styles of discotheques that satisfy all kinds of night clubbers.