Gouverneur Beach unfolds like a pirate’s treasure map come to life — a broad U-shaped bay framed by high cliffs, where the only footprints in the white sand might be your own. Reach it via a steep, turtle-crossed road (watch your step!) that spills onto one of St Barts’ most undisturbed shores. The southwest-facing cove offers great snorkelling, while the eastern end sees naturists embracing the solitude. The lack of amenities means you have to pack some essentials, but reward comes in spades: picnic-perfect sands, cliffside views from nearby Santa Fe restaurant (try their grilled lobster), and whispers of buried pirate gold beneath your beach towel.

This clock tower is a lasting reminder of Sapporo's comparatively recent past. The wooden building is of American design and one of the few remaining Western-style buildings. It is a witness of the help Sapporo received from the American government in the 1870's when the city was first developed.

Even if ancient ruins aren't your cup of tea, a trip to an archaeological site is worth the detour. The journey will take you through the quaint countryside, threading through small towns and villages that might otherwise escape your notice. Just a few kilometres from the holiday resort of Altinkum, in Yenihisar, you'll find Didyma — home to a grand temple dedicated to Apollo. Didyma was more than a religious site; its oracle rivalled the fame of Delphi's. While the original temple was destroyed by the Persians around 400 BC, the existing ruins hail from the Roman times. The remnants of 120 columns stand as testament to the temple's once monumental size.

Toiny Beach reveals St Barts’ untamed edge along its wind-lashed southeastern coast, where Atlantic swells crash onto a reef break too the endless delight of surfers. Marked as "Côte Sauvage" on old maps, this rugged crescent trades swimming safety for adrenaline-pumping waves — come prepared for rocky shallows and strong currents. The Toiny Beach Club provides creature comforts: a freshwater pool, restrooms, and seaside dining. It’s a fantastic destination after mornings spent beachcombing or watching the sunrise in solitude. Those headland views? Best enjoyed with toes in the sand and a cocktail in hand, far from the island’s busier shores.