Saint Kitts Travel Guide
Set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, the island of St Kitts embodies the laid back and gracious charm of the undiscovered Caribbean, offering a wealth of activities and experiences for those who visit. Intoxicating natural beauty, sunny skies, warm waters, and white sandy beaches combine to make St. Kitts one of the most seductive spots in the Caribbean. Christopher Columbus first spotted St. Kitts in 1493, when it was populated with native tribes, but the Europeans did not colonize until the British arrived in 1623.
Colonial Caribbean. While development has been of the highest quality, it has fortunately remained in low quantity, so St. Kitts remains un–crowded and unspoiled, famous around the world for excellent preservation of the ecosystems.
Mount Liamuiga is a 3,792 foot dormant volcano which dominates the island. Guided tours can be taken up the volcano and the 400 foot descent into the crater. Mount Liamuiga is the main volcanic system that formed the island of Saint Kitts. The peak is the highest point on the island of St. Kitts and from the summit, the views are outstanding, enabling you to see the entire island, the beautiful Caribbean Sea as well as the neighbouring islands of Saba, Statia, St. Barths, St. Martin, Antigua, and Nevis.
Things to do
History and culture remain one of its greatest assets which have left a legacy of famous historic sites such as Brimstone Hill Fortress and the only man–made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean and the islands greatest attraction, the St. Kitts scenic sugar railway. There are several ancient British fortifications which have been restored with minutiae and reproducing the tiniest details of original construction. Brimstone Hill Fortress, the 'Gibraltar of the West Indies', is a massive fortress on a limestone hilltop which rises nearly 800 metres, and is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fortress was constructed between the 1690s and 1790s. The prominent Citadel is one of the earliest and finest surviving examples of this type of fort. The walls of the structures are stone, which were laboured from the hard volcanic rock of the physical location of the Fortress presents attractive panoramic views of the forested mountains, cultivated fields, the historical township of Sandy Point, and neighbouring Dutch, English and French islands across the Caribbean Sea.
The beaches on the south east peninsula have beautiful white sand, are exceptionally clean, and offer really phenomenal views of the tropical splendour of sister island Nevis. These undeveloped beaches include Turtle Beach, Sand Bank Bay, Friar's Bay South and many more. There are many great dive sites just offshore, with incredible coral reefs and marine life. Accommodation to suit every style and pocket ranges, from beautifully renovated old sugar plantation houses through to luxury beach resorts, mid–range hotels and guest houses, to private villas.
St. Kitts is a fascinating island to explore, whether trekking thorough its lush rainforest, taking an island safari, touring Romney Manor Botanical Gardens, home of Caribelle Batik, or taking a catamaran cruise or fishing trip.
Nature lovers will want to take advantage of the various tours through lava formations, tropical forest areas, and seaside lagoons. Boating tours and scuba diving expeditions are also favourite activities. Plantation homes have been transformed into grand, intimate inns, quaint shopping areas and beautiful Colonial architecture draw visitors to the tiny towns. If a quiet vacation in a luxurious and alluring corner of paradise is what you seek, you'll find it on St. Kitts. Many tropical birds which one rarely finds elsewhere are present in great concentration in the nature and there are also the famous monkeys which, it is said, were introduced by the pirates.
Events and Festivals
Festivals of cultural splendour and musical excellence abound in St.Kitts with each of the major villages having festivals at a specific time of year; there is always some form of cultural activity to bear witness to on the island, worth a mention are:
St Kitts Carnival
The celebration of carnival in St. Kitts is unique in many ways; it's the only one in the Caribbean that blends the spirit of Christmas with the colourful display of the nation's culture and African heritage. For the 33 years thousands of nationals and visitors alike, have been flocking to the 68 square mile paradise, to party and soak up all the fun and engage in the frolic association with carnival.
St Kitts Music Festival
Overnight, the St. Kitts Music Festival went from a position of obscurity to the Caribbean Festival to "keep an eye on". The organizing committee was also commended for keeping the premises safe for festival patrons and for creating an event of great value for money.
