A guide to St Kitts and Nevis

From its mountainous ridge and rich volcanic soil to the nearby ocean reef, St Kitts and Nevis in the northern Leewards of the Caribbean is teeming with wildlife and natural land and water-based attractions.

Being a mere 68 sq miles (176 sq km) in size means everything is conveniently close and easily accessible, whether you are on foot or driving around the countryside.

So whether you're looking to make an escape or make it your home away from home, St Kitts and Nevis is a must-visit Caribbean destination.

When should I go to St Kitts & Nevis?

No matter your interests, there’s never a bad time to visit St Kitts and Nevis. For those who appreciate leisure and entertainment, the summer season is the perfect time to experience the St Kitts Music Festival (June 25-27) for live performances of calypso, soca, reggae and R&B.

Summer also offers the chance to participate in the Culturama festival on Nevis that runs July to August. Expect larger crowds and an uptick in hotel and flight prices. The Christmas holiday is also a great opportunity to take part in carnival celebrations.

Hurricane season typically runs from June to November; September and October carry a higher likelihood of hurricanes due to increased humidity.

How much time should I spend in St Kitts and Nevis?

A week gives you plenty of time to properly explore both islands. But if you can afford to stay a little longer, you can move at your own pace, free from structured guided tours.

Now that you have decided to stay longer, travel up the northeastern coast to an area called Black Rocks, a captivating rock formation sculpted by the volcanic activity of Mount Liamuiga.

From there, venture all the way down the eastern coast for scenic views at Timothy Hill located on the southeast peninsula.

Is it easy to get in and around St Kitts and Nevis?

Due to the island's relatively small size (174 sq km), if you rent a car and drive without making any stops, it will take around 35 to 45 minutes to drive around the island. If you go down the peninsula, add another 15 minutes to that.

Public transportation via minibuses costs around 2.50 to 3 Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC$2.50-3) per person and serves most residential places in St Kitts and Nevis.

However, as a visitor, renting a car or hiring a taxi allows greater flexibility in getting to beaches and other sites on the island of Nevis. Negotiate with your taxi driver – some may be willing to compromise on fixed prices.

If you're considering renting a car, as well as global brands here I’d recommend choosing a local outfit like C. R. S. K Car Rentals St Kitts (ph: +1 869-664-0221). Rates start at EC$135 per day.

Ferry service between the islands of St Kitts and Nevis is offered by several ferry operators and the schedules can vary based on the time of the week.

Top things to do in St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts Scenic Railway

The St Kitts Scenic Railway, considered the last railway in the Caribbean. The 30-mile, roundtrip ride traverses the tropical landscape around the eastern side of the island.

Originally used to transport sugar from the plantation estates to the factory in the capital city of Basseterre during the early 1900s, this historic colonial era railway has been transformed into a popular tourist attraction. Prices for the scenic tours start at EC$391 per adult and it’s best to book ahead of time to reserve your spot.

Paying respect to the island's history

It’s important to understand this island’s complex history. Recognizing the significant influence of the transatlantic slave trade on the individual cultures of each island, expand your understanding as a way to show respect, and visit the National Museum of St Kitts and Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden.

The latter is the only remaining French plantation house. It offers a glimpse into 18th-century French plantation-style architecture, with exhibits that commemorate the lives of those who were once enslaved. The exhibit features informative displays that explain several artifacts.

Take a solo drive through the historic Old Road Town

For those who enjoy solo drives to explore the island’s historic attractions, a scenic drive along the coastal roads is a treat. As you venture through the Old Road Town area on the western coast, keep an eye out for the remains of a 17th-century sugar mill at Wingfield Estate.

For those who prefer company, book a guided tour to see 17th-century Amerindian petroglyphs at Wingfield Estate. Hear the local folklore surrounding the legacy of Amerindian chief Tegreman. His ritual ground and village were once nestled in what is now the estate.

Discover the breathtaking gardens of Romney Manor nearby, where you can witness the majestic Saman tree. This remarkable tree is believed to be more than four centuries old, making it the oldest living organism on the island. Romney Manor is also home to Caribelle Batik, a store that sells hand-printed fabrics using ancient techniques dating back 2,500 years.

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Architectural and engineering wonder – the Brimstone Hill Fortress was built by enslaved Africans for the British colonizers. It’s located 30 minutes from the town of Basseterre and dates back to 1690, with its main attraction being the citadel that sits at the very top of one of the Fortress' peaks.

Visit the museum located in the citadel and gain fascinating insight into the lives of soldiers and the enslaved Africans during the fortress’s construction. At the very top, the fortress opens up to a view of the city below.

Hiking active volcano Mt Liamuiga

Although it may seem daunting when initially looking up from the base to see the 3793ft ascent covered in thick rainforest vegetation, adding a hike up Mt Liamuiga (pronounced lie-ah-MEE-gah) to your itinerary is a must. Book a local guide for the two-hour trek to the top.

Keep in mind that hiking Mt Liamuiga is physically demanding – you have to be physically fit before attempting it.

Visit the island of Nevis

It takes around 30 to 45 minutes to sail to the island of Nevis aboard the Caribe Express ferry, just one of several ferry options available from Basseterre to Charlestown. The ferry costs around EC$30 for adults and EC$20 for children. But, for something quicker, try the Islander Watersports Nevis which takes off at the closest point from St Kitts to the island of Nevis from the southeast peninsula.

Once you arrive in Nevis, take a dip in geothermal hot springs, locally known as "Bath Village”. Locals will tell you of its many healing properties. No trip to Nevis is complete without a visit to the beige-colored sands of Pinney's Beach.

It stretches for about 4 miles with relatively calm, crystalline waters that offer some level of privacy, depending on the chosen spot. There are plenty of beach bars to sample several of the island's Famous Belmont Estate rums (I’m partial to Gold Coconut Rum).

My favorite things to do in St Kitts and Nevis

My favorite thing to do in St Kitts and Nevis is eat. In the morning, I start out right with a traditional breakfast of salted codfish and "Johnny cakes”, which are fluffy fried flour dough made from flour, water (or milk), baking powder, salt and butter, then deep-fried to perfection.

For lunch, I always head to the Happy Endings Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge located at the corner of Low and Main St in Charlestown. The menu is filled with Creole dishes like stewed oxtail, turkey or pork. The sweet chilli chicken is served with mashed potatoes, rice and peas or fried rice.

Don’t forget to try the coconut dumplings, stewed saltfish and fried plantains - the island's national dish.

For dinner, I like to enjoy some juicy, freshly grilled lobster at an affordable seafood restaurant. Check out Spratt Net Bar & Grill, located on Old Town Road northwest of the capital city. This restaurant features live music and is open from Wednesday to Sunday.

The nightlife at The Strip (“De Strip”) in Frigate Bay just south of Basseterre, comes alive with many flocking to the area's beach bars and restaurants. Join in the fun with a pint of locally brewed Carib beer, one of the more popular beers for Kittitians. Grab a drink at Mr. X’s Shiggidy Shack & Grill, one of the more popular bars in the area.

How much money do I need for St Kitts and Nevis?

Saint Kitts and Nevis can be seen as a reasonably priced place to visit, but it ultimately depends on the type of experience you’re after. For example, this country's food and clothing costs can be notably higher than in many other Caribbean islands since a significant portion of its products are imported.

• Hotel or guesthouse room: US$50-75

• Room in an apartment for two (eg Airbnb): US$37-347

• Public transport: EC$2.30-$5

• Coffee: EC$7-8

• Sandwich: EC$5-$10

• Dinner for two: EC$110

• Local beer/pint at the bar: US$2.20-6