The island state of St. Kitts and Nevis is one of the twelve smallest states in the world and is home to just 55,000 permanent residents. Significantly more people will be found here on each visit. The islands in the Caribbean are among the secret favorites of vacationers who are not drawn to the islands that are heavily developed for tourism, such as the Dominican Republic. St. Kitts and Nevis has a flair all its own and, contrary to prejudice, is not just a destination for people with a thick wallet. Holidaymakers with the demand for a special culture and great sights will also be able to spend a great holiday here.
Saint Kitts and Nevis – a beauty in the Lesser Antilles
The islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are part of the Lesser Antilles and so destinations such as Antigua and Barbuda, Saba and St. Eustatius can be found in the immediate vicinity. In fact, this is also one of the reasons why cruise ship visitors regularly make up a large proportion of tourists who stay on the island without an overnight stay. The two islands have the classic history of the Caribbean behind them. First, the indigenous people found their place here a few thousand years ago, until the islands finally came to the Europeans in the efforts of colonization . Although St. Kitts and Nevis officially broke away from Great Britain, they are still part of the Commonwealth today. So the British influences can still be seen everywhere on the island today.
infrastructure, transport and exploration of the islands
Classically, the beginning of the journey across the island for most people will begin in the capital Basseterre . Not only do most cruise ships stop here, but ferries from the other islands usually have their docking point here in the harbor. The international airport can also be found here, if you prefer to travel by plane. Basseterre itself is heavily developed for tourism and you can actually notice on every corner that the people here now make about three quarters of their total gross domestic product with the help of guests from overseas. Up to 250,000 tourists come to the island every year, and it is mainly the Americans who stay here for an overnight stay.
Getting around the island itself is possible in various forms. On the one hand, there is a good infrastructure of rental cars, and on the other hand, buses and taxis are available on the island at affordable prices. The organized tours also lead to the best and most interesting sights of the island. If you want to cross from the main island of St. Kitts to Nevis, you also have the option of doing so by ferry for a reasonable price.
What should you see and do in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
The two islands are classically Caribbean. This means that in addition to old facilities from the former wars of the colonial masters, you can also discover one or two strips of untouched nature. And of course, a volcano is not to be missed. Mount Liamuiga, which according to stories had its last eruptions in the 17th century and 1843, is still a popular destination for hiking and touring. In the meantime, however, these outbursts are doubted. Especially the small villages on the sides of the hiking trails and the many sugar cane fields convey a flair of the real Caribbean, away from the world of tourists and cruise ships.
Probably the most important sight of the two islands, however, is a relic from the days of the colonial masters. Brimstone Hill Fortress was built to defend the island against the other great powers. Today it is still largely preserved and not only the favorite destination of tourists who make their own way around the island. Most organized tours also lead up to the fortress with the museum, from which you also have a great view over the entire island.
The old mansion Romney Manor is also worth a visit. The 17th-century complex is famous for its beautiful garden and is also closely linked to the history of the island. It was here that some of the first slaves in the Caribbean were declared free citizens, against the attitude of the British Parliament at the time. An exhibition recalls the way of life of the former residents and the history of the house.
What else can you experience on St. Kitts and Nevis?
Even with all its sights, tours and tourist development, St. Kitts and Nevis is ultimately just a Caribbean island where you can unwind. Most of the pretty beaches can be found on the northeast side of the island. Here you can also experience water sports in all forms and the popular snorkeling tours that lead into the depths of the Caribbean Sea. In the cities, Caribbean cuisine with European influences can be discovered and in the nightlife, the island attracts with a traditional flair. So there are many good reasons why you should think about visiting the island.
