Basseterre is the capital of St Kitts/Nevis with a population of over 14,000 people.  One of its main tenant is the island’s cruise terminal known as Port Zante, which has two berths with an area to accommodate the largest ships in the world and to withstand the most powerful hurricanes.  Basseterre has been transformed from the doom and gloom of the past to a beautiful city where visitors come for the stylish shopping, pristine beaches offering snorkeling, diving and sunbathing, to the beautiful golf courses that bedeck the island. The beautiful colonial architecture that adorns some of the island’s government and cultural monuments such as the National Museum, St. Georges Anglican Church, the Circus area and Independence Square all tell a story of the city’s past. After shopping and having a beer or two, spend some time in Independence Square where locals can be seen ‘hanging out’ and just enjoying the cool breezes of nature.

Charlestown is the Capital of Nevis and separated from St Kitts by a 2-mile wide channel known as ‘the Narrows’.  It has a population of about 1,500 people and is the main Administrative and Commercial center for the island of Nevis. It also houses a modern sea-port area where ferries from St. Kitts can load and unload passengers to and from the sister isle, a Memorial Square in memory of fallen soldiers and a Mall where residents can enjoy shopping and recreational activities. Not much of a shopping destination, however, there are still some things you can purchase to take home including some local arts and crafts made on the island. There’s a wide range of local and international restaurants to choose from, including Caribbean, North American and Chinese. Snackettes (informal restaurants) are located throughout the island and sell many local dishes. So if your desire is a quiet, relaxing day, like visiting a museum or a local arts and crafts store, Nevis will be your perfect destination. 

Considered one of the most scenic tours in the Caribbean, is the St Kitts Scenic Railway, which takes travelers on a 3-hour trip around the beautiful island of St Kitts.  Originally built to carry sugar cane, today the train is used to explore the island. The trail winds along the coastal areas, whipping past canefields and abandoned sugar mill plantations, giving visitors an unsurpassed opportunity to experience the scenery and culture of this beautiful island.  The entire trip is narrated with very interesting information about the history of the island. The railway cars are double-decker style, with air condition cars, with huge windows on the lower deck and an open-air observation deck on the upper level with breathtaking views of the beautiful mountain ranges, luscious forested and sugar cane fields. Complimentary drinks such as water, sweet drinks (soda) rum punch are served throughout the journey.  The train passes through towns and villages and under the Brimstone Hill Fortress which is always a spectacle for passengers. It is certainly the quickest and easiest way to see St. Kitts and learn the history of this beautiful island all in a nutshell.

Brimstone Hill Fortress, known as the ‘Gibraltar of the West Indies’, is a well-preserved fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site.   Located on a very steep hill overlooking the Western end of the Caribbean Sea, rising nearly 800 feet above sea level. the Fort was designed by British engineers and built by African slaves. There are several buildings at the encampment and a long staircase to reach the main Fort, which has several rooms below the main building, that display artifacts and explain the history of the Fort’s operations.  There is also a short video on the Fort’s history. Once at the top the views are breathtaking, gorgeous and dramatic. Between the size, the architecture, the craftsmanship, the history, and the mastery of the entire construction, it is no mystery why the French and British fought so much for the rights of this beautiful landmark. 

Mount Liamuiga also known as Mt. Misery, is the highest volcanic peak on the island of St. Kitts, as well as one of the tallest peaks in the Eastern part of the Caribbean at (1.156m) or 3,792 feet. As you ascend the mountain it is covered with farmland and small villages up to 1500 feet, after which lush tropical rainforests drape the slopes until the cloud forests take over at 3000 feet. The climb is quite steep with slippery rocks and difficult terrain through the rainforests to the top of the volcano.  There are various species of plants and trees, including ficus, mango, orchids and ferns, and the presence of birds and monkeys, as you make your way up the volcano peak. At the top of the mountain, there are two viewing points from which to look into the crater. You can also climb down into the crater but be very careful as there is no telephone reception and may experience loose rocks. The tour takes about two hours each way and the roads are winding and hilly. If you like a challenge it is definitely worth considering. But ask yourself, how many places in the world could you climb a volcano in a cloud forest??

Independence Square, originally called Pall Mall Square in Basseterre city, was formally a slave auction market where the enslaved Africans were bought and sold during colonial rule. Upon receiving its Independence in 1983 from Britain, the name was changed to Independence Square – such a historical and superb piece of real estate. The square is situated in the center of town, close to the cruise ship port,  Port Zante and the famous duty-free shopping mall, Pelican Mall. It’s a lovely green space with shops and restaurants on one side and a Cathedral on the other. The site carries a lot of history about the events that took place in the square. It is the place where residents go to relax, ‘lime’ play music, and exchange gossip in a well kept manicured grassy lawn, paved pathways. mature trees (including the Boabab tree) and a beautiful centerpiece fountain erected to celebrate pipe water in Basseterre. Today, the square is alive with family outings and impromptu gatherings and serves as a place to gather for parades and parties. An emancipation celebration in remembrance of their African ancestors is held every year by the Rastafarian movement. The square provides a lovely oasis to enjoy a beautiful time on the island.

A small antique, old fashioned, historic museum which gives a rich and vivid history of the Colonial occupation and slave trade on the island.  It chronicles the early beginnings of Carib/Arawaks with informative and interesting historical information going back many hundreds of years from the arrival of the Europeans, slavery, emancipation and eventually independence.  Each section contains a variety of artifacts with clear descriptions of its origin. There are also lots of information on politics, culture, agriculture, and sports among others. The largest room deals with the period of slavery complete with displays and exhibits including, the effervescent bongo drum and steel pan, tools, cutlery, clothing, and shackles used in the slave trade.  The museum is jam-packed with all type of history, exhibits, and displays that will be of interest to the most discerning visitor.

The Greathouse and gardens are an attraction like no other on the beautiful island of St. Kitts. The luscious greenery, breathtaking views, the pool and the history of this beautifully restored Greathouse is what makes this attraction a must-see. The house is located in the beautiful gardens and truly a step back in time with old plantation buildings, set on top of a hillside surrounded by some pretty gardens. The house gives visitors an insight view of how plantation owners might have lived a couple hundred years ago.  The house is appropriately furnished with old, antique colonial furnishings and a photo gallery. There is a culinary demonstration and tasting of the island’s dishes. There is also a lecture on the process of rum making and flavoring of about 6 different flavors of Caribbean rum. The beautiful gardens are a couple of acres with some beautiful flora and fauna, the grounds are well kept and beautifully landscaped. The entire aura of the place is very peaceful and serene. On a clear day, you can stand on the ocean side of the property and view the beautiful sister isle of Nevis only about 17 miles away.  

The Strip on Frigate Bay is the premier Caribbean entertainment destination to hang out, or, ‘lime’ (as it is commonly known, in the Caribbean), for locals and visitors on the island.  The sandy patch of sand along the St. Kitts Frigate Bay lives up to its reputation when the sun goes down on the island. It is very relaxing in the day time at the beach. The Strip is the hub of island nightlife, great food, and entertainment, bars, and restaurants.  At nights on the Strip, you will find live bands, DJs, open-air performances, wild dancing, bonfires and plenty of drinking and bar hopping sometimes till the wee hours of the morning. It’s a very popular place with the young crowd including students from the nearby island medical and veterinary universities.  There are plenty of places to choose from along the Strip, each with its mix of music, dance, food drink, and crowd. There are DJ music evenings, Monday thru Friday and live music on some evenings/nights. On weekends the Strip is the place to be to enjoy the true spirit and life on the island with blasting soca and reggae and everything in between.

St. Kitts and its sister isle, Nevis boasts of some of the most idyllic beaches in the Caribbean.  The islands of the Caribbean are known for their gorgeous beaches as the sun never stops shining so the water is always warm, the scenery is always beautiful and the beaches are perfect for swimming, scuba diving or snorkeling.  Let’s count down some of the beautiful beaches on the twin-island of St Kitts/Nevis. Frigate Bay; best tourists attraction close to The Strip; White House Bay, great for snorkeling over shipwrecks; Dieppe Bay, black sand beach; Turtle Beach, swim with dolphins; Sheltered Bay, golden sands, shallow depths, and clear turquoise water; Cockleshell Beach, pristine beach with chairs & umbrellas and more.