Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis consist of two islands: St. Kitts, the larger of the two which houses the capital Basseterre, and Nevis. The two islands are two miles apart.
Basseterre has over time been ravaged by many natural disasters, but several of its historical landmarks are still present.
St Kitts and Nevis has good roads, and you can move around with buses, called microbuses, which can be flagged down by the road. There are also several taxis which are much more comfortable. There is a ferry ride between St. Kitts and Nevis, and it provides great views of the islands.
The islands have two seasons: the dry season, from November to April, and the rainy season (May to October. Although the hurricane season in the Caribbean is officially June to November, most storms hit between August and November.
Lightweight casual clothing is recommended as the climate is tropical. A light sweater or jacket is also recommended for cool evenings.
The country is a former British colony, and most of the population are West African descendants, so the culture has both influences. English is the official language and majority of the population are Christians. Rastafarians are also common.
St. Kitts and Nevis celebrates its culture and history through many festivals and events. Some of them are:
- Battle of St Kitts re-enactment: held in March at Brimstone Hill Fort. It features the re-enactment of the famous battle between British and French forces in 1782.
- St Kitts Music Festival: featuring performances by world acclaimed artists.
- Culturama: takes place in Nevis, and features music, street dancing, parades, and pageants.
- Latin Fiesta: the country is close to Central and South America, and the Latin festival showcases Latin culture.
- St Kitts Carnival: a lively festival featuring music, dance, art and parades.
With two islands, water sports are popular in the country. There are perfect spots for scuba diving and snorkelling. With its volcanic slopes and lush forest, the country also has great hiking spots. You can also enjoy a game of golf on one of the golf courses. The tourist train ride through St. Kitts’s old sugar plantation is a great way to learn about some of the island’s history.
There are other fascinating places to tour on St. Kitts and Nevis, some of them are:
- Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress is located atop a cliff. It was the site of the battle of St. Kitts which is re-enacted yearly.
- Fort Charles: featuring the ruins of the island of Nevis’ defence fort in colonial times.
- Mount Liamuiga: the highest point on the islands, it is surrounded by rainforest and cloud forests. You can enjoy a hike here or a short stroll through the tropical forest.
- Oualie Beach: located on the island of Nevis.
St Kitts and Nevis may be small but it has high standards of accommodation, with hotels and resorts along the coast.
