St. Kitts Travel Guide

Combine traditional Caribbean attractions, Old World history, dark, mysterious rainforests, a British air, and you'll end up with St. Kitts. An unpretentious destination with affordable accommodations and certainly without the usual tourist trappings, St. Kitts is considered one of the true treasures of the Caribbean.

Positioned with her sister island Nevis, between Montserrat and St. Eustatius, St. Kitts' is an island of varied terrain from volcanic peaks covered with lush green vegetation (usually hidden by the huge mists that circle it), rolling sugar cane fields, to the arid, undeveloped southeast peninsula with sandy coves. The rainforests are largely unspoiled and untrampled (mostly due to their lack of developed roads.) Hike into nature at Mt. Liamuiga from either Harris or Belmont Estate. A guide is helpful for the trek through the orchid-flecked forest to the lip of the volcanic peak, at about 2,000 feet. The guide helps with exploring inside the crater where portions of the path are navigated by hanging onto vines and trees. You're likely to happen upon the vervet monkeys brought to the island as pets by the French and happily roaming St. Kitts' rainforests and roadsides.

St. Christopher (the name shortened to St. Kitts later) is the first Caribbean Island to be colonized by both the English and French who shared the island from 1625 to 1713. The last quarter of the 18th century was a volatile era of revolutions, slave uprisings and intense colonial rivalry in these islands. The island's proud heritage is evident in a number of locales, including Brimstone Hill-a fortress that was more than 100 years in the making continues to claim its spectacular outlook over the western coast with imposing silence. Known as the "Gibraltar of the West Indies" and a National Park since 1985, Brimstone Hill's 38 acres are a must-see when you visit St. Kitts. The upper levels of the 800-foot hill offer panoramic vistas of forested mountains, cultivated fields, the historic town of Sandy Point and the neighboring islands of Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Barts. The Citadel has remained virtually intact and houses many canons and a small museum and visitor's center. Since 1996 the first of its kind archaeological project is being undertaken which focuses on African slaves in the context of the colonial military as this fortress was born out of the sweat and toil of these African slaves who helped build this massive fortification.

Historic plantation houses on the island provide luxury accommodations in tranquil and lush surroundings. Visit the Romney Manor, nestled 500 feet above sea level on the slopes of a volcano, the estate is set in 9 acres of tropical gardens. Home to the famous Caribelle Batik factory and just 15 minutes from Basseterre, your Caribbean holiday is not complete until you've seen the artisans here craft this colorful fabric. On the way stop and see the Carib petroglyphs carved on huge stones found on the island.

St. Kitts' most famous attraction however, is her crystal blue water, making it seem no accident that Columbus named the isle for the famous swimmer, St. Christopher. Diving on St. Kitts is ideal for both wreck and reef divers who are looking for remote underwater locales to explore. Local dive operators are ecology-minded and continue to protect the reefs. Most sites are within a short boat ride from shore. Some favorites include: Monkey Shoals, Coconut Tree Reef, Nags Head and Sandy Point. Snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing and windsurfing are also popular pastimes on the island. Beaches are mostly black sand due to the volcanic heritage, but the few white sand beaches are clean, deserted and as white as fine sugar.

An independent nation with Nevis whose primary language is English, St. Kitts prides herself on being tourist friendly and accommodating. Ferry and air service is available to visit neighboring Nevis, only 5 miles away, which makes a nice day trip to explore yet another Caribbean jewel. Still a relatively undiscovered destination spot, St. Kitts appeals to nature lovers, scuba divers and those seeking a quiet place to relax away from the crowds.