10 Best Things to Do in St Kitts and Nevis

The variety of St Kitts and Nevis’ beaches include coastlines that meet both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. From popular palm-tree-lined bays with white sand to secluded strips away from the tourist crowds, there are plenty of choices for beachgoers to discover.

The wide Frigate Bay South is among St Kitts’ most popular coasts, known for its nightlife. To get away from it all, however, there are beaches like Banana Bay to hit, as well as Turtle Beach and Cockleshell Beach not far away. On Nevis, sandy and scenic Oualie Beach is not to be missed.

Stop at Timothy Hill Overlook Hill on St Kitts for gorgeous views when you’re driving around the island. The viewpoint offers 360-degree views with the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, both Friar’s and Frigate bays, as well as neighbouring Nevis across The Narrows all in view. The green hills of the peninsula line up neatly in the foreground.

There’s a paragliding site nearby and you might even spot wildlife in the surrounding growth. The overlook also features local stands selling souvenirs at bargainable prices, as well as cheap bites and refreshments to enjoy along with the vista.

Head up to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park on the southwestern coast of St Kitts for a taste of local history and wonderful ocean panoramas. The 18^th-century fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site has its sturdy battlements still intact. Construction of the fortress began in 1690 and it continued through its completion over the following century.

A visit to the fortress is like stepping back in time, easily evoking how the British military would have guarded the coast centuries ago. Today, it’s a popular wedding and pre-wedding photo spot. The cannons are a top prop to strike a pose against, with the ocean or green hills as a backdrop.

St Kitts Scenic Railway takes you on a 29-km-long sightseeing and historical tour along the north-eastern coast of St Kitts. The privately-owned railway line has made memories for many a visitor to St Kitts since it started operation in early 2003. The original track itself was laid back in the early 1900s to transport sugarcane from the plantations to the mill in Basseterre.

Aboard the train, you’ll pass the island’s beautiful north-eastern countryside with seascapes to match as well as historical points of interest along the way. The conductor would point out old sugarcane estates with their abandoned windmills, briefly taking you back in time.

Romney Manor is a living historical landmark near Old Road Town, dating back to the 1600s. It’s set over 3 hectares of lush countryside to the northeast of the town, with tropical gardens and a huge, centuries-old saman tree bearing witness its rich past.

These days, the manor is home to Caribelle Batik, a shop selling handmade batik products, which it first began producing back in the 1970s. The manor neighbours the Wingfield Estate sugar plantation ruins – itself a significant historical site featuring a set of Amerindian petroglyphs.

The National Museum of St Kitts is a small museum housed in a late 19^th-century treasury building between Port Zante and the Circus in Basseterre. Housing various exhibits on local history and cultural heritage, the museum is one of the main attractions for cruise passengers and yachties to see after alighting at the marina.

Most of the exhibits and photo galleries are on the museum’s upper floor – there’s a small fee to enter. Downstairs, it’s free to visit and there’s a gift shop where you can pick up some souvenirs. The museum may be compact, but its old facade is pretty and makes for a great photo spot.

St Kitts Eco-Park is a lush parkland in Sandy Point that features various floral and herbal gardens, a greenhouse, a hedge maze, and agricultural exhibits. This site on Sir Gillies Estate is great for families looking for a refreshing and educational spot to escape to after enjoying St Kitts’ beaches.

Mixing the old with the new, the park offers a Victorian plantation-style vibe with old cannons and gas lamps and high-tech solar-powered farming equipment in the gardens. Stroll through the orchid nursery and discover unusual species in diverse colours, climb the watchtower for breathtaking views, or go on a family challenge at the maze.

Fairview Great House and Botanical Gardens is a large historic plantation house on the southern slopes of Olivees Mountain in St Kitts. First built by the French way back in 1701, it has expanded and changed owners throughout history and now serves as a museum.

Tour this beautifully maintained house with its grand colonial architecture and rooms with period furnishings. Its vast surroundings are just as impressive, with lush gardens overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The private botanical gardens cover about a hectare. It’s easy to spend a full day here, especially with cooking classes and rum tastings also available.

Nevis Hot Springs in the small village of Bath treats you to local history as well as a soothing dip in therapeutic waters. The thermal spring by Nevis’ volcano flows steadily year-round. It was first used for bathing by the Bath Hotel and Spring House nearby, built in 1778 next to 5 of the springs.

Much of the site, including the bathhouse, relaxing pools, and hot spring facilities, were damaged in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Even so, there are outdoor pools available for a good soak, and the hot water still flows, just as it did centuries ago. Stone pools along the stream are also great for photo ops.

Mount Liamuiga is among St Kitts’ dominant natural landmarks that you’ll see from some of the island’s most scenic attractions. Rising 1,156 metres above sea level on the western part of the island, the lush, green mountain is a stratovolcano with a 1-km wide crater lake, formed by an eruption over 1,000 years ago.

The peak is shrouded in mist and cloud most of the time and is popular among experienced hikers. Guided hikes are recommended, with most starting from the village of Saint Pauls and taking you through lush rainforest trails. The views of the entire island and surrounding ocean from the summit are truly rewarding.