At approximately 2 miles long, St. Martins is the third largest of the islands. It is also the favourite of many regular visitors to Scilly. You can take an exhilarating coastal walk along the rugged cliffs of the north or relax on the golden sandy beaches on the south, sheltered by tufty marram grass dunes. St. Martins is also great for shell collecting or just watching the glistening crystal clear sea. You can enjoy vibrant colours and gentle scents as you walk through fields of wild flowers, hillsides of purple heather and yellow gorze. When the sun shines, the gorze gives off a distinctive coconut aroma.

St. Martins is easily recognisable by its prominent red and white rocket shaped daymark, erected in 1683. This is located at the north-east point of the island, clearly visible to ships arriving from the Cornish coast.

The island is made up of three small settlements – Lower Town, Middle Town and Higher Town. Lower Town is home to one of the island’s two quays, the St. Martins on the Isle Hotel and the Sevenstones Pub. Both the hotel and the pub have fabulous sea views. At Higher Town you will find the island’s other quay along with St. Martins Stores & Post Office, Glenmore gift shop, North Farm Gallery, the St. Martins Bakery, Polreath Tea Rooms and Little Arthur’s Cafe. Middle town is marked by a cluster of granite cottages and an old red phone box.

The two quays on St. Martins are approximately 1 mile apart, so make sure you listen carefully to the boatman when you are dropped off, as you will rarely be picked up from the same place!