The Caribbean is a perfect tourist place, but it would surely not be complete without a trek through St. Kitts and its capital. It’s waiting for you — so pack your bags and get going!
If the Caribbean is an explosion of sand and surf, St. Kitts is its romantic epicenter. Run the gamut of unique activities — from trekking through a dormant volcano to sightseeing through a narrow railway line. Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts, is for those not only drawn to the relaxation that is the Caribbean, but those willing to explore a similarly unique heritage and culture.
Here are some of the must-visit spots in this little spot of wonder.
1. St. Kitts Scenic Railway. The “Sugar Train” lives up to its promise with the sweetest views around. This scenic railway winds around the city’s coastline, making it a one-of-a-kind structure in the Caribbean. This double-decker was named after its previous job, to transport sugar from the plantations to the factories. Started in 1912, the railway was converted to a tourist attraction in 2005 as sugar production stopped. Today, it is frequented by cruise passengers.
A highlight of the three-hour experience is when a capella group boards it to serenade passengers with calypsos. The setting is just perfect, making the Sugar Train an effective time machine to the country’s colonial past.
2. Fairview Great House and Gardens. The colonial structure harkens back to 1701, set right in two acres of lush greenery. Faithfully restored, the mansion takes the visitors back to its heydays. The bathing room — serviced by heated rocks in spring water — still works. But make sure to visit the garden before you leave. Birds, monkeys, and glorious views await.
3. Basseterre. The entire city is a tourist spot in itself. Named by the French and translated to “lower ground”, Basseterre provides a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere that is eons from the hustle and bustle of other capitals. This does not mean the city is completely left behind in progress. The historic places have been repurposed, such as the former slave market being turned into the main square.
4. Romney Manor and Old Road. This is historic for being the first British town in the whole of the Caribbean. From its original county of 16 settlers, Old Road grew to its present state. At the workshop, artisans demo the batik process while advertising their wares to the tourists. There are also pretty gardens around it, especially in the Caribelle Batik above the 17th-century sugar estate that is Romney Manor. A nearby church, that of St. Thomas, is the first-ever Anglican Church in the whole of the British Caribbean.
5. Mount Liamuiga. For those who want some physical activity (or lots of it), Mt. Liamuiga provides a great option. A dormant volcano whose peak is more than 1 kilometer high, the mountain has a commanding view of the entire island. Prepare for two hours of intense climb filled with spectacular cliffs and craggy wonders.
6. Brimstone Hill Fortress. Over 240 meters high, this massive fortress is a complicated structure created back in 1690. It was built entirely through slave labor and is now a World Heritage Site as hailed by UNESCO. A little higher, Monkey Hill provides great coastal views.
7. Petroglyphs. Adjacent to the Romney Manor, these glyphs were made by the inhabitants — Caribs — before the Europeans ever “discovered” the area. This is the most prominent site of the glyphs that dot the entire St. Kitts island. To now, the real meaning of the glyphs is still being debated.
For St. Kitts & Nevis updated entry requirements and Health and Safety protocols, please go here.
