The Scenic Railway on St Kitts

St Kitts is best known for having beautiful beaches, and for being an up market destination for those looking to travel to the Caribbean, but there is much more to see and do on this picturesque island, and there’s so much it’s likely to be tricky to fit it all in. 

One attraction that shouldn’t be missed is the St Kitts Scenic Railway, as it is one of the few operational railways left in the Caribbean. It was originally constructed back in the 1920’s as a way of transporting sugar cane from plantations around the island, to the processing factory in the capital city of Basseterre. Nowadays, it is purely a tourist attraction as the sugar cane industry finally shut down in 2005.

The train crosses over 24 bridges, and passes by several sidings that were used to load the sugar cane. Passengers can travel in antique railway carriages from the quaintly named Needsmust station, passing by the slopes of St Kitts dormant volcano, Mount Liamuiga, as well as many Atlantic facing beaches, and the crumbling remains of grand plantation homes and estates. It is a great way for seeing a little more of the island, and is perfect for first time visitors, or anyone who doesn’t have very much time for sight-seeing. 

It is easy to see why it is such a favourite with cruise ship visitors, especially as it passes right through several villages, offering a tantalising glimpse of everyday life. About halfway around, passengers are transferred onto sightseeing buses for the remainder of the tour, before returning to Needsmust station. The tour only takes around three and a half hours, but is an excellent way for anyone to orientate themselves with the charms of St Kitts.

St Kitts capital city, Basseterre

Aside from the beautiful beaches, golf courses and shops and restaurants, many of the attractions on St Kitts are based on its illustrious past. St Kitts is strategically located as it was considered to be the gateway to the Caribbean, and the valuable sugarcane industry made it a price well worth fighting over. It's a history which is very difficult to ignore, and in many ways it's shaped the culture of the country.

You only have to stroll around the capital city of Basseterre to see the colonial influences. It's one of the oldest towns in the eastern Caribbean and was originally founded by the French in 1627 when it became the capital of the French colony of St Christoph, which at the time consisted of the northern and southern most parts of the island. The central part of the island was under the control of Britain.

Over time the city became a hugely successful port, and at one time was the capital of the entire French West Indies colony which included the islands of Martinique and Guadaloupe.

In 1727 it became the capital city of St Kitts, as the island came under complete British control. St Kitts has been fought over many times, and its capital city has a somewhat tragic history as it's been destroyed and rebuilt several times. It's quite a small town which is laid out in the form of a grid.

The Main Street is called Fort Street, and is where you'll find the majority of the banks and shops. Independence Square is home to the courthouse, and the Cathedral, and is where you'll find most of the older buildings, The Circus is more tourist oriented and is where you'll find the Berkeley Memorial. The Circus is modelled on Piccadilly Circus, although it somewhat smaller and less busy. The city is very walkable, and it's well worth taking your time to explore historical Basseterre.

Traditional Kittitian Food

St Kitts is a great place to try out new foods. The cuisine is generally Caribbean, but carries Trinidadian and British influences, but there are also many recipes which use Puerto Rico ingredients.

With such rich marine life around the islands it's hardly surprising that the main source of protein is seafood and fish, while the rich volcanic soils produce an enormous variety of exotic fruits and vegetables, as well as many which are more familiar.

The main ingredients for most dishes include coconut, yams, plantain or cassava and are likely to be seasoned with curry, chili, parsley or mint. Most locals tend to prefer light but spicy meals with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

One of the most common dishes to be found on St Kitts is white rice with beans which is generally served with seafood, but the British influence is also easy to find in many places, as lots of recipes use sweet potatoes, and there is also an abundance of European style deserts.

Curried dishes tend to include chicken, goat, duck, beef or shrimp and are likely to come with a curried side dish. Using spices is vitally important in St Kitts cuisine, and they are used both for taste and colour. St Kitts is home to a number of fine dining restaurants, but it's also possible to find cheap and extremely good food in the numerous beach bars. Several local beers are brewed on the island using imported hops, and St Kitts also has several brands of its very own rum.

Exploring Points of Interest in St Kitts Capital City

Perhaps the best place to start exploring St Kitts is in its capital city of Basseterre. It is a French name that simply translates to mean lowland and it's thought it may have merely been a description written on a French sea chart at some point during the early 17th century.

The city has a dramatic backdrop of lush green rainforest, but still has much of its elegant colonial charm which dates back to Nelson's time, and its architecture is far more English than French. The Treasury building is right on the waterfront and as a reminder of the islands days as a major sugar cane producer. At one stage everything departing from St Kitts passed through this building.

The Circus is a roundabout in the centre of the city which has been modelled after Piccadilly Circus. Its centrepiece is the Berkeley Memorial Clock which is an ornate cast iron Georgian styled structure that is painted green. Independence Square was built in 1790 and was originally for council meetings and slave auctions.

It received its current name in 1983 when St Kitts and Nevis received independence from Great Britain. St George's Anglican Church wouldn't be out of place in the English countryside, but was originally called Notre Dame by the French in 1670. However it was destroyed four times before being built in its present Georgian style in 1869. The headstones in the graveyard date right back to the early 18th century.

St Kitts capital city is relatively small and easy to walk around, but it is well worth a visit and makes a very pleasant way to spend a few hours. It also gives a fascinating insight into the history which has shaped this beautiful island.

Experience a Different Kind of Caribbean Island by Visiting St Kitts

St Kitts differs from other Caribbean islands in several ways. The most obvious is the lush vegetation which may seem more reminiscent of a South Pacific island. It is an ideal place for anyone who enjoys being in stunning natural surroundings as one quarter of the island is covered in rainforest which is still expanding.

In the centre of the island is Mount Liamuiga which is a dormant volcano and visitors have the chance to explore its crater. Not surprisingly this lush rainforest is populated by numerous animals and is covered in vibrant tropical flowers.

The second way in which St Kitts differs from other tropical Caribbean islands is that it has a much richer history which is highly visible in the UNESCO world Heritage site of Brimstone Hill Fortress.

St Kitts was often called the Gibraltar of the West Indies, and many plantation owners became incredibly wealthy due to the sugar cane industry which finally closed in 2005. The remnants of the sugarcane industry are still very visible, and St Kitts capital city of Basseterre still has many of its colonial buildings, while the scenic railway which is now a popular tourist attraction was originally built to transport sugarcane into the capital.

Since then St Kitts has been developed into an upmarket tourist destination, and unlike many of its Caribbean neighbours has paid close attention to the way developments are carried out. High-end developments are constructed to be eco-friendly and sustainable, and many are eligible for the islands highly popular citizenship by investment programme. St Kitts is also different from its neighbours in that property here is currently much more affordable, but this situation is likely to last long due to its rapidly increasing popularity.

Appreciating the Natural Beauty of St Kitts

St Kitts has to be one of the most appealing Caribbean destinations, especially as all development has been much more carefully controlled in some of the larger and better known islands. Since its rainforest covers around a quarter of the island and is designated as National Park, it's just about impossible to miss and is certainly worth a visit.

You can take a 4x4 trip or choose from a wide variety of hikes through the forest, and don't miss out on the chance to visit the dormant volcano. It is perfectly safe as it has been quiet for many years, but it's still very interesting to walk up to the crater rim.

Lots of people are drawn to visit the island to view its spectacular marine life. There are a number of reefs which are accessible to divers and snorkellers, and one of the largest is the Coconut Tree Reef. This extends down for around 100 feet and is home to an amazing variety of aquatic life. Another good reef for diving is the Coconut Shallows which is an extension of Coconut Tree Reef.

The island is also a good spot for wreck diving as more than 400 ships were sunk between 1493 and 1825. So far only a dozen has been identified. One of the most popular is the M.V. River Taw which was sunk in 1985. It's a 144 foot freighter which was originally intact but broke into two parts when hurricane Hugo visited the island in 1989. It's perfect for beginners as it's located just 40 feet down.

If you have never tried scuba-diving, then St Kitts is also a lovely place in which to learn and there are many dive schools offering beginners and advanced courses.

Sugar Diversification Foundation to Assist Low Income Families in St Kitts

St Kitts hasn't escaped being affected by the global economic crisis and some workers have been laid off, but the Kittitian Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr Denzil L Douglas has said low income families will receive assistance for building their own homes and starting up small businesses from the Sugar Industry Development Fund, through the Development Bank of St Kitts and Nevis.

The Sugar Diversification Foundation is an important source of funding and stabilisation for the country and affects a number of different areas including tourism, agriculture, housing and education. One of the government's top priorities is to increase home ownership so that ordinary people have appreciating assets, and the Sugar Diversification Foundation can help in cases where low income families face difficulties raising deposits. The foundation also gives aid to small businesses and entrepreneurs who have great ideas but limited resources.

The Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation was set up to help support former sugar workers after the closure of the industry in 2005. Part of its brief was to conduct research into the development of industries suitable to replace the sugarcane industry, and to provide funding to secure their sustainability. The Foundation is also a designated special approved project for anyone applying for citizenship by investment, so anyone contributing $250,000 towards the Foundation can then apply for citizenship by investment.

The Development Bank of St Kitts and Nevis offers new and qualifying businesses interest-free loans from the fund started in 2007 by the government. One of its major aims is to improve the agricultural sector, and in addition the bank is able to provide technical assistance.

Exploring Beautiful St Kitts

If you are looking for a Caribbean destination with a difference then why not consider St Kitts? It is one of the lesser known Caribbean islands as it is relatively new to tourism. Prior to 2005 the island concentrated on its sugarcane industry, but when this declined it turned its attention to attracting tourists.

The fact that it is such a new destination is a major advantage for anyone visiting the island as St Kitts has learned from mistakes made by other better-known Caribbean islands. It has been carefully developed to attract tourists looking for something a little different and who are looking for a luxury destination with plenty to do.

Tourism development has been carefully controlled and is designed to fit in with the lush natural environment. More than a quarter of the island has been set aside as a National Park, and the rainforest is so healthy it's actually expanding.

You can explore the rainforest through hiking or even take a zip line over the canopy, or you can climb to the edge of the volcano and take a guided trip down to the crater floor. The surrounding waters teeming with wildlife and are perfect for anyone who enjoys diving, especially as the dive sites are particularly pristine.

If you prefer your holidays to have a little culture then St Kitts is the perfect destination. It was once known as the Gibraltar of the West Indies due to the number of battles fought in the 18th century. Brimstone Hill Fortress is a designated UNESCO world Heritage site which pays tribute to this past. St Kitts has something for everyone, and it's up to you whether you have a relaxing beach break or a holiday crammed full of activities.

Places to Visit on the Beautiful Caribbean Island of St Kitts

St Kitts is a stunning Caribbean island with immense natural beauty, but it's also quite different from other Caribbean islands in that it has a rich and long history. Although it might be difficult to drag yourself away from the glorious beaches, it's well worth while setting aside a few days to explore this fascinating island.

The town of Old Road was originally established in 1623 and was the very first British town in the whole of the Caribbean, beginning with just 15 settlers. Before this it was home to Carib Indians who had villages and ritual grounds in the area. Today is still possible to see the stone petroglyphs on the road leading to Romney Manor.

Romney Manor was originally named the Wingfield Estate and was unique for being the first to use a water wheel for power. Later on the estate was leased by the Romney family and is now home to the Botanical Gardens and Caribelle Batik. This is well worth a visit as the gardens around the 17th-century sugar plantation are beautifully restored, and it's pretty interesting to see practical demonstrations of the art of batik.

Sandy Point is the second largest town on the island and has two beautiful churches which are St Anne's Anglican Church and the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic church. Dieppe Bay town was the Protestant French commercial capital during the late 16th century. At one point the northern part of the town was ruled by the French while the southern part was ruled by the British. Although once a busy port, nowadays it's a very small town but remains historically significant.

Culture and History of St Kitts

The earliest written history of St Kitts is in the account of the second voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1493, although he didn't actually bother to land. Apparently he thought the shape of the island resembled St Christopher carrying Christ on his shoulders, but there is some doubt as to whether he named the island after the patron saint of travellers or himself.

In any case the name stuck and over the centuries the island gained the affectionate nickname of St Kitts. The original inhabitants were Carib Indians who called the island Liamuiga which means fertile land. Nowadays the island's dormant volcano which gave St Kitts its productive and volcanic soil goes by the same name. The volcano's legacy can be seen in the lush tropical vegetation and the characteristically black sandy beaches which are found predominantly in the north of the island.

St Kitts has quite the history and has been the scene of many bitter battles between the native Carib Indians, the British and the French. Very early on in his history the entire native population was wiped out in a massacre at Bloody Point.

This left the island to the mercy of the English and the French, and many became very rich from their sugar and tobacco plantations, bringing in African slaves to attend to them which paved the way for St Kitts rich cultural history.

St Kitts is also distinctive in having made room for just about every religious conviction, and it has the oldest Masonic temples in the Caribbean as well as a very old Jewish Temple. Although the early history of St Kitts is somewhat bloody thristy, it is one of the most culturally and historically fascinating Caribbean islands.

Things to do on St Kitts

Many people travel to St Kitts simply to take advantage of all the beautiful beaches and warm azure water, and it is easy to see the attraction of this refined Caribbean island. However there are plenty of things to see and do around the island, and it would be a shame not to discover something of St Kitts natural beauty and rich cultural history.

St Kitts is very easy to get around, as you can choose to tour the island with your own private driver, book a group tour or hire a rental car. The Scenic Railway provides a unique view of the island and is a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

You can also hop on the ferry and visit St Kitts sister island of Nevis. Ferries to the island run several times a day and you can tour downtown Charleston, the galleries and museums and plantation inns and Nevis botanical garden.

Lots of people come to St Kitts for the watersports, and the clear blue waters are certainly very inviting. You can choose to snorkel or scuba dive or can go windsurfing, deep sea fishing or sailing.

There are plenty of full day and half day trips for keen divers. St Kitts is incredibly beautiful as it has an expanding and very healthy rainforest. This is ideal for trekking through or you can choose to hire a mountain bike. There are a number of easy or more strenuous trails, and you can even trek all the way up to the top of Mount Liamuiga, St Kitts very own dormant volcano.

It's Hard Not to Fall in Love with St Kitts

It’s very difficult not to fall in love with St Kitts, as it is an incredibly beautiful island with lush rainforest and numerous beaches. However there's much more to discover, as it's great for history lovers.

It was originally discovered by Christopher Columbus who was so taken with the island’s beauty that he named it after the patron saint of all travellers, St Christopher, a name which was later to be shortened to St Kitts. Nations have fought over the island, and many people became extremely wealthy due to the sugar plantations.

It's quite difficult to imagine that such a peaceful and tranquil island could have been the scene of so many battles, but a visit to the world UNESCO heritage site, Brimstone Hill Fortress can be pretty enlightening.

Take a trip on the scenic railway to familiarise yourself with the island, as this will take you through several small villages and past the remains of the sugar plantations, giving you a glimpse of the rich cultural history. If you really want to experience the culture of St Kitts then visit the island during Carnival time during Christmas.

It's easy to get swept up in the whole romance of the island, and many people choose to get married here as they can choose to say their vows on the beach, in a historic church or even in historic ruins.

Some of the most popular locations include Romney Manor which is a tropical plantation garden which is a beautifully maintained and very colourful. The centrepiece of the garden is a 350-year-old Saman tree. Those who truly love history may well choose to get married on Brimstone Hill, while Turtle Beach is ideal for those who are always wanted to exchange vows on a beautiful white sandy beach.

Attractions on St Kitts

St Kitts has an awful lot to offer visitors, and although the main idea is to go there to relax and do at least a little bit of sunbathing and snorkelling, it's also nice to spend at least a day or two exploring the island.

There is a huge range of activities and attractions available, especially when you consider it's a relatively small island, and whatever your tastes you're sure to find something you'd like to do here.

The main city is called Basseterre and has a population of less than 20,000. It's one of the oldest towns in the eastern Caribbean and was originally founded in 1627 by the French.

It has a pretty chequered history as it has been destroyed during colonial wars, as well as by fire, riots, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes. In spite of this there are still a considerable number of colonial buildings in downtown Basseterre, and despite its small size this city has a large personality.

The scenic Railway runs from Sandy Point to Basseterre, and is an excellent way to discover a little more of the island. A round trip takes just a few hours using both the railway and sightseeing coaches, and it's a great thing to do relatively early on in your trip as it gives you a real feel for the island.

Although St Kitts used to be famous for its sugarcane production, it also is renowned for producing cotton, and it's still possible to visit the only remaining cotton ginnery on the island. Cotton was still produced until the 1970s, and the ruins date from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, as these were major periods in the agro-industrial history of the island.

Experience the Lush, Tropical Paradise of St Kitts

St Kitts is part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean, but is quite different from other Caribbean islands. St Kitts is a lush tropical paradise which is quite similar to the south Pacific Islands. Kittitians are hospitable and friendly, and visitors have a tendency to return year after year.

The island was first spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1493, and was originally populated by native tribes. It was then colonised by the British in 1623 but achieved independence in 1983. The island has a population of around 35,000, and the primary language is English.

Although it is a Caribbean paradise, there are signs of its colonial history all around the island. One of the most impressive is the Brimstone Hill Fortress, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the largest fortress ever built in the Eastern Caribbean. The fortress was the scene for many fierce battles, as the island used to be considered the gateway to the Caribbean.

There are also a number of beautifully restored plantation houses, as much of St Kitts original wealth came from the sugar plantations. St Kitts was ideal for growing sugar due to its rich volcanic soil and perfect climate. Many landowners made a fortune from this crop, and by 1775 there were 68 sugar plantations on the island.

When the last of the sugar plantations finally shut down in 2005 the government began to concentrate on promoting tourism. Thankfully it has learned from the development of other Caribbean islands, and is strictly controlling the amount of building so this beautiful island will always retain its natural charm.

The Beaches on St Kitts

Anyone visiting St Kitts is likely to spend at least part of their time on the beach, as the Caribbean is famed for having gorgeous beaches and St Kitts is certainly no different. In fact St Kitts has the advantage of having a choice of black sandy, volcanic beaches or gorgeous white sandy beaches. Some beaches are better for sunbathing and swimming while others are better for watersports and/or diving and snorkelling.

One of the best-known beaches on the island is at Frigate Bay in the south, and visitors can choose to visit the north or south side depending on their mood. The north side is fringed by the Atlantic, and is ideal for relaxing and swimming, windsurfing or surfing. The south side of the beach is fringed by calmer waters of the Caribbean. There are also numerous bars, restaurants and resorts in this area.

If you prefer something a little quieter then White House Bay is ideal, especially for snorkellers and divers, as the rocky reef harbours a sunken tugboat which is home to schools of colourful fish and marine life. It's also a great spot for just floating around in the water or simply sunbathing. Another good place for diving and snorkelling is Pump Bay at Sandy Point, and this volcanic black sand beach lies in the shadow of Brimstone Hill Fortress.

Another popular beach is Conaree Beach which lies on the Atlantic side. Although the beach is a relatively narrow strip of grey black sand, it is extremely good for snorkelling and body surfing. 

A more traditional beach can be found at Cockleshell Bay whose powdery white sands are typically Caribbean. The 2 mile long beach also offers gorgeous views of Nevis as it is directly on the Narrows which is the channel between the two islands.

St Kitts Is a Beautiful and Pristine Island

St Kitts has to be one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands, and because all development here is relatively recent it has retained its pristine and eco-friendly environment. It has something for everyone, and it's easy to see why some people are choosing to buy holiday homes here, and are returning year after year as there is always something new to do.

The island is steeped in history and boasts numerous historic sites including prehistoric Carib Indian grounds, plantation houses, remnants of sugar estate's and a fortress which is a UNESCO world Heritage site.

It has a glorious underwater world as there are ancient wrecks and numerous reefs to be explored, and dive sites tend to be a lot less crowded than on the better-known Caribbean islands. St Kitts has a thriving rainforest which is expanding rather than shrinking, and is teeming with wildlife including many fantastically coloured birds and butterflies and numerous tropical flowers.

One of the most popular places to visit is the botanical Gardens of Romney Manor which is also the home of Caribelle Batik. The estate was originally owned by Samuel Jefferson, grandfather of the American statesman. It was the only estate to use a water wheel from power, and the remnant can still be seen.

Just outside Romney Manor are some stone petroglyphs which were left by the Carib Indians who used to live in the area in the 17th century. Nowadays the estate is home to a number of artisans who give batik demonstrations. The 17th century sugar estate is surrounded by beautiful gardens that are extremely pleasant to wander around.

You'll find that two weeks isn't enough time to discover everything that St Kitts has to offer, and it's easy to see why many people return year after year.

St Kitts Capital’s Considerable History

Unlike most of Caribbean islands, St Kitts has a lot more to offer tourists than just beautiful beaches, as it has a considerable history which is especially visible in the elegant Georgian architecture in the capital city of Basseterre, and it has to be one of the nicest capitals in the Caribbean. Basseterre is set against a backdrop of lush green rainforest and has numerous interesting buildings for history lovers.

The Treasury Building is a domed colonial construction right on the waterfront which served as a Customs house, and in the past virtually everything which arrived or departed from St Kitts had to pass through its arches.

The Circus is a small roundabout in the centre of the city which is modelled on Piccadilly in London. In its centre is the bright green bronze Berkeley Memorial Clock which is a cast-iron tower with four intricate clock faces. St George's Anglican Church was once named Notre Dame in 1670 by the French, and was destroyed four times before its present Georgian style reincarnation was built in 1869.

Independence Square has a somewhat grim history as it was constructed in 1790 for council meetings and slave auctions. It was named in 1983 to commemorate the independence of St Kitts and Nevis from Great Britain. Outside the city lies Old Road Bay which was the first permanent European settlement in the Leeward Islands, and was home to Sir Thomas Warner, his family and 14 others.

Although the settlers were originally on good terms with the Carib inhabitants, this piece only lasted for a few years. Warner was originally drawn to the island by its tobacco crop, and at first this supported the settlement. Although Basseterre isn’t huge, it does make a pleasant place to spend a day or two learning about some of the history of St Kitts.

St Kitts a Great Destination for Family Holidays, Here's Why

St Kitts has an extremely wide appeal, as it has beautiful beaches, and an interesting historic town; in fact it has masses of history, as well as a wide variety of watersports and excursions. It is able to cater for all age groups, and is ideal for anyone who just likes lazing around on holiday, and is just as good for someone who seeks something different to do every day.

The beaches here are stunning, with gorgeous white sand as might be expected on a Caribbean island. However St Kitts also has black sand beaches due to its volcanic origins, and these are equally as stunning in their own way. The calm seas of the Caribbean are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving, while the slightly more turbulent waters of the Atlantic are great for anyone who loves windsurfing.

Family members who just hate to lie around on the beach for too long, or who don't want to get their feet wet everyday will enjoy exploring the interior of the island. It has the distinction of having an expanding rainforest which can be explored by taking a zip line over the canopy, or by taking the scenic railway which goes past the old sugar plantations and a number of picturesque villages.

You can also go on rainforest hikes and eco-safari tours, as this island is very much geared up towards preserving and enjoying the beautiful ecosystem. Keen shoppers will find plenty to buy in the capital city of Basseterre, and while the nightlife here is pretty low key, there are lots of excellent restaurants and bars to visit.

St Kitts Has a Rich Cultural History

A lot of people may not be aware that St Kitts has a rich history, in that it used to be one of the richest islands in the West Indies due to the sugar plantations and was very much considered to be the gateway to the Caribbean.

There is no doubt this has shaped much of the history both on St Kitts and within the Caribbean, but it has also had a huge influence on the culture here.

The island has a rich tradition of carnivals, especially at Christmas, and especially for the art of masquerade, as those taking part in the Carnival sometimes wear tall peacock feathers headdresses and masks, and their entire costume is decorated with ribbons, bangles and mirrors.

The dances tend to be a combination of European and African styles, and one of the dances has been identified as having its roots in 17th-century France. The island is also famous for the Moko-Jumbies, who dance on 6 to 8 foot stilts for the length of the parade route.

There are lots of different theories surrounding both the costumes and the dance, as some believe that Moko is the name of the African God of vengeance while others think it is a corruption of the name of a very tall palm tree called the macaw, as their headdresses resemble the macaw plant when in full bloom.

Somewhat surprisingly St Kitts is also famous for its clowns who have been part of their Christmas celebrations for hundreds of years. If you can, it's well worth visiting the island at Christmas time to see this famous and colourful carnival.

Exploring the Natural Beauty of St Kitts

St Kitts is one of the nicest of the Caribbean islands, and it's easy to see why it is growing in popularity with overseas investors. More than a quarter of its land is designated as a national park, and the rainforest is actually expanding, which isn't a claim that can be made by many countries.

It's a great spot for both divers and snorkellers, as the island is surrounded by new dive sites and huge beds of coral which attract numerous fish. In fact the wildlife is everywhere you look, as there are families of mongoose, chattering monkeys and black bellied sheep and goats.

There’s a lot to see and do here, as you can take a zip line over the rainforest or climb to the top of the still smouldering volcano. St Kitts also has a vibrant past and was once known as the Gibraltar of the West Indies due to the sheer number of 18th century battles which took place on this tiny island. Its history isn't forgotten, as Brimstone Hill Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was built several hundred years ago, and in the lush surroundings of St Kitts, it almost looks like natural growth from the 800 foot hill on which it is situated. It was designed by British military engineers, but was built by African slaves and is made out of hard volcanic rock.

The structure was first begun in the 1690s, but didn't become a complete military community until the 1790s. Everywhere you look at there are colonial influences which speak of the French and British occupation, contributing to the rich culture that can be found on St Kitts.