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.

Discovering the Culture of St Kitts

The culture on St Kitts has been shaped by numerous different countries to become something unique to the island. Much of the folk culture revolves around Moko-jumbies, masquerades and clowns, and which have been celebrated over hundreds of years. Clowns traditionally perform around Christmas time, and you'll typically see around 50 players in colourful suits decorated with bells. They often wear a pink wire mesh mask which hides the face of the performer, and apparently is meant to depict Europeans.

The Moko-jumbies are something completely different, and are part of West African culture. They are stilt walkers who celebrate West African mythology, and it's thought the name Moko came from the God of vengeance. Others believe Moko refers to the macaw, which is a tall palm tree covered with thorns, as the dancers wear headdresses which resemble the macaw plant when in full bloom. Whatever their origins, they perform wearing long dresses, balanced on 6 to 8 inch stilts.

Masquerades are combination of European and African influences which have gradually evolved over several hundred years, and the masquerade is one of the most popular performances during the carnival. Performers wear headdresses decorated with tall peacock feathers, and the costumes are finished with mirrors, ribbons and bangles. Researchers have identified the dances as having both African and European influences, and all of these traditions are very entertaining and interesting to watch.

The main carnival on St Kitts begins in late December, and includes numerous pageants and parades and festivities which carry on into the New Year. It's a great time to be on St Kitts, especially because the weather is warm and dry, making it the perfect winter escape.

Discovering Mountainous St Kitts

St Kitts is a beautiful Caribbean island which has its very own dormant volcano named Mount Liamuiga. It's one of the major tourist attractions on the island, as visitors to can go right up to the dormant crater, and can choose to take a 4x4 tour to the top, while the more active can hike and explore the island's flora and fauna on the way. This includes numerous birds such as frigate birds, brown boobies, cattle egrets and black whiskered vireos.

The island is also renowned for its exotic flowers, and one quarter is covered in extremely healthy rainforest that is expanding. There are lots of activities available on St Kitts, including mountain biking, horseback riding, or exploring the forest canopy from a zip line.

The waters around St Kitts are teeming with life, and it's a great destination for keen snorkellers and divers. There are numerous reefs and wrecks to explore, and as the water gets pretty deep pretty quickly, there's no need to travel too far. It's a very eco-friendly island, and tourism only took off a few years ago, so the newer resorts are all constructed to be sustainable and to blend in with the natural environment.

In spite of its eco-friendly attitude, St Kitts is a sophisticated destination that attracts upmarket tourists looking for something different. There are plenty of opportunities for shopping and gourmet dining, but St Kitts also benefits from a very rich history, distinguishing it from most of its Caribbean neighbours. Tourists can visit the Brimstone Hill Fortress, a beautifully preserved UNESCO world Heritage site, or can explore the island on the scenic railway, which is the only operational railway in the Caribbean outside Cuba.

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 the Many, Many Beaches on St Kitts

St Kitts has an abundance of absolutely gorgeous beaches, and most people visiting the island do so because they are hoping to spend at least part of their holiday on the beach. There are beaches for every occasion, and while those on the south of the island are beautiful white sand, those further north become progressively darker due to the islands of volcanic history.

One of the most popular beaches is Friars Bay which is on the Caribbean side. The water is very calm and ideal for swimming. It's a very popular beach and the atmosphere can get pretty lively.

Those who enjoy surfing should head to North Frigate Bay which is on the Atlantic side of the island. It's perfect for just relaxing and windsurfing and surfing, and some of the major hotels are located on this beach. South Frigate Bay is just a short walk away on the Caribbean side so the sea is slightly calmer here, and perfect for swimming and numerous other watersports. It's also one of the liveliest beaches on the island.

If you simply want to get away from it all then head to Sandy Bank which is a relatively sheltered Atlantic beach. It's very quiet and private as there are no restaurants or watersports available. Another quiet, beautiful beach is Banana Bay which is right on the tip of the south-east peninsula.

It's perhaps the classic Caribbean beach with pristine waters and coconut trees, and is blissfully quiet. Those new to diving and snorkelling will probably appreciate Pump Bay which is perfect for beginners. This beautiful black sandy beach lies in the shadow of Brimstone Hill Fortress. St Kitts has a beach for every level of activity, or even inactivity.

Activities on St Kitts

St Kitts has to be one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands to visit, and it's hardly surprising that there are a wide range of outdoors activities available. The mountains are covered in rainforest and it’s very enjoyable to take a hike through the lush vegetation, or even visit Mount Liamuiga which is St Kitts dormant volcano.

If you do want to take a hike in its worth going with a local guide as they are very knowledgeable and are able to identify native plants, local flora and fauna and most also know a lot about the island's history and culture.

Learning which plants are used for medicinal uses and the identity of that bird you just took a photo of can make a trip much more enjoyable. St Kitts is also good for keen golfers, and the beaches are perfect for going horseback riding. Other popular activities revolve around the inviting waters of the Caribbean that are perfect for diving, snorkelling, swimming, sailing and fishing.

The best beaches to be found are around the southern end of the island as they are the classic, picture perfect white sandy beaches. The further north you go the darker the beaches become due to the volcanic origins of the island. The best beaches to visit include Frigate Bay, Friars Bay, Banana Bay, White House Bay and Cockleshell Bay. The beaches on the western side face the Caribbean Sea and tend to be calmer, while those on the eastern side are better for surfing, and are also extremely good for boating.

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.

Must See Sights and Things to Do in St Kitts

There are so many things to see and do in St Kitts that you're probably find yourself running out of time, but there are some which are simply unmissable. Perhaps the best place to start is by taking a trip on the scenic Railway.

It's a very pleasant way to gain an overview of the island, and is especially good if you have very little spare time. St Kitts is dominated by Mt Liamuiga which is 3,792 feet above sea level. It has been dormant for the last 1600 years and is a huge visitor attraction. The best way to experience it is to book a tour, and this is also a great opportunity to learn about the wide variety of tropical plants and flowers which include many species of orchids.

No visit to St Kitts is complete without a trip to Brimstone Hill Fortress which was originally built by African slaves during the 18th century. It's a great opportunity to learn a little more about the rich history of this island, and keen photographers will discover ample photo opportunities as the views are amazing as it is possible to see for miles on a clear day.

Another historical attraction is Romney Manor house and Gardens which was established at the beginning of the 17th century by the Earl of Romney. In 1834, against the instructions of Parliament, Romney Manor became the first estate in St Kitts to emancipate slaves.

Its gardens are remarkable for having a 350-year-old Saman tree, and it's also a popular location in which to get married. No matter what you like to do on holiday, you're sure to find an activity to suit, and may even get to try or see something completely new.

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.

St Kitts Is the Perfect Island to Invest In

Anyone considering investing in property in the Caribbean should definitely give St Kitts a second look as property here is much more competitively priced than better-known islands, especially as the tourism industry is still becoming established.

Developments such as Oceans Edge tend to be of an extremely high quality and are aimed at attracting the more discerning tourist. Many of the properties available for sale come with management schemes already in place that will take over renting the property while it isn't in use. This is the perfect way to enjoy your property whenever you wish to while still earning an income on your investment.

Many people choose to invest in St Kitts due to the citizenship by investment programme which allows those who have made significant investments in the country to apply for citizenship. This scheme has been running since 1984 and applicants have to make a minimum investment into property of $250,000.

In addition they need to pay a registration fee of $35,000 for the primary applicant with an additional fee of $15,000 for each additional applicant. These fees do not have to be paid until citizenship has been approved by the government.

Once approval has been given then the investor receives a government certificate of registration as well as an additional passport. It is questionable as to how advantageous this passport is to anyone who already has a European or North American passport, but for those who live outside these countries it allows visa free access to more than 65 countries throughout the world.

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.

St Kitts Is Great for Nature Lovers

With one quarter of the island devoted to rare rainforest, St Kitts makes the perfect destination for nature lovers. The forest is home to many different birds, including the Brown Pelican, Caribbean Martin and Lesser Antillean Bullfinch and birdwatchers can spend many hours seeing how many species they are able to spot.

The rainforest is incredibly beautiful and hikers will enjoy following numerous trails which give ample opportunity to spot many tropical plants and flowers. Visitors can explore the forest with a guide or opt for a four-wheel-drive tour, while thrill seekers can view the forest from the canopy from an eco-friendly zip line.

The seas surrounding St Kitts are also jam-packed full of Marine life including sea turtles. St Kitts is a nesting ground for hawksbill, green sea turtles and leatherback turtles, all of whom are on the critically endangered list. During the spring visitors can accompany research teams from the St Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network for evening tours to see nesting females and hatchlings.

Peak times for seeing these nesting turtles are between April and June, although the nesting season runs from March until July. These tours are excellent and the sea turtles are surprisingly large. Keen snorkellers and divers will enjoy exploring the reefs and historical shipwrecks around St Kitts coastline, as the area is renowned for its pristine condition.

There's not even any need to travel far from shore as the waters become pretty deep very quickly. Not surprisingly there are numerous tours available for all ages and experience, and many dive shops where all necessary equipment can be rented.

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.

Exploring St Kitts for the First Time

There is such a lot to see and do on St Kitts that it can be difficult to know where to start if you are visiting the island for the first time or if you have a limited amount of free time available during your trip, but an excellent way to orientate yourself is to take a trip on the Scenic Railway.

This is a three-hour, 30 mile tour around the island which is completed partly on the train and partly on sightseeing buses. The historic railway was built between 1912 and 1926 to transport sugar cane from the plantations around the island to the sugar factory in the capital city of Basseterre. It is now one of the few remaining railway lines in the eastern Caribbean and is an excellent way of seeing the scenery and culture of this pretty island.

The train takes visitors through fields of sugarcane and passed Mt Liamuiga, St Kitts dormant volcano and offers tantalizing glimpses of crumbling plantation estates, volcanic black sand beaches as well as scenic views of the nearby island of St Barts, Nevis, St Maarten and Saba.

As it passes through a local village, sightseers can get a quick view of local life and culture. The bus tour takes passengers passed Brimstone Hill Fortress and through numerous other little villages and towns before returning to the capital city.

It's a very nice and relaxing way to see the island and offers some great photo opportunities. Brimstone Hill Fortress tends to be on most people's ‘must see’ list as it is of both cultural and architectural significance. It is a monument to the engineers who designed it and it took nearly 100 years to finish.

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.

Popular Activities on St Kitts Beaches

One of the main reasons for visiting such a beautiful Caribbean island is to enjoy the gorgeous beaches. Although a fair amount of your time is bound to be spent just relaxing and maybe doing a bit of swimming, there are lots of beach activities available for those looking to be more active.

Popular watersports include body surfing, water skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling and diving. Some beaches are more suited towards certain activities than others so it's worth doing your research.

In fact it is quite nice, because if you just want to find a quiet spot in which to relax and sunbathe, or want to catch up on a bit of reading then you'll find plenty of choice, especially on the Atlantic side.

The Atlantic facing beaches are also ideal for a pleasant stroll, or you can even try your hand at horseback riding. If you are visiting St Kitts with your family, then many of these beaches are ideal for enjoying a picnic, and you'll find the local supermarket is packed with suitable goodies, but if you don't wish to do this then you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants which would be more than happy to serve you delicious local cuisine and cooling drinks.

The most popular beaches are located around the south-east peninsula, and one of the liveliest is Frigate Bay. If you visit the island in May your find it is full of activity at this time of year, as this is when the St Kitts International ITU Series Triathlon takes place. Competitors get the chance to earn points towards world rankings, and it's certainly a nice place in which to enjoy a relaxing break afterwards.

What Can Visitors Expect from the Island of St Kitts?

First-time visitors to the Caribbean island of St Kitts are likely to be surprised by how much this little island has to offer. Although relatively new to tourism, St Kitts has all the necessary infrastructure in place to offer visitors a luxurious yet very friendly experience. The island has seen a significant number of new developments over the past few years, many of which have been aimed at the luxury market.

It's a great destination for anyone who loves nature, as there are many opportunities to track through the expanding rainforests, and to see the natural flora and fauna of the island. Mount Liamuiga is the highest point on St Kitts, reaching 3,792 feet into the sky. It was formally named Mount Misery and was renamed on Independence Day in 1983, but you'll probably find many older residents still refer to it by its original name. You can climb all the way to the summit, but should hire a local guide.

A more relaxing way to see the island is to hop on the narrow gauge train and take a scenic tour through old sugarcane plantations. It's a great way of seeing the beautiful landscapes as well as learning about the island's history.

Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will want to visit Bloody Bay Reef which is well-known for its underwater grottoes. Coconut Tree Reef is the place to go for spotting diverse marine life, and then of course there's the Talata shipwreck in Sandy Point Reef. The beaches here are stunning, and one of the nicest is that Frigate Bay, but if you prefer something a little quieter then try Sand Bank Bay.

Experience island Life on St Kitts

St Kitts is one of the Leeward Islands, and enjoys a tropical climate with average temperatures of 28°C. The driest months are between November and May, but St Kitts benefits from having one of the most desirable climates in the Caribbean. It's a relative latecomer to the tourism industry, and has learned from other islands mistakes.

The types of developments taking place on the island are low-density and high quality as St Kitts is interested in attracting high-end visitors looking for a luxurious and relaxing escape from everyday life. The developments are attracting investment buyers, holiday home buyers and even people looking for a retirement home.

It's easy to see why as the island is dramatically beautiful, with lush rainforests, beautiful beaches and it even has its very own dormant volcano.

Visitors to the island can enjoy a huge range of activities including watersports, rainforest tracking or visiting some of the many historical sites. Up until 2005, much of the island's revenue was generated through the production of sugarcane, and over the centuries many people became extremely wealthy through this industry.

It's still possible to see signs of this wealth in the beautifully preserved colonial buildings in downtown Basseterre, as well as in the restored plantation homes which dot the island. St Kitts was the scene of many fierce battles, and Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is the only man-made UNESCO world Heritage site in the eastern Caribbean.

St Kitts has something for everyone, whether it's gourmet dining, relaxing on the sandy beaches or exploring the island, and the island is easily accessible with a number of international flights from Europe and North America.