As the mercury rises, many are plotting , and there's a hidden gem of an island that should top your travel list – a place few have ventured to.

St Helena, a stunning British territory situated between Africa and in the , was once notoriously difficult to reach, requiring a five-night sea voyage.

But since 2017, when an airport opened its doors, getting to St Helena has become a breeze with commercial flights, yet it remains an undiscovered treasure as only 2,100 tourists visited in 2023.

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Despite its small size, with just 4,000 inhabitants, St Helena is a slice of paradise boasting golden beaches, verdant forests, and vibrantly coloured homes set against a backdrop of the vast blue ocean.

CN Traveler has hailed St Helena as one of the "best places" to visit in 2024, praising the island's "rich history" – it's famously known as Napoleon's final abode after his exile, reports .

CN Traveler said: "On land, trails cut through lush forests and up rugged hillsides; at the end, you might find a distinctive British red postbox with a notebook in which to leave a comment."

Brits will feel particularly at ease on St Helena, as the island operates with pound sterling, allowing visitors to indulge in classic fish and chips while soaking up the sun on this idyllic island.

The cuisine of St Helena is a melting pot of influences from British, African, Chinese, Portuguese and other cultures, resulting in a diverse array of traditional dishes and tantalising new flavours to explore.

One local delicacy that visitors should sample is Plo, a curry reminiscent of Spanish Paella. It's a versatile dish typically made with meat, fish and vegetables, but can be tailored to individual preferences.

Another island speciality is coconut fingers. These are Madeira cakes dipped in icing and rolled in coconut, creating a delightful sweet treat.

While international dishes like the traditional Sunday Roast are enjoyed on the island, there are also plenty of local favourites such as meat curries, battered tuna, fishcakes, and grilled wahoo steak.

Beyond its culinary delights, St Helena is renowned for its scuba diving opportunities, thanks to its stunning underwater landscapes. One notable site is The Cathedral, an underwater cavern that resembles a cathedral, where divers can encounter vibrant reef fish.

Nearby lies the Atlantic Princess Wreck, the remains of a vessel that divers can explore. Here, they may encounter a variety of marine life, and if lucky, spot eagle rays, whales, and dolphins.

Speaking of dolphins and whales, these majestic creatures are commonly seen around St Helena between June and December. They can be spotted from the island itself or you can take a boat trip for a closer look.

St Helena is also home to Jonathan the tortoise, reputedly the oldest living land creature at an impressive 191 years old.

Visitors often spot Jonathan roaming the grounds of Plantation House, the residence of the Governor of St Helena. The house itself is steeped in history, with Napoleon known to have stayed there, and local historic tours are available.

One of the most enchanting experiences on St Helena is stargazing. Thanks to its remote location, the island has minimal light pollution, making for a truly unforgettable view of the night sky.

There's no shortage of things to see and do on St Helena, both onshore and off. This tiny island boasts stunning natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and a rich history, with countless more attractions waiting to be discovered.